About
A Letter from Tory
Welcome to the Foundation –
I launched our business in 2004. I had a concept and, working out of my kitchen with a small team, turned that concept into a collection. As our company has grown, I’ve learned about the obstacles that women in business face, from balancing work and family (my greatest challenge) to securing financing. Many also lack the confidence, business networks and training they need to see their ideas through. That is why in 2009 we created the Tory Burch Foundation to support the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.
Drawing on our experiences and on conversations with businesswomen from around the world, we have developed programs and initiatives that invest in the success and sustainability of women-owned small businesses by providing:
Access to Capital
Our Capital program with Bank of America offers access to affordable loans through Community Lenders.
Entrepreneurial Education
Our partnership with Goldman Sachs’s 10,000 Small Businesses program provides women small-business owners with business and management education.
Mentoring and Networking Opportunities
I have always believed in the value of mentors and, to this day, turn to trusted advisers from many different industries for insight. Our Foundation offers opportunities for women to network with business leaders and other entrepreneurs seeking to grow and scale their enterprises.
One of the reasons I wanted to start a company was to start a foundation that would benefit women and children. Social responsibility is part of our brand DNA. It’s not about charity. It’s about helping to empower women to help themselves. By providing resources and tools, we can level the playing field for women entrepreneurs, and helping them to grow their businesses benefits their families, their communities and, in turn, all of us.
Thank you for your interest in the Foundation! We hope you will join us in our mission.
All the best,
Founder, Tory Burch Foundation
Executive Chairman, Chief Creative Officer, Tory Burch
The Sunflower
The Foundation’s logo, a sunflower, is based on a pendant Tory’s father had made for her mother and then passed down to her. It is inscribed with the French saying: “Je t’aime un peu, beaucoup, passionnément,” which loosely translates as, “I love you a little, a lot, passionately.”
The pendant is Tory’s most treasured keepsake. Her father, with her mother, was Tory’s greatest supporter when starting her business and instilled in her the wherewithal to follow her dreams.
Milestones
2019
In March, the Foundation took the #EmbraceAmbition movement to 10 cities across the country. These Embrace Ambition Series events featured game-changing leaders and discussions on challenging unconscious bias, shattering stereotypes and empowering women.
Bank of America doubles their investment in our Capital Program, providing $100 million in affordable loans to women entrepreneurs in the United States.
2018
In November we celebrated National Entrepreneurship Month with the launch of our first-ever Tory Burch Foundation pop-up shop in New York City – a living story of our mission to empower women. In addition to in-store activations and weekly events, 20% of all net proceeds benefitted the Foundation’s work to advance women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.
The Foundation hosts the first-ever Embrace Ambition Summit in New York City, powered by Bank of America. The 1,000+ attendees and 400,000+ livestream viewers were joined by 46 incredible leaders, performers and activists to address the event’s theme: Confronting Stereotypes and Creating New Norms.
One year later, on the anniversary of the #EmbraceAmbition launch, we unveiled a digital experience to celebrate women globally. Serena Williams, Lilly Ledbetter, Katie Couric, and thousands of other people across the globe joined us in celebrating their champions by creating and sending digital postcards to the women who inspire them to #EmbraceAmbition.
In March, to celebrate International Women’s Day, we rang the NASDAQ closing bell in Times Square, and in celebration of Women’s History month opened the New York Stock Exchange.
The Capital Program powered by Bank of America provides over $36M in loans to women-owned businesses since launching in 2014.
2017
Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Battle of the Sexes, when tennis player and activist Billie Jean King transformed history for women in sports, the Foundation partnered to release the limited-edition She Won We Won t-shirt. 50% of proceeds benefitted the Foundation and 50% benefitted the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative.
The #EmbraceAmbition initiative, which reached 98% of the world’s countries, was nominated for the Shorty Social Good Awards and was a finalist in She Knows Media’s #Femvertising Awards, honoring brands that are challenging gender norms.
Wear one, share one. Tory Burch created the Embrace Ambition bracelet in collaboration with the Foundation. 100% of net proceeds benefit the Foundation.
On International Women’s Day, the Foundation launched the global initiative, #EmbraceAmbition, to ensure that ambition in a woman is no longer seen as a negative.
2016
The Foundation goes to Washington. Partnering with the White House, the Foundation co-hosts the United State of Women summit on Women & Girls. More than 5,000 leaders attend.
