A Black woman is in charge of The Council of Fashion Designers of America.

This week, the CFDA announced that CaSandra Diggs is the new president of the not-for-profit organization. Her appointment also makes her the CFDA’s first Black president.

A member since 2001, Diggs previously served as the Chief Administrative and Financial Officer and will now develop strategy and make decisions “that further the CFDA’s purpose to champion, educate, and support its membership and the fashion industry-at-large.”

“CaSandra is an innovative thinker with a strong understanding of organizational and business operations,” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb said of Diggs’ promotion. “Expanding her role will provide the CFDA with more opportunity to meet the needs of the membership in a broad and diverse way. It is a critical time for our industry, and she is the right person with the right ideas to help lead CFDA into the future.”

In recent years, The Council has made efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive organization. Last year, The CFDA added Black designers Virgil Abloh, Kerby Jean-Raymond, and Carly Cushnie to its board of directors.

“CFDA remains a vital pillar of the fashion community,” Diggs said. “I am delighted to join Tom Ford and Steven Kolb as we continue to advance and evolve the CFDA into a modern, forward-thinking organization that is reflective of our times.”

CaSandra Diggs

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