First Impression Boutique opens at Reynolds, helping students dress for Success
Reynolds Community College marked an exciting milestone recently with the grand opening of First Impression, a new on-campus professional clothing boutique created to support students as they prepare for interviews, internships, and career opportunities. With a student fashion show, ribbon cutting, and tours of the boutique, the event brought energy, pride, and celebration to the Parham Road Campus.
The event, titled “First Impression: Where Red Hawks Dress for Success,” showcased the purpose behind the initiative: to ensure every Reynolds student has the opportunity to walk into their next career step with confidence—and without financial barriers. First Impression, located in Georgiadis Hall, Room 234, now provides free access to professional clothing for all Reynolds students, including those in credit and non-credit programs.
Image shows Sarge, student fashion models, and the emcee, as they pose in First Impression Boutique. Top (from left to right): Sarge, Jermaine Hockaday, Michael Cabarce, Ja'Yanna Lucas, Jessica Noll (emcee), Jaedin Draper, Dubraska Lozano, Heather Pasicolan, India Johnson, Sammy Van. Bottom (from left to right): Kevin Harvey, Aser Moltashy, Stefano Filiaggi
A collaborative effort between the Dean of Students Office and Career Connect, the boutique is designed to pair professional attire with the career-preparation services students need, such as résumé reviews, mock interviews, and career coaching. Together, these resources help students build both the skills and the presence required for career success.
A Fashion Show with Star Power
A highlight of the grand opening was the Student Fashion Show, emceed by Jessica Noll, a well-known Richmond media personality and familiar face to viewers as a long-time producer and host of Virginia This Morning. She now serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for Physician Services. Her warmth and stage presence elevated the event and energized the audience throughout the celebration.
The runway was filled with Reynolds students proudly modeling professional looks available through First Impression.
The fashion models included:- Michael Cabarce, Nursing
- Jaedin Draper, Social Sciences
- Stefano Filiaggi, Business Administration major and President of the Latin American Student Association
- Kevin Harvey, General Studies
- Jermaine Hockaday, Skilled Trades
- India Johnson, Science major and member of the National Society of Leadership and Success
- Dubraska Lozano, Early Childhood Education
- Ja'Yanna Lucas, Criminal Justice major and Phi Theta Kappa member
- Aser Moltashy, Paralegal Studies and Social Sciences
- Heather Pasicolan, Computer Science major
- Sammy Van, Information Systems Technology and Cybersecurity
- Sarge, our beloved Reynolds mascot
The fashion show highlighted not only the variety and quality of clothing available in the boutique, but also the confidence that radiates when students are given tools to present themselves professionally.
For Dr. Danielle Filipchuk, Dean of Students, that transformation is the heart of the initiative.
“The student fashion show was more than a celebration of the First Impression opening—it was a celebration of confidence,” Filipchuk said. “Seeing students transform the moment they stepped into professional attire reaffirmed exactly why we are opening this boutique.”
Promoting Equity and Opportunity
Clothing—something so fundamental to first impressions—can also be a significant financial barrier. First Impression removes that obstacle and replaces it with opportunity, choice, and support.
“First Impression ensures that every student has access to professional clothing that helps them walk into interviews, internships, and new opportunities with confidence and pride,” Filipchuk added.
For Dr. Jennifer V. Mezquita-Macaia, Vice President of Student Affairs, the boutique represents something larger: a commitment to supporting the whole student.
“First Impression is a place where our students step into their potential,” she said. “Professional attire should never be the obstacle standing between them and their dreams. By pairing clothing access with comprehensive career preparation, we empower students with dignity, confidence, and a belief in what’s possible.”
How Students Access the Boutique
Students follow a simple process to use the boutique:
- Connect with Career Connect for resume support, interview preparation, and job-readiness guidance.
- Schedule an appointment with the Career Connect team.
- Visit the boutique to select free professional attire appropriate for interviews or career-related events.
All clothing in First Impression has been generously donated by Reynolds faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the broader Richmond community—making the boutique a true collective investment in student success.
Opening the Door to What Comes Next
First Impression officially opened for student appointments on November 20, the day after the grand opening celebration. Early interest has already reflected the strong need for this resource.
Reynolds encourages faculty, staff, and community members to continue spreading the word. Students or supporters can contact the Dean of Students Office at 804-523-5025 to schedule an appointment or learn more.
As First Impression begins serving students, one thing is clear: the boutique embodies the Reynolds mission—removing barriers, promoting equity, and empowering every student to take their next step with confidence and pride.
To see more photos from the opening and fashion show, visit our Flickr page.
To learn more about First Impression, to donate clothes, or to schedule an appointment, visit Reynolds Career Connect.