Kate McAleer, founder of Bixby & Co. is selected as the Fellows Program Pitch Winner. She is awarded a $100,000 grant investment in her business.
The inaugural class of Tory Burch Fellows attends a 3-day workshop at our office in New York City.
Tory publishes her first LinkedIn Influencer article: Don’t Wait for Doors to Open.
2015
Tory appears on CBS This Morning to announce our inaugural Fellows program.
Limited edition Seed Box is introduced and sells out in 8 weeks before the holidays. This gift that gives back features products from women entrepreneurs. 100% of proceeds benefitted the Foundation.
The new ToryBurchFoundation.org launches with hundreds of tools to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
Tory Burch is featured in the Wall Street Journal’s “Make Time” campaign and helps raise awareness for the Tory Burch Foundation.
2014
The New York Times bestseller “Tory Burch In Color” raises gross proceeds for the Foundation.
With Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women, Tory hosts a scholar’s panel for women entrepreneurs in Shanghai.
Tory gives the commencement address at Babson College, ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report in entrepreneurship.
Our entrepreneurial education program with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and Babson College expands to Los Angeles.
Our Capital program, formerly called Elizabeth Street Capital, launches with Bank of America to provide women entrepreneurs in the United States with access to affordable loans.
President Obama invites Tory Burch to serve as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) along with ten other inaugural members.
2013
In partnership with POLITICO and Google, we launch Women Rule, a series of events dedicated to exploring how women are leading change in politics, policy and their communities.
2012
We partner with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and Babson College to provide entrepreneurial education for women business owners. The first class is in the New York area.
Tory hosts a women’s entrepreneurship panel in Marrakech to promote women’s empowerment globally.
2011
Our mentoring and networking events continue. Mentors include Millard Drexler, CEO & Chairman of J. Crew and Mika Brzezinski, Co-Host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
2010
We host the first of our signature mentoring and networking events. These events bring together business leaders and entrepreneurs from a variety of industries.
2009
In partnership with the nonprofit microlender, Accion, the Foundation first provides small business loans to women in New York.
Tory launches the Tory Burch Foundation to support the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in the United States.
2004
Tory Burch launches with a boutique on Elizabeth Street in New York’s Nolita neighborhood. One of the reasons Tory wanted to start a business was to create a foundation—it was included in her business plan.
Press
-
June 10, 2019Women's Wear Daily
-
March 20, 2019Forbes
-
March 12, 2019InStyle Magazine
-
March 8, 2019Marie Claire
-
March 8, 2019Refinery29
-
March 8, 2019Vogue
-
March 7, 2019CNBC
-
March 7, 2019CNBC
-
March 7, 2019Inc.
-
March 7, 2019O, The Oprah Magazine
-
March 7, 2019TIME
-
March 7, 2019Women's Wear Daily
-
March 4, 2019Glamour
-
March 4, 2019Fast Company
-
March 4, 2019PureWow
-
November 19, 2018Teen Vogue
-
October 24, 2018The Cut
-
October 23, 2018Women's Wear Daily
-
June 11, 2018ABC News
-
June 8, 2018Entrepreneur
-
May 1, 2018Forbes
-
April 27, 2018Levo
-
April 26, 2018Town & Country
-
April 25, 2018Refinery29
-
April 25, 2018The Business of Fashion
-
April 24, 2018Vogue
-
April 24, 2018Elle Magazine
-
April 23, 2018Fast Company
-
April 20, 2018Refinery29
-
March 9, 2018New York Stock Exchange
-
March 8, 2018CNN
-
March 7, 2018Nasdaq
-
December 12, 2017Forbes
-
November 29, 2017Harper's Bazaar
-
November 14, 2017InStyle Magazine
-
November 14, 2017Elle Magazine
-
September 20, 2017Forbes
-
September 13, 2017Women's Wear Daily
-
August 31, 2017Forbes
-
August 22, 2017Vanity Fair
-
July 10, 2017NBC News
-
June 15, 2017Nasdaq
-
May 24, 2017W Magazine
-
May 11, 2017Women's Wear Daily
-
April 20, 2017Entrepreneur
-
March 10, 2017MAKERS
-
March 8, 2017Vogue
-
March 8, 2017BUILD Series
-
March 8, 2017Entrepreneur
-
March 7, 2017InStyle Magazine
-
March 7, 2017Harper's Bazaar
-
March 7, 2017POPSUGAR
-
March 1, 2017The New York Times
-
November 25, 2016Mashable
-
November 21, 2016Marie Claire
-
November 15, 2016TIME
-
June 14, 2016NBC News
-
June 14, 2016Glamour
-
June 13, 2016Women's Wear Daily
-
June 13, 2016Fashion Times
-
May 2, 2016Fortune
-
January 4, 2016Forbes
-
December 18, 2015Inc.
