A Product Creation Pathway to Empower and Uplift Women Across Various Industries
PLC Detroit, the only historically Black college or university (HBCU) with a focus on design, will launch “Women In Industries” (W.IN @ PLC Detroit). A product creation pathway with a focus on women-centered design across industries. This program is an example of empowerment for aspiring women designers, and the partners are eager to build upon its legacy of excellence.
The “W.IN @ PLC” initiative, echoing the vision of the college’s founder, Dr. Violet T. Lewis, to empower and advance women’s professional success, will launch during the upcoming New Balance Certificate Program (IC). This program marks an eight-year partnership between the HBCU and New Balance that has proven highly successful.
The W.IN @ PLC Detroit program has been a transformative experience for PLC students, empowering them to lead the charge in the design industry. Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, PLC Detroit’s president, expresses his excitement about this collaboration with New Balance. “By providing our students with unparalleled access and training from industry leaders, we’re equipping the next generation of women designers and innovators with the tools to thrive.”
Research indicates that companies with more women in top management positions tend to be more profitable and innovative. This “girl power” effect is backed by statistics.
For footwear design specifically, women account for a substantial portion of the consumer market, influencing trends and preferences. A survey from the Fashion Institute of Technology found that 75% of footwear purchases are made by women, yet women only hold about 25% of leadership positions within major footwear brands.
Research also shows that women designers often bring unique perspectives to product development, making them more attuned to the needs of diverse user groups. Research finds that women designers show more empathy and collaboration, which are essential qualities for creating innovative footwear that resonates with consumers.
The program comes at a critical time, as studies continue to highlight the benefits of gender diversity in leadership. A recent 2023 study by McKinsey & Company found that companies with more women in leadership roles experienced 20% higher profitability compared to their industry peers. The study also revealed that diverse teams were 45% more likely to report market share growth and 58% more likely to improve their team performance.
A 2023 Forbes report revealed that companies with inclusive cultures are 120% more likely to meet or exceed their financial targets. The report also found that diverse teams are 45% more likely to achieve success and 70% more likely to capture a new market.
The W.IN @ PLC Detroit program helps to elevate the voices and talents of women designers and embodies a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of female design leaders, creating products that resonate with women across industries.
The initiative will focus on PLC’s three core design disciplines: Apparel Design, Color & Material Design, and Footwear Design. Design students will dive into a project centered on women in performance, designing for athletes, including the WNBA, leading the charge across sports categories.
Under the guidance of New Balance’s visionary designers and PLC’s industry expert educators, these aspiring designers will refine their skills, develop essential competencies, and gain unprecedented access to the thrilling world of sports design.
This hands-on learning experience will also refine the student’s design skills and foster essential competencies, such as time management, professionalism, and leadership.
The collaborative nature of the program will allow students to hone their craft and contribute to New Balance’s rich legacy of innovation and artistic expression—A symbiotic relationship beneficial for both the students and the brand, as studies have shown that diverse teams are more likely to produce innovative products that cater to diverse consumer needs.
Women designers possess a unique and powerful perspective that has the potential to transform industries. Through the W.IN @ PLC Detroit program, students have the platform to showcase their talents and contribute to leading the industry forward.
The launch of the “W.IN @ PLC Detroit” initiative aligns with the growing recognition of the value of gender diversity in leadership. As industries acknowledge the importance of women in design, initiatives like this one play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of women designers and innovators.
“This partnership is a true testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering dedication to empowering women designers,” said Dr. Edwards. “Together, PLC Detroit and New Balance are paving the way for the next generation of female design leaders to leave an indelible mark on the industry and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”
Initiatives like the “W.IN @ PLC Detroit” program are taking concrete steps to empower and advance women’s professional success, paving the way for a future where women leaders continue to thrive and drive progress in their fields.
The initiative is four-weeks from August 26 to September 20, 2024.The cherry on top is that PLC Detroit and New Balance will cover the student’s tuition and housing for the program. Everyone wins!
About PLC Detroit
PLC Detroit is the nation’s first-ever Historically Black College/University focused on design.
Under the direction of Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, PLC is the pipeline HBCU for career education and professional development in the product creation industry. Lighting the way to new career pathways, we serve as the culture’s creative north star. As the first HBCU to reopen after closing, we believe in carrying the vision of PENSOLE Academy and the legacy of Lewis College of Business into a better future led by those who prepare for it.
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