Dress for Success Phoenix empowers women, teens, and young adults to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools needed to help them thrive in work and in life. As one of the largest affiliates under Dress for Success Worldwide, a global nonprofit serving women in over 140 cities and 25 countries, Dress for Success Phoenix designs and delivers programs that help individuals overcome challenges at every phase of their personal and professional journeys. Whether a jobseeker, an employed professional, or someone ready to lead in their community, participants benefit from outcome-driven services delivered through collaborative partnerships. The nonprofit helps ensure that women and their families are getting hired, being promoted, receiving well-earned raises, networking with other professionals, and gaining control of their finances. For more information, visit dfsphoenix.org.
Tamala McBath, CEO, Dress for Success Phoenix
Leadership, service to others, and the determination to succeed in business are just a few of the qualities that have defined the life and career of Tamala McBath. Born in Maryville, Tennessee, Tamala’s journey brought her to Arizona at the age of 12, where she spent her formative years and attended Phoenix Christian Preparatory School. After building a successful national career in healthcare operations and business consulting, Tamala returned to the city she calls home in 2021. Today, she proudly serves as the CEO of Dress for Success Phoenix.
With a passion for helping others and a sharp business mind, Tamala launched into a successful national career spanning healthcare operations, consulting, and entrepreneurship. She quickly built a reputation for her ability to streamline operations, increase revenue, and develop strategies that supported long-term growth. Her strengths in financial management, regulatory compliance, risk management, business development, and process improvement have been central to every role she’s taken on. Her business acumen has proven invaluable in her current role as CEO of Dress for Success Phoenix, where she is responsible for guiding the organization’s mission of empowering women and their families to achieve financial independence through education, support, and viable employment.
Tamala has spearheaded the expansion of impactful programs such as the Professional Women’s Group, which offers monthly workshops focused on career advancement, leadership development, and networking for women who have recently gained employment. She also introduced EducateHER, a scholarship-based program in partnership with Maricopa Community Colleges and Arizona State University helping women pursue certifications in fast-growing industries that offer sustainable wages. The Workforce Initiative prepares young adults and teens with the tools and training needed to successfully enter the workforce. She helped bring Bank On Arizona, a statewide program under the Dress for Success Phoenix umbrella, to increase access to financial literacy resources and safe, affordable banking options for unbanked and underbanked individuals. Most recently, she led the efforts to launch the first in-prison studio, an initiative called HOPE for Success which supports women transitioning from incarceration to community reintegration with mentorship, job readiness, financial wellness, and ongoing re-entry support. Finally, Tailor Made for Success extends the organization’s reach by offering professional attire and career development resources to men in need.
In addition to her leadership at Dress for Success Phoenix, Tamala is a prominent figure in the Phoenix community. Her commitment to service is evident through her volunteer work with the City of Phoenix’s Human Services Commission and its Community Development Review Committee. She serves on the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the national board for The Meaning & Hope Institute, and is a member of Charter 100 Arizona, a nonpartisan, nonprofit network of outstanding women leaders. Tamala is also a member of The Links, Incorporated, an international organization dedicated to community service and the ASU Women in Philanthropy serving our local communities.
Tamala has been recognized as an influential leader, being featured in numerous media outlets like the Phoenix Business Journal, FOX10, ABC15, Arizona’s Family and nationally on CBS News. Her accolades include being part of Phoenix Magazine’s prestigious “Great 48” and being named an “Outstanding Woman in Business” by the Phoenix Business Journal.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Christopher Newport University in Virginia and a master’s degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.
From boardrooms to community outreach, Tamala McBath continues to lead with empathy, strategy, and unwavering commitment. Her journey reflects a powerful blend of entrepreneurial grit and servant leadership. Her work is helping thousands of women, teens, and young adults across Arizona realize their full potential, achieve economic independence, and experience their version of success.