-
December 1, 2015InStyle Magazine
-
November 27, 2015NY Daily News
-
November 19, 2015Architectural Digest
-
November 19, 2015The Zoe Report
-
November 18, 2015Bloomberg Business
-
November 18, 2015Fortune
-
November 18, 2015The Daily Front Row
-
November 18, 2015CBS This Morning
-
November 16, 2015Who What Wear
-
August 21, 2015InStyle Magazine
-
August 13, 2015Fast Company
-
February 25, 2015Wall Street Journal
-
October 10, 2014Dallas Business Journal
-
July 22, 2014Politico
-
July 18, 2014The Charlotte Observer
-
June 19, 2014The Huffington Post
-
June 10, 2014CBS 3 Philadelphia
-
February 20, 2014Forbes
-
January 28, 2014CBS
-
January 27, 2014Wall Street Journal
-
November 20, 2013Women's Wear Daily
-
November 18, 2013The Economist
-
November 10, 2013LA Times Magazine
-
November 1, 2013Millenia Magazine
-
September 16, 2013Wall Street Journal
-
August 6, 2013Dell
-
August 6, 2013San Francisco Chronicle
-
April 18, 2013The Huffington Post
-
April 10, 2013Times Union
-
April 4, 2013The Huffington Post
-
April 2, 2013MSNBC's Morning Joe
-
April 2, 2013The Huffington Post
-
April 1, 2013The Huffington Post
-
April 1, 2013Newsweek & The Daily Beast
-
April 1, 2013The Huffington Post
-
October 31, 2012The Penn Gazette
-
August 22, 2012Forbes
-
August 16, 2012Project Eve
-
July 15, 2012Fast Company
-
July 8, 2012National Post
-
July 3, 2012Vanity Fair
-
July 2, 2012The Grindstone
-
April 1, 2012Lonny Magazine
-
February 27, 2012Annenberg TV News
-
February 1, 2012Redbook Magazine
-
January 31, 2012The Boston Globe
-
January 1, 2012LA Times Magazine
-
November 17, 2011ABC News
-
October 31, 2011Glamour
-
October 20, 2010The Huffington Post
-
October 6, 2010Politico
-
October 13, 2009The Daily Beast
-
June 8, 2009Women's Wear Daily
Board and Staff
Board
Tory Burch
Founder, Board of Directors
Tory Burch is the Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Tory Burch LLC, an American lifestyle brand that inspires people around the world to live in full color with character, beauty and confidence. The collection includes ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, accessories, home and fragrance.
Tory launched the company in 2004 with a small boutique on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan as well as an ecommerce site. The brand’s classic and bohemian aesthetic resonated from the beginning, and has grown into a global business with more than 250 boutiques from New York to Paris and Shanghai, as well as websites in North America, Europe and Asia.
In 2015, she launched Tory Sport, a collection inspired by the grace and strength of athletes that balances high-tech functional fabrics with classic design and a retro vibe. Categories include Coming & Going, Running, Studio, Tennis and Golf.
Social responsibility was part of the business plan and is an integral part of the company. In 2009, Tory launched the Tory Burch Foundation to advance women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship in the United States by providing access to capital, education and digital resources, as well as a Fellowship program.
A dedicated philanthropist, she also serves on several boards including the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Barnes Foundation and the Jay H. Baker Retailing Center at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. In addition, she is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Tory has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the CFDA for Accessory Designer of the Year, Forbes’s Most Powerful Women in the World and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award. Her first book, Tory Burch In Color (Abrams, 2014), was a New York TimesBest Seller.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in art history, Tory lives in New York City with her husband and three sons.
