Ann Inc. launches Commitment to Action initiative

New York -- Ann Inc. announced Tuesday at the Clinton Global Initiative that it will expand on its Vital Voices initiative with a program it is calling “Commitment to Action.”



The parent company of Ann Taylor and Loft piloted its ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative in 2011 as a groundbreaking partnership with international NGO, Vital Voices Global Partnership. The effort aims to train and empower young women in the U.S. to create positive social change in their local communities and become the next generation of leaders.



Starting this year, and through 2014, Ann Inc. said it will invest more than $1.3 million in the ANNpower Initiative through its ANN Cares charitable platform. In doing so, the company will provide leadership training to at least 50 Fellows annually, selected through a competitive, national application process of female high school juniors and seniors. After completing leadership training, each Fellow develops a project designed to create positive social change within their home community and will be eligible to receive an ANNpower Project Grant to put her ideas into action. The 2012 grants will be awarded in October.



“As a company for women, Ann Inc. is passionate about women's issues and we are so proud to have our work supported by the Clinton Global Initiative,” said Kay Krill, president and CEO. “With this commitment, we intend to grow the ANNpower Initiative by expanding leadership training, offering additional mentorship, and raising the visibility of the issue through involvement of high-profile women.”