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"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
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.
The (DE-FI) Model Incubator Returns June 14th, 2025 at 3p
This is where it all begins.
For the first time since 2018, the (DE-FI) Model Incubator returns in 2025. Alum from our Model Incubator have gone on to work with brands like Versace, Michael Kors, and When Smoke Clears, St. Jesus, and appear in national campaigns, films, and more and they all started here!
The (DE-FI) Model Incubator isn’t just about walking the runway; it’s about building a foundation. Through workshops on self-worth, wellness, contracts, human trafficking awareness, industry law and more. (DE-FI) Models grow from the inside and out before stepping in front of the top agents.