Hayley Boesky
Board of Directors
Hayley is Vice Chairman of Global Markets at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, working across all lines of business to deepen partnerships with the firm’s highest priority clients. She was previously at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the Markets Group where she served as Vice President and Director of Market Analysis. Prior to joining the Federal Reserve, Hayley worked at Moore Capital Management and separately was Chief U.S. Rates Strategist at Goldman Sachs. Hayley holds a Doctorate in Astrophysics from Columbia University and studied mathematics and French at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also on the Trustees Council of Penn Women and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Susan Duffy
Board of Directors
Dr. Susan Duffy is the Executive Director of the Babson College Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (CWEL), a co-founder of the Women Innovating Now (WIN) Lab venture accelerator, and an inspired educator and advocates for gender equity as a driver of social and economic growth. Throughout her career, Susan has recreated what is possible for the organizations she leads across diverse sectors including construction; food, nutrition and health; and education. She earned her Ph.D. from The George Washington University and in 2016 was inducted into the prestigious Wilford White Fellows of the International Council for Small Business. Susan has been recognized globally as an award-winning entrepreneurial educator, is an investor and advisor to several early-stage companies, and serves on the boards of the Walmart Foundation International Advisory Council, the International Council for Small Business Women’s Committee, and Babson Women in Technology.
Yasmin Green
Board of Directors
Yasmin is the Head of Research and Development for Jigsaw, a technology incubator within Alphabet Inc. focused on solving global security challenges through technology. She oversees the team’s research as well as its work on counter-radicalization and online hate, harassment, and intimidation. Yasmin was previously Head of Strategy and Operations for Google Ideas, now Jigsaw. Prior to joining Google, Yasmin consulted for Booz Allen Hamilton. She is a Senior Advisor on Innovation to Oxford Analytica, a member of the Aspen Cyber Strategy Group, and until 2015 co-chaired the European Commission’s’ Working Group on Online Radicalization. In 2017, Yasmin was named as one of Fortune’s “40 Under 40” most influential young leaders, and in 2016 was listed by Fast Company as one of the “Most Creative People in Business.”
Robert Isen
Chair, Board of Directors
Robert is Chief Legal Officer & President of Corporate Development. He joined the Company in September 2008. Prior to joining Tory Burch, Robert was an entrepreneur/founder, key operating executive, and advisor with various companies; including Bemis Company, Continuum and Viapack. He launched his career as a corporate attorney in Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA before moving on to Paramount Packaging Corporation (a Philadelphia-based global packaging company) as General Counsel and Executive Vice President. Robert received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Duke University before graduating from Boston University School of Law. He is a member of Young Presidents Organization/WPO and serves on the board of Tory Burch, LLC.
Tracey Kozmetsky
Board of Directors
Tracey holds a B.A. from Texas Christian University and began her professional career at Women’s Wear Daily and L’Oréal Professionnel. In 1999, she started her own public relations firm, Engelking Kozmetsky Communications, LLC. Tracey has been involved with the RGK Foundation for 19 years. She is the 2015 Board Chair for the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center and serves on the Board of Directors of Dallas Children’s Medical Center. She is also a member of the Crystal Charity Ball. Among numerous awards, she received the North Star Award ranking her among the top ten civic volunteers in Dallas.
Perri Peltz
Board of Directors
Perri Peltz is a documentary filmmaker, journalist and public health advocate who most recently directed the HBO documentary, “WARNING: THIS DRUG MAY KILL YOU,” about the opioid addiction epidemic. She also co-produced and co-directed the HBO documentary, “Risky Drinking,” a no-holds-barred look at alcohol use. She co-directed “A Conversation About Growing Up Black” as part of the “Conversation on Race” series for The New York Times Op-Docs. Other films include HBO’s “Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro, Sr.,” “The Education of Dee Dee Ricks,” “Prison Dogs” and “A Journey of a Thousand Miles: Peacekeepers.” Perri hosts “The Perri Peltz Show” and “Doctor Radio Reports” for the SiriusXM satellite network. Before working in documentary films, Perri was an award-winning broadcast journalist for NBC, ABC, and CNN. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Columbia University’s School of Public Health and attended Brown University.
Deborah Roberts
Board of Directors
Deborah Roberts is an award-winning ABC News Correspondent for 20/20, Nightline, Good Morning America, and ABC World News Tonight with David Muir. A media veteran, Roberts is a highly respected journalist who has traveled the world in her reporting. She has also served as substitute anchor for Good Morning America, World News Weekend and 20/20, as well as a co-host on The View. Roberts’ long form reports on 20/20 have consistently produced extraordinary narratives such as an intimate profile of first lady Michelle Obama, first daughter Ivanka Trump and an in-depth investigation into abuse within the Amish community. She has reported from Africa on children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS crisis and was part of the historic coverage of the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Roberts has been awarded multiple Emmy awards for her international and national coverage of world events, including her poignant reporting on an Ethiopian American woman’s emotional journey back to her African village to discover her long -ost mother. Roberts is author of “Been There, Done That: Family Wisdom For Modern Times,” a book written with her husband, Al Roker. She makes her home in Manhattan with her husband and two children.
