Emma Grede and the Fifteen Percent Pledge: Driving Retail Diversity
In 2020, amid a national reckoning on racial justice, fashion designer Aurora James founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge, a nonprofit urging major retailers to commit 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. This initiative aims to reflect the U.S. Black population percentage in retail representation.
Emma Grede, co-founder of Good American and founding partner of Skims, serves as the Chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its influence, encouraging companies to audit their supply chains and increase support for Black entrepreneurs.
Related: Emma Grede: The Self-Made Powerhouse Behind Skims and Good American
By 2025, the Pledge has helped redirect over $14 billion to Black-owned businesses, fostering economic equity and inclusivity in the retail sector accoridng to Vogue.
Conclusion
Emma Grede's commitment to the Fifteen Percent Pledge underscores her dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable retail landscape. Through strategic leadership and advocacy, she continues to drive meaningful change in the industry.
