Launched in September 2024, Threads to Thrive is a project designed to provide students with the clothing and confidence they need to succeed in professional settings, such as interviews, presentations, and other networking opportunities. The closet, which is in the Dahl School of Business, follows Viterbo’s values by being an inclusive, campus-wide resource to all students, regardless of their major.
Danielle Rhodes, head of the Threads to Thrive project, explains that the idea for the closet came from the recognition that students, particularly those entering their careers, often face challenges when it comes to professional attire. The main goal of Threads to Thrive, Rhodes shares, is to make sure “students feel confident when they are interviewing or presenting.” Since its beginning, the project has served 20 to 30 students, offering a variety of professional clothing, including business attire, dress shirts, and even nursing scrubs.
The project’s inclusivity is one of its key features. Although it started under the umbrella of the Dahl School of Business, Rhodes emphasizes that the closet is not exclusive to business students. It is a resource available to all students on campus, thanks to the collaboration between the Dahl School of Business and the Advising and Career Development Department.
Looking ahead, Rhodes is optimistic that more students will take advantage of the closet, which could lead to even more donations. “Number one is students utilizing the space more so we can take more donations, and if we’re going to dream… offer shoes and accessories,” she says. Currently, the focus is on providing business professional attire, but casual wear and nursing scrubs are also available for students.
Rhodes also highlights the excitement surrounding the project’s potential to help students feel prepared and confident. “As word spreads, we’re hoping to help even more students and looking forward to seeing the closet grow.”
Mitchell Nyseth, who has been involved in the project since its launch, is a work-study student who helps run the closet during its open hours on Wednesdays 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. “I was ‘voluntold’ to work with this project, but I’m coming to enjoy it,” Nyseth jokingly explains. “It’s cool to work with college students, people I know, people I recognize.”
Nyseth’s responsibilities include organizing, sorting donations, and tracking inventory. In collaboration with a professor, he even created a spreadsheet to streamline the inventory process. His efforts ensure that the closet remains well-stocked and organized, making it easier for students to find what they need.
One of the essential components of the project is the donation process. Nyseth plays a key role in managing the closet. He explains that donations are carefully evaluated for quality. “We check for visual signs of wear, smell, and feel of the fabric,” He says. If items aren’t suitable, they are sent to other charitable organizations like Goodwill.
Rhodes adds that “We look for what students would genuinely want to wear.” The variety of clothing offered in the closet will help students feel more comfortable so that they can project confidence during interviews or other professional events.
Nyseth also notes the support the project has received from the broader community, including donations from outside the college. “We’ve had people donate a wide range of sizes, which has been great because we want to make sure we have options for all students,” he shares.
The mission of Threads to Thrive is clear: “Threads to Thrive empowers students to look and feel their best by offering free of charge clothing suited for interviews, presentations, and career events.” Danielle Rhodes stresses that this resource is available to all students, whether they have an upcoming interview or simply want to feel more confident in their day-to-day academic and professional lives. “It’s important for students to know that this resource is here for them,” she says.
For students looking to boost their professional wardrobe and for community members interested in donating, Threads to Thrive is a vital resource helping students thrive as they prepare for the next step in their careers.
