The Power of Permission, Community, and Self-Worth:
A Chat with Amanda Sayfy
In this episode of Mom Camp: Around the Campfire, I’m joined by Amanda Sayfy, Executive Director of Dress for Success Vancouver. This conversation is a powerful deep dive into the many roles women carry, and how those roles can lead to overwhelm, burnout, and the loss of self. Amanda shares her personal journey of rediscovering self-worth, learning to give herself permission to prioritize her needs, and the importance of choosing connection over isolation.
We talk about cultural expectations, the myth of “doing it all,” and how true healing and growth happen in community. Amanda also shares the incredible work Dress for Success is doing to empower women and gender-diverse individuals through support, mentorship, and meaningful connection.
Whether you’re in a season of self-doubt, craving connection, or just need to hear that you are not alone—this episode is for you.
Amanda Sayfy is a mother, daughter, partner, friend, and champion for the women in her community. In her role as Executive Director of Dress for Success Vancouver, she has been given the opportunity to live out her core value of equity in service to the 2,000 women served by the organization each year.
Amanda is a highly accomplished non-profit executive, bringing to Dress for Success 20 years of experience in strategic leadership, resource development, and advocacy. Her prior roles include VP, Development & Communications at Family Services of Greater Vancouver and impactful positions at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. With a values-driven approach, Amanda is dedicated to expanding DFSV’s mission of supporting equitable employment access for women and fostering community resilience for equity-deserving clients across Metro Vancouver.
Website & social links:
Website: dfsvancouver.ca
Dress for Success Vancouver Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dfsvancouver/
Dress for Success Vancouver Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfsvancouver/
Dress for Success Vancouver Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dressforsuccessvancouver/
Amanda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandajms66/
Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandasayfy/
Key episode takeaways
- Women often struggle to distinguish between their various roles in life.
- Permission to focus on oneself is crucial for well-being.
- Self-worth is a central theme in women’s experiences.
- Cultural differences influence how women perceive support systems.
- Connection with others is vital for personal growth.
- Many women feel the need to prove themselves constantly.
- Taking time for oneself is not selfish but necessary.
- Community support can be surprising for newcomers.
- Shared experiences help alleviate feelings of isolation. Not taking things personally is crucial for personal growth.
- Empowerment comes from community support and collaboration.
- Dress for Success provides tangible help to women in need.
- Clothing can significantly impact first impressions in professional settings.
- Social capital is essential for career advancement.
- Connection and storytelling are vital for overcoming challenges.
- Balance in life is about mutual support and understanding.
- Self-care can be as simple as prioritizing sleep.
- Motherhood requires self-compassion and acceptance of imperfection.
- Finding identity beyond motherhood is a journey of growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:57 Navigating Multiple Roles
06:02 The Importance of Permission
09:07 Self-Worth and Identity
12:08 Cultural Perspectives on Support
15:01 Connection and Community
17:58 The Power of Shared Experiences
19:57 Empowering Women Through Dress for Success
24:00 The Importance of Community and Connection
25:49 Finding Balance in Life and Motherhood
29:02 Lessons in Self-Compassion as a Mother
