From Students, For Students: UGA students empower each other with professional attire

UGA student Olivia Kosobud is the driving force behind a transformative initiative, empowering her peers with the professional attire they need to seize career opportunities, eliminating a possible financial barrier.

Kosobud is a third-year political science and international affairs double major, a Moorehead Honors College ambassador, and a member of the Student Government Association.

She currently serves as the executive director of the Student Government Association’s Professional Clothing Closet. Through the Professional Clothing Closet , UGA students can get one free professional outfit per academic year. This program equips students to take professional opportunities without being held back by financial constraints, such as clothing costs.

Olivia Kosobus (center) is the — A look into the closet itself, which is located on the second floor of the Tate Student Center.

Kosobud’s journey with the Professional Clothing Closet started during her freshman year. As a member of the First Year Senate program in the Student Government Association, she needed to start dressing professionally for meetings and events. As a result, her friends noticed this change in her style and knew who to ask when they needed to borrow professional clothes. Living in the freshman residence halls at the time and as a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Kosobud was always willing to lend a helping hand to her sisters and friends. Her donations extended beyond blazers and suits; she was lending out dresses and outfits for sorority events.

“When I heard about the Professional Clothing Closet, I was like, I’m kind of already doing this,” Kosobud said.

Later that year, Kosobud began to volunteer for the Professional Clothing Closet. She started in a group of just a few student volunteers. Her sophomore year, Kosobud secured a leadership position for the initiative. This allowed her to focus on the growth of the organization throughout the year, marked by a surge in volunteer applications.

“We went from five to thirty [volunteers], which allowed us to fulfill a lot more orders,” she said.

An increase in volunteers paved the way for greater success of the Professional Clothing Closet. Kosobud believes the most important way to gauge the success of the organization is through the number of students the organization can help. The initiative has served 901 students this year, which is a 300% year-over-year increase.

Professional Clothing Closet volunteers gather at a meeting.

After graduation, Kosobud wants to serve the federal government, specifically for the U.S. Congress. She urges students who are trying to find their place on campus to be patient and get involved in the things that they are truly passionate about.

“Try to take a step back and recognize when you are overloading yourself,” she advised.

Those looking to get involved with the Professional Clothing closet can donate clothing, supplies, or money. The donation bin is located on the first floor of the Tate Student Center. There are several ways to get involved with the initiative aside from clothing donations. Potential supporters may visit their Instagram bio to view an Amazon Wishlist and to the Foundation Account Donation Page.