Suit Up
The Foundation continues to engage with property owners to expand this program and bring light to every corner of Union Square.
Call it fashion forward paying it forward. On Friday, June 28, the annual “SuitUp!” fashion show and training program provided 14 young men and women from San Francisco’s Bayview with personalized outfits selected by Macy’s stylist team to better prepare them for the work-a-day world. Alongside advice and mentoring, the program focused on building self-esteem and life skills for professional development. Sponsored by Macy’s in collaboration with Black Men Enhanced, Operation Genesis, the SF Police Department, the SF District Attorney’s Office, and the Union Square Foundation, SuitUp culminates with a fashion show (June 28, 3pm – 4:30pm, 6th Floor of Macy’s at 251 Geary Street) where participants modeled their new outfits, followed by a celebratory luncheon at The Historic John’s Grill.
“These young people are truly inspirational, and their dedication to their goals inspires us all. Having worked for many years in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office, I know how important initiatives like ‘SuitUp’ are to breaking the cycle of violence. I want young people of our city to experience Union Square as a place for them to celebrate life’s greatest moments. This program defines a smart and compassionate partnership between business, law enforcement, and the community. I applaud all of the organizations involved with a special thank you to Macy’s.”
The inaugural 2022 cohort of Suit Up!, which included young African American men from Bayview’s Alice Griffith Community, participated in a year-long mentorship program focused on empowering and supporting young men during a crucial age. Last year, the second cohort of fifteen young African American women, aged 13-20 from SF’s Ladies in Power program, participated in a six-week intensive program focusing on self-esteem and confidence building, addressing unrealistic beauty standards and social media pressures. This year’s group of young men comes from Operation Genesis. The women’s contingent is drawn from interns and others working in the District Attorney’s Office.
Upon completion of this year’s program, the young people will have the opportunity to meet with a Macy’s stylist and purchase their first work suit and accessories courtesy of Macy’s. They will also participate in the Macy’s Runway Show on June 28, showcasing their new suits and celebrating their growth and transformation.
The idea for “SuitUp” came in 2021 through Robert Newt, a Supervisor at the Street Violence Intervention Program. Determined to see the young people he works with succeed, Newt started a mentoring program with a year-long curriculum focused on self-esteem and positive transformations.
From KCBS Radio: 14 young men and women strutted the runway at Macy’s as a finale for the Suit Up program on June 28, 2024.
Sponsored by Macy’s and in collaboration with the Union Square Foundation, Street Violence Intervention Program, Operation Genesis, SFPD, the SF District Attorney's Office, Suit Up provides young individuals with their first personalized suits and professional mentoring to build self-esteem and life skills. The event concluded with a delicious dinner at John's Grill.