AFN Receives Accolades and Recognition for Work on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
American Fashion Network (AFN) is receiving widespread national recognition for its work on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As a woman-owned company, AFN has long sought to empower women and encourage diversity, both internally within the company, and by partnering with a diverse array of firms that share its commitment to these values. In a powerful endorsement of these efforts, AFN, its employees, and sister company have been recognized this month as DEI leaders by major retail brand Kohl’s, and by leading recruiting platform Mogul.
Kohl’s rolled out a website this month to highlight the company’s own DEI commitments and initiatives, and to shine a spotlight on its diverse network of suppliers. The site features OTR Limited, a sister company of AFN that serves as a product design and development supplier for Kohl’s Young Women’s brands, in recognition of AFN’s status as a leading woman-owned business. The website noted that the “OTR team is world-renowned for its technical design capabilities mastering fit and form for the American consumer.”
“I am extremely proud to work with a company as distinguished and established as Kohl’s” said AFN CEO Jackie Ferrari. “Kohl’s has actively sought out a diverse group of quality suppliers like OTR Limited, and we work every day to provide the company and its customers with high quality designs and products. It’s gratifying to see our work recognized as part of the company’s effort to lead on DEI initiatives.”
Kohl’s operates more than 1,100 retail stores in 49 states, providing a major marketplace for OTR Limited’s products, and a major boost to the Central New York business community. “AFN is a proud CNY company, and we’re always trying to represent our community in the best way possible. Being recognized for our diversity and leadership reflects back on the community that we’re a part of, and we think this is an exciting development.” Said Ferrari. Given AFN’s extensive partnerships with other CNY companies, and a diverse array of suppliers nationally, Kohl’s efforts to highlight its partnership with AFN also provide a big boost to AFN’s partners.
In another major validation of AFN’s DEI work, major national recruiting platform Mogul named AFN’s Chief Innovation Officer, Victoria Bracco, one of its top 100 DEI leaders for 2021. Bracco drives several company initiatives related to communications, DEI, network, and idea expansion and managing the innovation process. Her name is included among representatives of some of the world’s best-known companies and brands, highlighting the standout success on DEI work.
American Fashion Network has prioritized diversity and inclusion internally and has worked to build out a diverse network of partnerships with other businesses that reflects these values. “That’s a big part of what makes us the company that we are today.” said Ferrari. AFN will continue to build on the momentum generated by these wins and redouble its efforts to boost woman-owned, and diverse businesses.