Called Impact, the initiative will launch with a digital talent directory, a joint venture with Creatively, a digital marketplace for creatives, on February 26. At large, Impact will aim to address the longstanding systematic exclusion of Black talent in the industry.

The directory’s purpose is to connect CFDA’s 450 plus members, including companies, non-profits and other institutions in fashion, as well as individuals across the industry, to both jobs, including freelance work and paid internships.

”This work is essential to the future of American fashion, which must be diverse, equitable, and inclusive,” said CaSandra Diggs, CFDA president. “We launch Impact with a specific focus on widening talent pipelines and advancing career development for Black and Brown creatives and professionals. In the future, we will further the initiative to also address other inequities within the fashion system.”

More will come from Impact in the coming months, including community-centric programming and mentorship opportunities. These efforts are led by Impact’s Black Advisory Board, which counts Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Samira Nasr, Netflix chief marketing officer Bozoma Saint John, US Head of E-commerce & Digital, Tod’s Group Stacie Henderson and CFDA member Martin Cooper as members, with designer Tracy Reese serving as executive board vice chairwoman.