Our Founders
Fitted for Work was founded in 2005 by Renata Singer and Marion Webster AM (1950-2024)
In 2005, in the bustling city of New York, Marion Webster and Renata Singer conceived the idea for Fitted for Work during a casual conversation. Renata, who spent half the year in New York, had been involved with a similar organisation there. She recognised the significant impact first impressions have on employers, particularly for women, and saw the potential to bring this concept to Australia to make a meaningful difference in women’s lives.
At that time, over 300,000 Australian women were seeking employment, making the establishment of Fitted for Work an obvious and necessary initiative. The organisation aimed to support women from various backgrounds, including young women who had not completed their education, older women re-entering the workforce after personal losses, and single parents returning to work.
One memorable success story for Marion involved a woman who arrived at Fitted for Work feeling very depressed and in need of professional attire. After being fitted with a smart navy suit, she expressed her desire to feel like one of the working women she admired. She wore the suit home and later secured a job.
The success of Fitted for Work is also attributed to the generosity of thousands of women who donate clothing each year. These donations play a crucial role in helping other women prepare for job interviews and enter the workforce with confidence.
In recognition of their vision and achievements, Marion and Renata received the Ernst and Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Southern Region in 2011.
Since its inception, Fitted for Work has expanded its services to include interview preparation, mentoring, transition-to-work, and staying-employed programs. Now a national service, it delivers appointments to clients in every state and territory in Australia. As a result, the organisation has helped over 47,000 women secure and maintain employment.
Marion Webster AM (1950-2024)
Marion Webster AM, a pioneer in the not-for-profit sector, dedicated her life to social justice and community philanthropy. After studying social work at the University of Melbourne, she worked in community health and social services, advocating for systemic change. Marion co-founded the Australian Communities Foundation and held various leadership roles. She was also involved with several charitable foundations and co-founded Fitted for Work and Kilfinan Australia. Marion chaired WomenCAN Australia and contributed significantly to the arts. Her efforts earned her a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2004 and a Member of the Order of Australia in 2023.
Renata Singer
Renata Singer is a writer, community activist and educator who divides her time between Melbourne and New York. She co-founded Fitted for Work after working with Bottomless Closet in New York. Renata is Chair of the Oxfam New York Committee and a member of the Oxfam America Leadership Council. Among Renata’s publications are The Front of the Family, True Stories from the Land of Divorce,Older and Bolder: Life after 60, and Goodbye and Hello. Her most recent book (with Peter Singer) is The Moral of the Story: Ethics Through Literature.
