Pamela Culpepper has become the first Black woman to sit on the board of iconic fashion giant Prada in the company’s 109-year history.
Culpepper is the co-founder of the culture consultancy Have Her Back, which takes a holistic approach to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The brand’s parent company, Prada S.p.A., appointed Culpepper to the board in January. Culpepper was hired alongside Anna Maria Rugarli, sustainability and responsibility senior director at global apparel and footwear company VF Corporation, as one of two independent non-executive directors.
In her new role, Culpepper will add her voice to the Board of Directors in their sustainability assessments and decisions regarding Prada’s ESG strategy of people, environment and culture.
“People who know me and know what Prada stands for quickly see what connects us – status quo is simply not an option. I’m proud to be a part of that challenge. One of Prada’s principles is to go where the risk is. Prada has stepped out front to lead the industry in ESG,” Culpepper told Essence.
ESG stands for “environmental, social, and corporate governance.” It is an approach to evaluating the extent to which a corporation works on behalf of social goals that go beyond the role of a corporation to maximize profits on behalf of the corporation’s shareholders.
Culpepper continued, “It would be easier to fast follow, but that would be counter to both of our instincts. Prada is at the intersection of authentically connecting its values and purpose with the needs and will of its key stakeholders. My role is to help strategically navigate that intersection.”
“We are extremely fortunate that Pamela Culpepper has joined Prada Group’s board of directors,” Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group’s head of corporate social responsibility, told WWD. “Her diverse experience — which spans senior positions in human resources and people management, sustainability, as well as change management and culture building — will make her instrumental as we continue to strengthen Prada Group and further advance upon our ESG strategy.”
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