Our Mission & Vision
Giving The Glam provides an incredible prom experience for underserved urban and suburban high school seniors. We cover the cost of all attire and accessories for students who couldn’t otherwise afford to participate in their prom. Students are given an opportunity to attend their event in style, while we make a large impact on their self-esteem and confidence.
The Glam Squad
Our Story
Giving The Glam is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization [Tax I.D.81-2960255] based in Massachusetts. It was created and established in 2014 by philanthropist Maristela Rapo and her daughter Alexis Rapo.
Alexis introduced her mother to the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) program coordinator from her school, Dover-Sherborn. Maristela worked with the coordinator to identify underserved students who would benefit from this program.
We work with young men and women who all come from different backgrounds and are each being faced with unique challenges. Giving The Glam comes into their lives and helps guide and motivate them to overcome their challenges by building their self-esteem and by acquiring newfound confidence to help them create a viable plan for their own future.
Our Goals

Provide New Experiences

Engage in School Activities

Set Peronsal Goals

Build Confidence

Being a Part of the Community

Spark Inner Joy
NEED
Financial constraints put unnecessary burdens on students and serve to alienate them from the rest of their student body at a time when they most need community. Giving the Glam attempts to fill this need by giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy a high school prom, regardless of financial circumstances. By developing their self-confidence, we prepare these young people for the next chapter in their lives.
IMPACT
SEASON PROCESS
While prom season doesn’t come around until May, the Giving the Glam process starts early in January. First, the team helps each candidate choose his tuxedo or her dress. The next step is fitting and by the middle of March, we have completed the fittings. During March and April, our team starts choosing accessories to make sure that all candidates are dressed their very best. As May and June come around, the big day finally arrives. The entire Giving the Glam team comes together for makeup, hair, manicure and to give the outfits the final touch. Prom is an unforgettable milestone for these students and Giving the Glam gives them the opportunity to attend the prom, make lifelong memories, and build confidence.


Meet Our Founders
MARISTELA RAPO
Founder
I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I grew up in a very impoverished community and with that came many challenges. There were many times where I couldn’t participate in certain activities because my family simply couldn’t afford it. It was very difficult to feel left out in these situations, as many of my friends were lucky enough to be able to afford these privileges.


ALEXIS RAPO
Founder
Is the daughter of Maristela Rapo and is one of the founders of Giving The Glam. Her career in Giving the Glam started in 2014, when Alexis connected Maristela Rapo with the METCO coordinator from Dover-Sherborn High School, knowing that Maristela could use her fashion expertise to help a kid in need, and from there, Giving The Glam was formed.
The Glam Squad
Meet Our Team

Officer James
Community Partner

Monique M. Veale
Director of Outreach

Sandra Dantas
Seamstress

Alessandra Sousa
Hair Extentions Specialist

Helena Martin
Catalog Designer

Rena Witt
Makeup Specialist

Jozi Felix
Manicure Specialist

Saint’ Clair
Master Barber

Kiko
Barber Specialist
Board of Advisors
Maristela
Rapo
Founder & President
Monique M. Veale
Director of Outreach
Andrea K. Yanoff
BOARD MEMBER
Cynthia Brewington
BOARD MEMBER
Peggy
Rose
BOARD MEMBER
Volunteers
Christiana Brown
Fashion Assistant
Nicole
Fashion Assistant