Duke Energy donation supports Central Piedmont’s Professional Clothing Closet

Duke Energy recently donated professional attire to Central Piedmont Community College’s Professional Clothing Closet, continuing a partnership that helps students prepare for academic, professional and workforce success. This marks the third clothing drive that the Duke Energy Foundation has spearheaded for employees in support of the college’s initiative, which has served students since 2021.

The Professional Clothing Closet provides free professional clothing to Central Piedmont students, helping remove a financial barrier many face when preparing for interviews, internships, classroom presentations, and career-connected events. Over the past year alone, nearly 350 students have registered to shop, while countless others have dropped in, underscoring the growing need for and impact of the resource.

For Lohana Fuenmayor, a student in Early Childhood Education who graduates this May, the clothing closet has been transformative. “The clothing closet has been a very enriching experience for me during my time at Central Piedmont,” she said. Now working as a preschool operations manager, Lohana shared that the clothing provided helped her feel “more confident and prepared for professional and academic settings.”

She added that knowing Duke Energy supports the closet is especially meaningful. “It shows that the broader community is invested in student success and willing to contribute in meaningful ways,” she said.

Student Na Nian echoed that sentiment, noting how the closet provides both practical support and confidence. “It helps students feel more confident when they go to interviews or professional events,” Na said. “Not every student can afford to buy formal clothes, so this program gives everyone a fair chance.”

Na also emphasized the personal impact of Duke Energy’s donation. “Their kindness makes me feel supported by the community,” she said, adding that she hopes to one day give back herself.

Through partnerships like Duke Energy’s, Central Piedmont’s Professional Clothing Closet continues to empower students and ensure access to opportunity and confidence as they pursue their goals.