In the article “Tory Burch Gives Back,” fashion designer Tory Burch was reportedly named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women. She has recently spent time in Washington D.C. to gather ideas on how to grow her foundation, which “provides female entrepreneurs with economic opportunities through microloans.” Burch expresses her belief that “small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and if we can help someone develop a viable business and make it easier on them, it would help build our economy.” Because of the recession, women have been hit hard financially, and Burch stresses that making microloans available will help jumpstart small businesses with mentorship programs.
This relates to corporate responsibility because Tory Burch has a very successful fashion label, which she calls “conservative chic,” but she still is an extremely powerful and influential woman outside of her business. She is able to balance her business while also working with the U.S. Ambassador-at large for Global Women’s issues and other government officials to encourage them to look at microfinance as an approach for job creation and poverty alleviation. Even President Obama has recently issued a statement about women leaders, and listed off her as well as other famous women such as Sally Ride and Billie Jean King. Burch is also a full-time mom. Her well roundedness makes her seem relatable to American women, and I believe that it creates good PR for her brand. It seems like many brands that “give back” or donate money to charities aren’t directly involved, but Burch is very hands on with her foundation. With all of the good she does, maybe customers won’t feel so bad dropping $150 for a pair of flats!
http://www.politico.com/click/stories/1010/a_fashionista_gives_back.html
I think that this article is very interesting. As a Merchandising major, it was surprising to see that this successful designer has this much impact and involvement in society. As a woman, I appreciate what she does and how she goes about helping women entrepreneurs. She not only produces a great product, but she is creating goodwill and a good name for herself to build off of. I believe that is important to have women like Tory Burch in our society because especially in times life these, it is important to help the ones that have been hit especially hard; women. This also proves the point that women are powerful and can handle being not only a business woman, but a mom and a powerful asset to the community at the same time.
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