Stephanie Horton and Stacie Henderson started Fashion Tech Connects in 2017 as a reaction to the lack of women of color in technology and fashion leadership. Both women have worked in corporate America since 1993 and have at this point held every level of position from associate to C.E.O. They have worked predominantly at larger corporations where the percentage of minorities was “pathetic at best,” according to Horton. As their careers progressed, more often than not, they were the only black professionals in their organizations, which, as they put it, is a frustrating, counterproductive, and lonely space to be in.

Given the recent events in Minnesota, Georgia, Kentucky, Central Park and elsewhere, Horton and Henderson address the issues of racism, under-representation and lack of education of majority colleagues in the workplace. These are key issues that must be conversed to achieve tangible, sustainable change.