James Robinson
Board of Directors
Jamie is Founder and CEO of TAPP Technologies, a beverage analytics and engagement company. Launching his career as a certified NFL agent, Jamie has negotiated sports and entertainment merchandising, licensing and sponsorship agreements totaling in excess of $500 million. He has also created marketing campaigns on behalf of a number of the nation’s leading brands including Hallmark Cards, GAP, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Rawlings Sporting Goods and Dunkin’ Donuts. Jamie is also a board member of the Marks Colorectal Surgical Foundation and Ashley’s Angels. He is a graduate of Georgetown University. James is the brother of Tory Burch.
Reepal Shah
Board of Directors
Since 2016, Reepal Shah has been an advisor to Robinsway Family Office. Prior to Robinsway, he held key executive roles in various companies in the fashion industry and retailing; including, Donna Karan, Foot Locker, Kate Spade, and Tory Burch, where he was CFO. Reepal received his master’s in business administration from the New York Institute of Technology in finance and operation. He also received his master’s in commerce from India Gujrat University in accounting and auditing. He currently sits on the Baublebar board as an advisor. Reepal has been married to Swati for 30 years and has 2 children Vareel and Pareel. He enjoys spending time with family and friends in his spare time.
Jamie Tisch
Board of Directors
Jamie is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. In 2008, she co-founded Fashionology LA, a children’s clothing store in Los Angeles. In 2003, she co-founded the Entertainment Industry’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund. The Women’s Cancer Research Fund was created to support innovative research, education and outreach directed toward the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all women’s cancers.
Tony Tjan
Board of Directors
Tony Tjan is CEO of Cue Ball Group, a private investment firm focused on long-term and transformative opportunities across technology, media and consumer brands. He also is co-founder and Chairman of MiniLuxe and was the founder of ZEFER. Previously he played senior leadership roles at Thomson Reuters and the Parthenon Group. Tony has written over 100 pieces for Harvard Business Review and is a New York Times best-selling author of Heart, Smarts, Guts and Luck and author of Good People. He serves on the MIT Media Lab Advisory Council and is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Staff
Laurie Fabiano
President
Laurie Fabiano is President of the Tory Burch Foundation, which advances women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship in the United States. Under her leadership, the Foundation has established a national Fellows program for women entrepreneurs, launched a global #EmbraceAmbition campaign to shatter stereotypes and has provided $50 million in low-interest loans to women entrepreneurs in a partnership with Bank of America. Laurie has a long history of advancing philanthropic endeavors. As Senior Vice President of the Robin Hood Foundation for ten years, she helped grow the organization’s grantmaking from $11 to $154 million to support poverty-fighting organizations. She also produced Robin Hood’s annual fundraiser, the most financially successful non-political fundraiser in the country. Prior to that, she produced AIDS Walks and Dance-a-thons countrywide and also served as Deputy Mayor of Hoboken. Most recently, she ran her own marketing and events company, Fab Tool, working with clients including Amazon.com and Harlem Village Academies. She is the author of the best-selling novel Elizabeth Street, which was recently optioned by Sony Pictures/TriStar Television.
Gabrielle Raymond McGee
Chief Operating Officer
Gabrielle Raymond McGee is a creative marketing Executive in New York City where she leads the Tory Burch Foundation as Chief Operating Officer. Under her leadership the Tory digital initiatives have become the go to resources for women entrepreneurs. Gabrielle is responsible for creating the Seed Box, a sold-out curated box featuring women-owned products, marketing the Capital program, which has deployed $40 million+ in loans for women. She conceptualized the digital campaign: EmbraceAmbition.org celebrating female ambition which has reached people in 98% of the world’s countries. Her work has been cited in the international media and she has spoken at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, Fast Company’s Innovation Festival and Google. Gabrielle received the Stanford Intellectual Contribution Award three times. She is an Executive Educator at Stanford’s GSB Corporate Innovation program. In 2018, she was named to the Marketing Hall of Femme, which celebrates the brightest female talent in marketing.
