Gap establishes advisory board to champion inclusion

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Mar 3, 2022

Gap announced on Wednesday the establishment of a new advisory board made up of a diverse group of change-makers who champion inclusion.

Dubbed 'Power of the Collective Council', the advisory board is expected to partner with Gap Inc. to create access, drive awareness, and advocate for historically marginalized and vulnerable communities.

The Council’s strategy is aligned to three strategic pillars — Community, Customer, and Employee — with each member focusing on a component of the business that leverages their specialized areas of expertise and amplifies a core focus area of diversity and inclusion for Gap Inc.

“Creating a culture of belonging where we all feel seen and respected for who we are is as critical to the success of our company as it is for the communities we serve,” said Sonia Syngal, CEO, Gap Inc. “We are more powerful in creating change when we move as a collective, gain external inputs and lean into discomfort. Together with our leaders, this advisory council will help deepen our role as a force for good.”

The council launches with Aurora James, founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, and founder and creative director of Brother Vellies, who will support the Community pillar as the Council’s Economic Inclusion Advisor. In February 2021, Gap Inc. joined the Fifteen Percent Pledge as an  advocacy partner and most recently partnered with James during Black History Month 2022 to highlight Black-owned businesses on the brand’s social channels.

“I am thrilled to expand my relationship with Gap Inc. to tackle issues that I care deeply about,” said James. “Together, we’re taking another major step to drive equity in the fashion industry and beyond, and I look forward to working together to expand the Council, and further this important work.”

Next, Leonardo Lawson, internationally renowned in luxury and fashion brand building, management consulting, and executive search joins the Council to support the Customer pillar as the Creative Impact Advisor. The head of YZY Gap since August 2021, Lawson has a diverse background in fine arts, brand strategy, digital, and retail combined with expertise in building unique experience and partnerships. 

Finally, Amber Cabral, an inclusion strategist, certified coach, speaker, and author of 'Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture', joins the Council as the Employee Experience Advisor. Cabral has partnered with Gap Inc. since 2018, to advance internal inclusion efforts through employee workshops, executive coaching, and facilitated discussions.

Under the guidance of the new council, Gap Inc. said it also aims to further its Equality and Belonging commitments in the coming year.