VS&Co is excited to announce this significant step towards advancing gender equality and empowering underserved voices in the communities where the VS20, a group of innovative creatives, live, operate, and create their art. This transformative fund is an integral part of The Tour ‘23, a special fashion event and celebration that offers a unique glimpse into the artistic process and personal narratives of the VS20 from the vibrant cities of Bogota, Lagos, London, and Tokyo.
The fund is designed to support organizations based in the aforementioned cities that are actively working towards gender equality, with a particular focus on uplifting underserved and marginalized voices within these communities.
The Tour Impact Fund will provide critical support to organizations working in the following key areas:
- Advance the opportunities available to and success of women entrepreneurs: Empowering and equipping them with the resources they need, the fund aims to foster sustainable growth and economic empowerment.
- Create opportunities for emerging women artists: Recognizing the importance of nurturing creativity and aiming to provide these women with platforms to showcase their talents and flourish in the art industry.
“We believe in the power of women entrepreneurs and artists to drive positive change in society,” said Christy Tostevin, Senior Vice President of Community Relations at Victoria’s Secret & Co. “With The Tour Impact Fund, we’re dedicated to advancing gender equality and amplifying women’s voices worldwide. We aim to drive meaningful change and support organizations that share our vision of a more inclusive and empowered world.”
Joining Victoria’s Secret in this work is acclaimed actor, producer, and entrepreneur Priyanka Chopra-Jonas who will be an ambassador to The Fund partner organizations, serving as a mentor and advocate for women artists and entrepreneurs.
“Real progress in gender equity requires collective action across the public and private sectors. Companies and individuals with large platforms must play a more significant role in shining a light on and addressing barriers. I’m delighted to join Victoria’s Secret in advancing our shared commitment to gender equality.”
Priyanka Chopra-Jonas
Through this work, Victoria’s Secret and Priyanka Chopra Jonas hope to advance gender equality and leave a lasting mark on the lives of women creatives, entrepreneurs, and communities around the world.
Initial Impact Fund partnerships include:
Japan Institute for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (JSIE)
Helping people unlock their full potential to promote social change with an innovative mindset and entrepreneurial spirit. VS will fund a cohort to attend the Women’s Initiative for Sustainable Empowerment in May 2024 to inspire women and younger generations to lead rebuilding sustainable communities. It will conduct a three-day innovation challenge workshop in rural communities in Japan that have strong traditional male-dominating values, by bringing entrepreneurs from other areas to build a collaborative, cross-regional, inclusive platform for social entrepreneurs. VS was connected to JSIE through Global Giving, an intermediary entity that vets organizations and retains control over funds received.
African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum
An award-winning pan-African women economic empowerment organization. VS is supporting a 7-month program to enhance the investment readiness of early-and-growth-stage women-led businesses. The program will support women founders and business owners from different sectors in Nigeria, preparing them to be investor-ready and facilitates access to funding and investment opportunities for scaling.
KUTA Arts Foundation
Supporting creativity and funding the work of Nigeria’s up-and-coming artists. VS is investing in10 emerging and underserved female artists to participate in a residency from February – April 2024. This in-person program provides a safe space and art materials (among other educational resources to participants). The women connect with established professionals who guide them as they develop their work over the course of three months.
Fundacion ArteSumapaz Center
Residencies for international, national, and emerging artists, driving women’s business leadership and entrepreneurship. The Victoria’s Secret Fellowship for Artist Residencies at Fundacion ArteSumapaz will provide twelve one-month residencies to Colombian women creatives.
The impact of the fund aims to leave a lasting mark on the lives of women creatives and underserved communities around the world.