And now — a seat on the runway!
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced CaSandra Diggs as its new president, making her the first Black woman to lead the association in its 58-year history, Essence reports.
Diggs has been with the organization for nearly 20 years, working most recently as chief administrative and financial officer. In her new role, she will focus on developing strategy and leading CFDA forward to champion, educate, and support their members and the fashion industry.
The fashion industry has faced tremendous challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic and the social uprising around systemic racism. At this time, many companies are scrambling to restructure and transform their companies from the inside out.
According to The Glow Up, the organization recently partnered with Harlem’s Fashion Row to announce the ICON 360 Fund, granting $1 million towards BIPoC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) designers impacted by the coronavirus crisis.
As President, Diggs will report to CFDA CEO Steven Kolb and the board of directors, including chairman and designer Tom Ford.
“CaSandra is an innovative thinker with a strong understanding of organizational and business operations. Expanding her role will provide the CFDA with more opportunities to meet the membership needs in a broad and diverse way,” Kolb said in a statement. “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.”
Diggs spoke on her new appointment, saying, “CFDA remains a vital pillar of the fashion community. I am delighted to join Tom Ford and Steven Kolb as we continue to advance and evolve the CFDA into a modern, forward-thinking organization that is reflective of our times.”
Congratulations CaSandra!! We wish you all the best!
Photo Courtesy of Council of Fashion Designers of America