Dress for Success in Victoria has appointed Karina Bruce as chief executive officer, as she shifts from apparel to philanthropy.
Bruce has more than 25 years of experience across fashion, business strategy and customer-led organisations. This began with Christian Dior, where she was an account executive. Since then, she’s held operational and management roles at Jon Monsir Uniforms and more recently at Country Road Group where she was a regional manager for Country Road, Trenery and Witchery.
She also co-founded Hear Us Roar, a platform championing inclusivity in fashion.
Bruce most recently served as interim general manager at Jon Monsir Uniforms and holds advisory roles supporting women’s leadership and community advancement initiatives.
Speaking on this new role, Bruce said her vision is simple: “Remove barriers, unlock potential and ensure every woman has the tools and support to thrive,” she said.
“I’m humbled to lead an organisation that shows women not just how to dress for success, but how to believe they belong there.”
Bruce steps into the role at a time when the need for services supporting women facing economic insecurity, career disruption and systemic disadvantage continues to grow.
According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, women in Australia earn just 79 cents for every $1 men earn, reflecting a 21.1 per cent gender pay gap. For Dress for Success, its goal is to help women access employment opportunities and build long-term financial independence.