During the month of August, Black In Corporate and Kering Americas, the parent company of Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga, will offer a virtual mentorship program to Black corporate professionals. Mentees will be paired with mentors from Kering Americas and its brands, which include Bottega Veneta, Gucci, and Alexander McQueen. In addition to mentoring, the initiative will provide mentees with "access to resources, opportunities, and collaboration," according to a press release.
"Breaking into the corporate luxury fashion space is often difficult for Black professionals, and as a Black woman who has had these challenging experiences I was pleased when the Kering partnership was brought to the table," CEO and Founder of Black In Corporate, Candace Marie Stewart tells EBONY. "Under the Kering umbrella sits renowned houses such as Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, and more—and for Black individuals to receive direct access to executives that sit under these brands is not only phenomenal but a remarkable step in furthering our mission. With this collaboration, we hope to create professional pathways that are both extraordinary and long-lasting."
The Black In Corporate Virtual Mentoring Program was founded with the intention of elevating Black professionals while providing "relief, support, and guidance in their jobs." Further, it was designed to educate and equip those seeking to be "authentic" allies for Black people working in taxing corporate environments.
"We are both honored and excited to partner with Black In Corporate on this mentorship program. As a leader in the luxury industry, we have a responsibility to set standards and enact change beyond trends. Through this partnership, we can support and empower a generation of talent that's essential to our industry,” said Laurent Claquin, President of Kering Americas, in a statement.
Applications for the Black In Corporate Virtual Mentoring Program are open until July 2nd. To apply, click here.
