Stepping Back Out

The wait is finally over – Stepping Back Out is back and bolder than ever. Dress for Success Ottawa’s signature event returns November 14 at Lago Bar & Grill!

An enchanting evening overlooking the beauty of Dow’s Lake, Stepping Back Out has four years of lost time to make up for and we promise nothing short of perfection. A soirée filled with joyful games, infectious laughter, fulfilling connections, and passed apps and drinks, this is Ottawa’s ultimate fundraising event.

For over a decade, Dress for Success Ottawa has hosted Stepping Back Out as our premier event to empower women and gender nonconforming individuals in our community to achieve economic independence and professional success.

Since its inception, Stepping Back Out has had a multiple of memorable and captivating themes: from carnivals to time travel, to trips around the world – we’ve done it all. This year, our theme — a crimson and noire soirée — is the ultimate mix of elegance, ingenuity, and excitement. Whether taking photos in our iconic photo booth, indulging in makeup glam by a professional, or getting competitive in our numerous games, our 2024 guests can anticipate A-list treatment from the moment they walk through the door.

Highlights
– Food & Drinks: including passed appetizers from Lago and complimentary prosecco
– Games: win big while supporting Dress for Success programs by playing games like Stepping Up for Success and Compacts for Impact with over $25,000 in prizes to be won
– Hair & Makeup Touch Ups: make sure your look is picture-perfect with the help of our expert stylists
– Photo Booth: make it a night to remember and take home a souvenir from Stepping Back Out
– Shoe Competition: strut your stuff for our panel of judges; the best pair of shoes could take home a prize
– DJ & Dancing: get lost in the music and dance the night away
– Shoe Valet: when your feet need a break from those heels, simply drop them off at the valet and slip into a pair of luxurious Mave & Chez slippers
– Prizes

This year at Stepping Back Out, we’re excited to present our new initiative, Compacts for Impact! We’ll be selling 100 beautiful compact mirrors throughout the evening, and each compact holds the chance for one lucky guest to win a stunning diamond necklace, generously gifted by Thompson’s Jewellers and designed by Simon G, valued at $2,150.

By purchasing a compact, you’re not only entering for a chance to win this exquisite piece of jewelry but also supporting our mission to empower women and gender-non-conforming folks in the workforce. Don’t miss your opportunity to make an impact—and maybe take home a little sparkle, too!