Earlier this year, as the global protests gained momentum, we heard promises from a number of key players in fashion to not only acknowledge systemic racism within the industry, but to do something about it. The CFDA proudly announced this week a new Black advisory board led by recently appointed president and long-time leader, CaSandra Diggs.

“CaSandra is an innovative thinker with a strong understanding of organizational and business operations,” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb said in a statement.“Expanding her role will provide the CFDA with more opportunity to meet the needs of the membership in a broad and diverse way. It is a critical time for our industry, and she is the right person with the right ideas to help lead CFDA into the future.”

The advisory board will be led by Diggs as well as designer Tracy Reese, who will serve as executive board vice chairwoman. It also includes members like Fashion Tech Connects cofounder Stacie Henderson, Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Samira Nasr, and Netflix chief marketing officer Bozoma Saint John. The board aims to foster equity and inclusion within the industry by developing new programming and creating opportunities for Black creatives and professionals in the American fashion industry. 

As part of CFDA's mission to bring racial equality to fashion, Tracy Reese and Bonnie Morrison have been tapped to lead key efforts. Learn more!https://t.co/pk2N2zVjCz

— CFDA (@CFDA) September 1, 2020

“In June, we outlined specific initiatives with the goal of bringing an end to racial injustice in the fashion industry,” Tom Ford, chairman of the CFDA board of directors stated, “the organization has put in place a structure to execute this strategy and we are firmly committed to creating systemic change in our industry that will empower the critical voices that need to be heard.” 

The CFDA will also be implementing equity program initiatives, led by consultant and longtime industry vet Bonnie Morrison. She will support and execute new initiatives including the newly created CFDA task force and talent placement program for Black talent. 

“We are bringing together an impressive group of esteemed industry colleagues to collectively help us build a framework for increased diversity, equity, and inclusion in fashion,” Diggs stated.