Purpose Is Power: Women Transform Fashion & Business
At the 2025 Women of Impact Summit hosted by Delivering Good, a powerful new conversation unfolded—one that spotlighted how women are transforming the landscape of fashion, beauty, and business through purpose-led leadership and industry-spanning collaboration.
Held at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the event gathered over 250 industry leaders to emphasize the growing convergence of social value and commercial strategy. Hosted by Delivering Good, a nonprofit that delivers new goods to individuals and families in crisis, the Summit focused on how women across fashion, technology, finance, and beauty are using their platforms to create community-driven and conscious impact.
Across panel discussions, one thing became clear: today, a brand’s values are just as critical as its products. Industry trailblazers and rising voices discussed how sustainability, inclusivity, and digital innovation have evolved from niche concerns to core business priorities.
A key message came from journalist Lisa Marsh, who encouraged attendees to “stay curious” and pursue multi-faceted careers—a reflection of how leadership in fashion is evolving. Her message was echoed by Emily Hikade, founder of Petite Plume, who transitioned from working in the CIA to launching a luxury sleepwear brand. Her journey represents how adaptability and vision are reshaping women’s leadership paths in fashion.
The event moved beyond profit to redefine what true impact means in modern business. During the Beauty, Unfiltered panel, inclusive branding was presented as a necessity, not a trend. Lindsey Coffey, Miss Earth 2020, emphasized,
“The next generation of leaders is not waiting to be handed power, they’re creating it. And beauty, when it’s unfiltered and inclusive, can be a catalyst for real change.”
Key themes from the Summit included:
- Sustainable Supply Chains: No longer optional, ethical production is the new industry standard, from materials to circularity.
- Financial Equity: Leaders from Blackstone, Salesforce, and Mastercard underscored the importance of capital access for women in creative entrepreneurship.
- Tech & Creativity: AI-driven platforms and digital tools are blending fashion and technology, driving better consumer experiences and operational efficiency.
- Emotional Impact of Fashion: Stories from Delivering Good’s partners highlighted how clothing can restore confidence and dignity. FIT President Dr. Joyce Brown and student Khosi Ahmed both shared how access to new apparel transforms self-worth in underserved communities.
Prominent voices such as Danessa Myricks, Sarah Miyazawa LaFleur of MM.LaFleur, and Liah Yoo of KraveBeauty all reinforced a central message: Purpose is not a buzzword—it’s the foundation of modern leadership.
Andrea Weiss, Chair of Delivering Good, powerfully stated:
“For 40 years, Delivering Good has been making an impact, not just the buzzword but real impact in the lives of those facing poverty, disaster, and other social challenges… When we engage and empower women, we can change entire communities.”
From product to policy, C-suite to supply chain, women are reshaping the future of fashion by making conscious leadership not only desirable—but necessary and achievable.