Ann Taylor parent to launch women’s initiative

New York City -- Ann Inc., parent to Ann Taylor and Loft brands, announced Wednesday it will launch a four-year investment in young women’s leadership.



According to ANN president and CEO, Kay Krill, who joined with women’s leadership organization Vital Voices president and CEO Alyse Nelson, the pair will launch ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative. Ann Inc. has committed $1.3 million to the program, which will connect and inspire a network of high school junior and senior students across the United States. Selected applicants will receive leadership training and grants to develop projects to advance women and girls in their communities and around the world.



As part of the launch, 10 young women were selected to receive ANNpower Grant Awards.



"We are a company by women for women and connecting with the next generation of leaders is personal for us,” said Krill.



In 2012, the inaugural ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum will convene in Washington, D.C. The 10 grantees and an additional 40 rising high school junior and senior girls from across the United States will participate in a week-long leadership training and mentorship experience with the established women leaders of the Vital Voices Global Network of human rights defenders, civil society advocates, and social and economic entrepreneurs.