Podcast Series Spotlights Women Sustainability Leaders
This Women’s History Month, the focus is on “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” This theme intends to explore the healing and caring contributions of women in years past, as well as the frontline medical workers in the present.
Outside the realm of human health, women are also caring for the world’s well-being today by protecting the environment. In honor of Women’s History Month, Carved in Blue and the Fashion Impact Fund are joining forces to focus on the women making an impact now. Together, we are launching a podcast series on Blue Cast, dubbed “Solutionist,” centered on women driving sustainable innovation and developments in fashion.
“The Solutionist podcast series amplifies the leadership and representation of women entrepreneurs driving social, environmental and economic change in the fashion sector,” said Kerry Bannigan, executive director of Fashion Impact Fund. “Each advancing progress with a variety of solutions that the industry, and wider, can learn from, implement towards effective participation in system change and join for collaborative sector engagement.”
Each of the five Solutionist episodes will focus on one notable woman making a difference, in conversation with Lenzing’s Tricia Carey.
Among the voices included is Miko Underwood, the founder and designer of Harlem-based brand Oak & Acorn. Along with using her wash knowledge and product experience to make denim with a lower eco footprint, she is also passionate about presenting a more inclusive history of American denim. In service of this goal, she founded the educational initiative The Denim Collective in 2020 to spotlight the contributions that the Black community has made to fashion.
Another featured figure is Stony Creek Colors founder Sarah Bellos. The company is the only indigo producer certified to make 100 percent plant-based dyes. Beyond her own company’s work, Sarah is a leader in researching the potential for using Southeastern U.S. farms to cultivate plant-based colorants, enabling a transition away from synthetics.
Solutionist interviewee Sarah Ahmed is both the CEO and founder of Warp + Weft and the chief creative officer of DL1961. Started in 2017, Warp + Weft makes sustainable, size-inclusive denim out of a vertical, family-owned manufacturing facility.
In addition to people in the denim world, the podcast series is also highlighting those who are advocating for sustainability. Lea d’Auriol is the founder and executive director of Oceanic Global, an organization that provides education, community engagement and consulting services centered on improving sustainability and well-being. The initiative’s work has included shifting companies to more environmentally friendly practices and shaping environmental regulation.
Hilary Françoise Jochmans founded PoliticallyInFashion, a place for everyone in fashion—from manufacturers to models—to learn about legislation and regulations that are impacting the industry. With a background in politics, including time spent on Capitol Hill, Hilary also established her own firm, Jochmans Consulting LLC, to help clients interact with the federal government and Congress.
“The five women in this series come from various aspects of the apparel industry with powerful determination and insight,” said Tricia. “Hearing their incredible stories brings a depth of passion to their work and the communities they support.”
Tune in to the series on Blue Cast starting next week, March 2nd or subscribe on itunes or spotify.