Last Friday, Diane von Furstenberg, the iconic fashion designer known for her timeless wrap dress and empowering ethos, marked International Women’s Day with her annual InCharge celebration in New York City. Focused on the power of kindness, this year’s event brought together a powerhouse of women from diverse industries for a day of mentorship, conversation, and community. Reflecting on the event’s name and spirit, Von Furstenberg shared, “When I was growing up, the only thing I wanted was to become a woman in charge. I became a woman in charge at 27 [years old] because of a little dress [I designed], and the more confident I got, the more I would share that confidence with millions of women.”
The day kicked off with a gathering at the DVF Studio in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, where 80 young mentees from The WIE Suite, a private membership community for female leaders, connected with influential women in business, entertainment, and beyond for a series of speed mentoring sessions as part of The WIE Suite’s 2M Mentors initiative. Mentors included Arielle Patrick, Chief Communications Officer at Ariel Investments; Beth Ferreira, General Partner at Serena Ventures; and Shiza Shahid, Founder & Co-CEO of the Malala Fund and Founder of mission-based cookware brand Our Place.
Stephanie Mehta, Sofia Hernandez, Justine Feron, Dee Poku, Stephanie Roberson, Diane von Furstenberg, Shiza Shahid, Kyle Leahy, Beth Ferreira, and Arielle Patrick attend the 3rd annual 2M Mentors event hosted by Diane von Furstenberg and WIE Suite
After lunch, the event transitioned to YouTube’s space at Pier 57, where DVF, in partnership with YouTube and JPMorganChase, presented a packed program of panels, performances, and intimate conversations with some of the most innovative women in business, fashion, culture, and activism. Acknowledging the moment we’re in in America, when women’s rights are increasingly under threat, Von Furstenberg said, “The goal of today is to connect, expand, inspire and advocate—and just to feel inspired and strong without being angry, without blaming and shaming.”
Emceed by YouTube creator Cleo Abram, the afternoon unfolded around the InCharge pillars: Connect, Expand, Inspire, and Advocate—and emphasized the role of kindness in achieving personal and professional success. Von Furstenberg shared her personal philosophy with the crowd: “Kindness is a currency. Generosity is the best investment.”
Following a performance from Salome Agbaroji, the U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate, actress and activist Sophia Bush took the stage alongside Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies, for a conversation on what it truly means to be “InCharge”—and how staying true to your values in business not only does good but is also good business. Bush also addressed the sociopolitical climate in America, reminding the audience that women have always found strength and driven change through solidarity. When asked why she believes the current administration is bent on restricting women’s rights, Bush said, “It’s pretty clear that women have been amassing power. We know we’re strong together. We’re opening businesses in record numbers. We’re investing in each other.” James, who founded the 15 Percent Pledge in 2020, encouraging major retailers to commit 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses, advised young entrepreneurs to not lose sight of their communities when building their businesses, “because that’s really where the power can happen.”
Aurora James and Sophia Bush
The event continued with a powerful discussion on “The Multiplier Effect,” exploring how women’s leadership in everything from investing to storytelling is driving both economic growth and social change. Moderated by Alicia Menendez, the panel featured Shiza Shahid, Co-CEO of the Malala Fund; Nelle Miller, Co-CEO of J.P. Morgan Private Bank in the New York Region; and YouTube creator Kinigra Deon.
Later in the afternoon, the focus shifted to women’s sports, which had a landmark year in 2024, with record-breaking viewership and attendance. YouTube sports creator Katie Feeny moderated the “In Our Sports Era” panel, which included U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team player Ashlyn Harris, New York Sirens hockey player Elle Hartje, Stef Strack, Founder & CEO of VOICEINSPORT, Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer of the New York Liberty, and U.S. Olympic track and field athlete Taliyah Brooks. Harris candidly spoke about balancing her career with motherhood, saying, “I’d like to get to a point where women don’t have to choose between being a caregiver over their careers. I was bullish enough to say I could do both. I wanted to show it was possible to do both. However, the reality is I lost too much money doing both.” The conversation underscored the ongoing fight for gender equality in sports, with Strack calling for increased investment in women’s sports to address the disparities that persist.
Katie Feeney, Ashlyn Harris, Stef Strack, Elle Hartje, Taliyah Brooks and Shana Stephenson.
The day culminated with the “Redesigning Our Lives” panel, moderated by Cindi Lieve, which brought together Von Furstenberg, Tina Brown, and Tina Knowles to share their stories of reinvention and how they’ve charted their paths as businesswomen and mothers. Knowles, whose daughters are of course Beyoncé and Solange, spoke candidly about how motherhood empowered her to build confidence and grow into her true self. “I don’t feel the pressure to prove anything to anyone,” she said. “I feel free to be myself.” Knowles emphasized that the most valuable lesson she’s passed on to her daughters is the importance of family, strength through adversity, and staying true to oneself.
Cindi Leive, Tina Brown, Ms. Tina Knowles, and Diane von Furstenberg
Throughout the day, Von Furstenberg reminded the audience that a strong foundation within oneself is key to success. “To be in charge is first and foremost about the relationship you have with yourself,” she said. “Own your imperfections. They become assets. Own your vulnerability and turn it into strength. That’s a daily practice, and my new discovery is that once you’re in charge, then you can really use the power of kindness.”
