On Thursday, September 5, kate spade new york held its third annual Global Summit on Women’s Mental Health at The Times Center, just ahead of New York Fashion Week. The event featured panels, presentations, and networking opportunities, along with an exclusive premiere of the brand’s latest short film starring Taraji P. Henson, Nicola Coughlan, and Marsai Martin, who were recently announced as stars of the kate spade new york Fall 2024 brand campaign. The film unveils the brand’s Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health, a new Fund aimed at catalyzing funding to cultivate greater access to joy by advocating for and investing in mental health solutions for women around the globe.
“As a brand rooted in joy—and with over a decade of work in women’s mental health—kate spade new york is both authentic and unique in our multifaceted approach to addressing the women’s mental health crisis,” says Taryn Bird, Executive Director of Social Impact at kate spade new york. “While we are proud of the work we have done thus far, there is much more to be done, and we can’t do it alone. We are thrilled to debut our short film with Taraji, Nicola and Marsai that introduces the Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health and marks a new milestone in our journey, as we invite others to join us in our mission. We are proud to be launching the Fund alongside Pinterest, Saks and Mindful Philanthropy.”
As one of the largest corporate funders of women’s mental health initiatives globally, with over $31 million invested to-date, kate spade new york’s social impact work is grounded in the belief that good mental health is a fundamental human right for everyone—and that it is foundational to a woman’s empowerment. The launch of the Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health will further accelerate this mission as it aims to catalyze investment to provide greater access to community-led, culturally competent mental health solutions for women at every stage of their lives.
The Summit’s agenda featured conversations on topics including:
A Fireside Chat with Simone Biles (Athlete and Advocate) and Joanne Crevoiserat (CEO of Tapestry)
The Fashion Industry and its impact on Women’s Mental Health, with Lindsay Peoples (Editor-in-Chief of The Cut), Aurora James (Vice Chair, CFDA), Felita Harris (Founding Board Member, RAISEFashion), Molly Rogers (Costume Designer), and Tramaine EL-Amin (Vice President, Mental Health First Aid USA, National Council for Mental Wellbeing)
Girls and Youth Mental Health, Combating Loneliness and Creating Community, with Marsai Martin (Actor, Producer, Mental Health Advocate), Sofia Wylie (Actress, Creator, and Mental Health Advocate, kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member), Versha Sharma (Editor in Chief of Teen Vogue), Dr. Kristie Norwood (Clinical Psychologist at Hampton University) and Maya Nussbaum (Founder, Girls Who Write Now)
Cultivating Recovery in the Aftermath of Trauma, with Jazz Thornton (Founder, Voice of Hope, kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member)
Women Entrepreneurs, Motherhood and the Modern Workforce, with Latham Thomas (Founder, Mama Glow), Valeria Lipovetsky (Podcast Host and Founder, Creator Method), Les Alfred (Founder, Podcast Host, Balanced Black Girl) and Charlotte Warshaw (VP, NA Wholesale, Global Licensing, and General Manager of Jewelry at kate spade new york)
Women’s Mental Health in Perimenopause & Menopause, with Dr. Sharon Malone (NYT Bestselling Author, Grown Woman Talk and Chief Medical Advisor Alloy Women’s Health) and Alyson Niemann (Executive Director, Mindful Philanthropy)
Insights on Joy & Women’s Mental Health, with Elisha London (kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member)
Planting Seeds, Growing Our Impact, Building Resilience and Cultivating Joy, with Taraji P. Henson (Academy Award-Nominated Actress, Filmmaker, Founder of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member), Chrissy Rutherford (Founder, FWD JOY), Reshma Saujani (kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member) and Norette Turimuci (kate spade new york Social Impact Council Member)
The Summit follows the recent launch of kate spade new york’s Fall 2024 global campaign starring Taraji, Nicola and Marsai and its new seasonal collection, which embraces the spirit of the season and features the relaunch of the signature Spade Flower Jacquard assortment.