As celebrations flourish and light-hearted moments fill the air on this bright June day, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Genesis House are taking a stand to create a positive mark in this historic month with a generous grant dedicated to AAPI businesses. The two iconic entities have joined forces to demonstrate their commitment to the AAPI community and show their support with this honorable grant.
1. CFDA & Genesis House Join Forces to Promote AAPI Inclusivity
The CFDA and Genesis House Support AAPI Inclusivity
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Genesis House have come together to lend their support and resources to initiatives that promote Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) inclusivity within the fashion industry. Building upon established and successful partnerships from past years, the two organizations are looking to grow and promote a larger effort to equip and empower AAPI fashion designers with the resources and knowledge needed to reflect the unique, diverse contributions of the AAPI community.
The CFDA has been centered on racial and social justice with the establishment of the She Found It campaign in 2020. The partnership with Genesis House functions as an extension of that commitment, ensuring resources and access to representation are available to AAPI fashion designers. Through expert mentoring, training, and advising in fashion design and business, Genesis House serves as a gateway to the industry that has been essential in providing pathways to success for many AAPI creatives.
- CFDA & Genesis House serve as a catalyst for AAPI inclusivity
- Their partnership looks to equip and empower AAPI designers with resources and knowledge
- The CFDA implements the She Found It campaign to create a platform for racial and social justice
- Genesis House provides mentoring, training, and advising in fashion design and business
2. Essential Support for AAPI Communities Across the US
As the impact of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) increases, it’s important to provide support and solidarity to AAPI communities across the US. Below are essential ways for people to help AAPI communities, both locally and nationwide.
- Donate to local AAPI organizations and initiatives, if you are able, to provide them resources and support.
- Speak out against hateful rhetoric and media portrayals by challenging stereotypes and incorrect information.
- Reach out to your local AAPI communities and ask how you can provide help and support.
- Stay vigilant in your support for AAPI communities by regularly checking in with the people you care about and understanding the current issues affecting them.
Educate yourself and others on marginalized AAPI experiences and amplify the voices of AAPI people. Be an ally to AAPI communities by engaging in allyship through your words, network, and resources.
3. CFDA & Genesis House Unite to Increase Cultural Representation
Representation matters, and we are happy to report that two of our favorite organizations, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Genesis House, recently united to ensure that minority voices within the fashion industry have a louder podium from which to speak.
The joint venture includes the launch of a collaborative design fellowship to support aspiring fashion industry professionals and amplify the diversity of the industry. This fellowship is incredibly worthy; besides serving as a training ground for honing skills, fellows will foster relationships with mentors from both CFDA and Genesis House. They will also learn how to actively engage with their myriad stakeholders, and have the chance to showcase their creative collections with the help of CFDA’s platform.
- Fellows receive personalized support and skillset training from the two organizations
- Fellows get the chance to collaborate with mentors
- Fellows engage with stakeholders and get to showcase their work
Through this venture, minority voices – historically excluded from the industry – will be given the chance to dominate the narrative when it comes to fashion. This is an exciting development and we couldn’t be more proud of both CFDA and Genesis House for implementing this excellent idea. Leveling the playing field is an essential step in achieving true social progress.
4. Advocating for Equality: A Partnership for AAPI Causes
We live in a time of unprecedented action towards making the world a more equal seas for all its inhabitants. To this end, members of the AAPI community can join forces with many like-minded organizations to advocate for issues that benefit AAPI community members and their supporters. These organizations range from small grassroots groups to large corporations, and every team brings its own unique strengths to the equation.
Simply advocating for AAPI causes can take many shapes and forms. As an individual, you can join protests, reach out to elected officials, and become a social media influencer. On a larger scale, it is possible to partner with organizations to lobby the government on AAPI issues, provide scholarships to those within the community, and offer support in form of donations and grants. If you want to take your commitment to AAPI issues further, you can start a non-profit and put your own special spin on it. Whatever avenue you decide to pursue, know that advocating for AAPI causes can make a difference and bring our community one step closer to true equality.
- Protest: Join or create peaceful demonstrations advocating for AAPI causes
- Reach Out: Connect with your local, state, and federal elected officials to signal your support
- Influence: Become a social media influencer, pushing AAPI initiatives and their importance
- Partner: Collaborate with organizations to advocate for systemic change
- Fund: Donate to or provide scholarships to those in the AAPI community
- Create: Start your own non-profit to continuously advocate for AAPI causes
As CFDA and Genesis House join together, it’s clear that their commitment to AAPI causes will make a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of those within the community. Together, they bring a powerful voice to the injustices facing AAPI people—bringing community, culture, and identity to the forefront for many. Here’s to hoping that this partnership will empower many and spark the beginning of a global movement.
