Lead the Revolution: Help Us Rebuild The Art of (DE-FI)ance

Every Revolution Faces Setbacks: The Story Behind Our Pause, Preparing for a Stronger Tomorrow

The Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund has always been about breaking barriers and supporting talent in ways that re(DE-FI)ne the possibilities of the fashion industry. However, even the most resilient organizations face challenges, and we’ve encountered our share of setbacks.

Over the past 2 years, every single member of our Board of Directors faced significant personal and medical challenges—whether it was their own health or that of their loved ones. These circumstances required extended absences and made it increasingly difficult for us to operate effectively. Without the ability to maintain day-to-day oversight and meet compliance requirements, we lost our tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status, forcing us to put the Art of (DE-FI)ance on hiatus.

But this isn’t the end of our story. It’s an opportunity to rebuild, stronger than ever, with passionate leaders who are ready to help us refocus and get back on track.

Why We Need YOU

Supporting the next generation of designers, artisans, and creatives is no small task. It requires vision, dedication, and a team that’s as bold as the talent we nurture. As we prepare to relaunch in 2025, we’re seeking dynamic and committed board members to guide us through this next chapter.

This is more than just filling a seat—it’s about restoring the programs and opportunities that have helped so many build careers, amplify their voices, and ignite change. Your leadership will be instrumental in helping us:

Restore our tax-exempt status and strengthen our governance.
Expand our reach to provide even more scholarships, grants, and workforce development initiatives.
Ensure that every creative, no matter their background, has access to the resources they need to succeed.

What Happened and What’s Next

The challenges we faced were significant:

Board members on extended leave: With multiple directors needing time away for personal and medical reasons, we couldn’t meet the requirements necessary to maintain our nonprofit status.
Administrative strain: The absence of key leaders meant a reduced ability to handle operational needs, from filing tax documents to overseeing programs.
Temporary suspension of activities: Without the capacity to manage grants, events, and partnerships, our programs were paused, leaving our community without critical support.

But despite these setbacks, our mission remains unchanged. We are ready to rebuild with fresh energy, new ideas, and strong leadership.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking visionary board members who can help us reclaim our position as a driving force in the fashion industry. As a governance board, your role will be to:

Provide strategic leadership: Set goals and guide the organization toward sustainable growth.
Ensure financial accountability: Oversee budgets, fundraising, and resource allocation to restore our tax-exempt status.
Advocate for change: Be a vocal ambassador for The Art of (DE-FI)ance, sharing our mission and building partnerships that fuel our success.

Join the Movement

This is your chance to be part of something bigger—a chance to help us rewrite the narrative, overcome adversity, and continue making a profound impact in the fashion community. Together, we can create opportunities that change lives and inspire the world.

If you believe in empowering talent, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change, we invite you to join our Board of Directors.

Apply today and help us rebuild. This is your moment to lead the revolution.

Click here to complete the grant application.

Join Our Board of Directors

Detailed Expectations and Requirements for Board Members of The Art of (DE-FI)ance

Commitment

1. Mission Alignment:

Actively work in good faith with staff and fellow board members as collaborative partners to achieve shared goals.
Uphold The Art of (DE-FI)ance’s mission and values as the foundation for all decision-making and actions.

2. Attendance and Engagement:

Attend at least 75% of board meetings, committee meetings, and special events.
The board meets bi-monthly (six meetings annually).
Actively participate in recruiting, orienting, and evaluating board members to sustain and strengthen the board’s performance.

Oversight Responsibilities

1. Fiduciary Duties:

Review and approve all policies governing the organization, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Monitor income, expenses, and the annual budget, taking an active role in financial oversight.

2. Meeting Preparation:

Stay informed about organizational priorities and initiatives.
Come prepared to ask questions and offer input during meetings.

3. Active Participation:

Engage in meaningful discussion, decision-making, and votes on issues, policies, and other matters.
Recuse yourself from discussions and votes where there is a conflict of interest.

4. Strategic Planning:

Contribute to the development and evaluation of both short- and long-term organizational goals.
Collaborate with the Executive Director to ensure the successful implementation and monitoring of strategic initiatives.

5. Executive Leadership Support:

(DE-FI)ne and support the responsibilities of the Executive Director.
If necessary, assist in recruiting and selecting a new Executive Director and provide moral and professional support to achieve organizational goals.

Support Responsibilities

1. Financial Contribution:

Make a personal financial gift annually that is meaningful based on your personal budget and capacity.

2. Fundraising and Outreach:

Identify prospective donors and assist with cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
Participate in the planning and promotion of special events to increase community support.

3. Advocacy:

Serve as an ambassador to communicate The Art of (DE-FI)ance’s mission and work to the broader community.
Represent the organization at events, and act as a liaison between the community and The Art of (DE-FI)ance.

4. Committee Participation:

Actively serve on standing or project-based committees to provide additional guidance and expertise.

Required Attributes

1. Integrity:

Take responsibility for actions and collaborate to find solutions for governance challenges.

2. Credibility:

Maintain trustworthiness and act in alignment with organizational values.

3. Compassion:

Foster relationships with residents, stakeholders, and the broader community to inspire and engage others.

4. Courage:

Tackle difficult challenges and lead on necessary actions, even when they are unpopular.

Selection Process

1. Application Submission:

Submit a Board interest form and resume.

2. Candidate Review:

Participate in an initial discussion with the nominating committee or Executive Director.

3. Engagement:

Finalists are invited to attend a board meeting before their nomination is presented for approval.

4. Commitment Terms:

Board members are elected to three-year terms, renewable for a maximum of six consecutive years.

Joining the board of The Art of (DE-FI)ance means stepping into a vital role that directly impacts the growth and sustainability of a thriving fashion and arts community. This is more than a seat at the table; it’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, transform lives, and create a legacy. Are you ready to lead the way? Apply now to join our Board of Directors.

Join Our Board

Apply Now

"Success comes to the underdog who doesn't let sleeping dogs lie...

Lead the Revolution: Help Us Rebuild The Art of (DE-FI)ance

Every Revolution Faces Setbacks: The Story Behind Our Pause, Preparing for a Stronger Tomorrow

Join Our Board of Directors

Detailed Expectations and Requirements for Board Members of The Art of (DE-FI)ance

Join Our Board

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