Straight to Feet
Inspiring women through access, exposure, and opportunity through the lens of the sneaker industry
THE PROBLEM:
The pipeline into creative careers isn’t accessible for many members of underserved communities who are leading trends and inspiring innovation in the sneaker industry.
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OUR SOLUTION:
To address the opportunity gap that exists between community and industry in sneakers, we created Straight to Feet, a two-part program that provides creative exposure to high-school students and resources to young professionals.
During this annual program, we bring together a diverse group of high-school students from the Greater New York City area to work in teams guided by professionals in the sneaker industry to create an original sneaker design and marketing strategy - not only teaching them about sneakers but also inspiring them to try something new.
To support young professionals, we host a professional development summit that offers networking, skillsharing workshops, and conversations about allyship, career progression, and creativity at large.
During this annual program, we bring together a diverse group of high-school students from the Greater New York City area to work in teams guided by professionals in the sneaker industry to create an original sneaker design and marketing strategy - not only teaching them about sneakers but also inspiring them to try something new.
To support young professionals, we host a professional development summit that offers networking, skillsharing workshops, and conversations about allyship, career progression, and creativity at large.
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THE IMPACT:
Now in its fifth year, Straight to Feet has made introductions and connections that have led to career changing opportunities for over 150 students and countless professionals.
Straight to Feet has grown into a model that has been outsourced to clients including Champs and the USTA to support community engagement and DEI initiatives; and a shoe designed by workshop students has been released and sold by Foot Locker’s Project Greenhouse.
Straight to Feet has grown into a model that has been outsourced to clients including Champs and the USTA to support community engagement and DEI initiatives; and a shoe designed by workshop students has been released and sold by Foot Locker’s Project Greenhouse.