Molly Heffernan
Director, Marketing & Digital
Passionate about storytelling – Molly Heffernan believes businesses can have purpose and a positive impact on communities. An experienced Marketer skilled in digital strategy, and communications Molly has ideated and executed campaigns for nonprofits and major brands, including the Tory Burch Foundation and North America’s largest YMCA. Currently, Molly serves as the Director of Marketing & Digital for the Tory Burch Foundation where she helped launch ToryBurchFoundation.org, the global campaign #EmbraceAmbition, the flagship Fellows Program, first-ever Tory Burch Foundation pop-up shop, and the TODAY Show featured Seed Box. She holds a B.A. from Elon University and an MPA from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
Heesun Lho
Director, Programs
Heesun has spent over ten years in the entrepreneurship world as a founder, investor, and connector and is now empowering women entrepreneurs as the Director of Programs for the Tory Burch Foundation. Prior to joining, Heesun was a Venture Partner at 500 Startups, an early-stage fund and seed accelerator with a global portfolio of over 2,000 companies. She moved from Seoul, Korea, where she was Co-Founder and CEO of Vengine, a recruiting platform for startups. Heesun began her career at YouNoodle, a startup based in San Francisco focused on building a meaningful platform for entrepreneurs around the world. Consulting closely with product and large-scale campaigns, Heesun helped develop YouNoodle’s technology as well as implement and support entrepreneurship programs for large corporates and governments as their VP of Projects. She has also mentored and coached hundreds of early-stage startups over the years. Heesun received her M.A. in Education and B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University, where she also served as Co-President of BASES (Business Association of Stanford Entrepreneurial Students). Heesun remains on the Board as an advisor for BASES.
Sahara Lake
Manager, Programs
Sahara is a Campaign and Community Manager focused on social impact and mission driven business strategies to drive action and transformative results. After graduating from The George Washington University with degrees in political science and dance, Sahara worked as an educator in Baltimore City, first with Teach for America as a 3rd grade teacher, and then with Art with a Heart, where she ran a job-readiness program for youth experiencing homelessness. She worked for the Aspen Institute’s National Commission of Social, Emotional, and Academic Development, where she mobilized over 100 national leaders in education, health, business, and the military to energize communities to support youth academic and emotional well-being. Sahara most recently served as the Senior Manager of Community Impact at DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change. While at DoSomething, Sahara ran some of the largest campaigns for the organization, collecting over 132,000 pairs of jeans for youth experiencing homelessness, donating over 33,000 books to local libraries across the country, and developing a book of diverse STEM Superheroes to inspire young people to save the world. In her senior role, she identified a new opportunity in the business model to serve the organization’s core audience and worked closely with senior leaders to develop the go to market strategy for two separate pilot programs resulting in critical insights used to inform programmatic and internal process improvements. Sahara currently serves on the Board of Directors for the YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester and the Board of Trustees for Greenwich Academy.
Trisha Salerno
Director, Development & Special Events
Trisha is a seasoned development and events professional with more than ten years of nonprofit experience. Trisha began her career working for Susan Ulin Associates, a fundraising and event management consulting firm, handling a wide array of nonprofit clients in Manhattan. She then spent six years working for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) founded by the late Evelyn H. Lauder. In this role, Trisha was responsible for the coordination, fundraising and execution of several high profile annual events, delivering $15 million in revenue annually for the Foundation. Most recently, she worked as the Senior Manager of Distinguished Events at the American Cancer Society and was responsible for one of the Society’s highest grossing fundraisers nationwide. Trisha holds a B.A. in Political Science and Women’s Studies from The George Washington University.Â
Eunice ‘Nis’ Cancino
Manager, Social Media & MarketingÂ
Eunice has built her career on developing and scaling marketing blueprints from the ground up for a variety of brands and licenses including Disney, Barbie and Hot Wheels. She is passionate about leading data-backed digital campaigns and launching channel-optimized content strategies. She has worked on a variety of national campaigns with global brands including KLM Airlines, Stila and Canon aimed at reaching quarterly growth and awareness targets. As a Mexican-born immigrant, she’s equally passionate about advocating for and mentoring underrepresented women in the marketing and brand space. She holds a B.A. in Advertising from Purdue University.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
- Tory Burch Foundation
Q: What is the Tory Burch Foundation?
The Tory Burch Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on supporting the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in the United States.
Q: What are the Foundation’s key initiatives?
The Foundation provides women entrepreneurs access to capital, education and digital resources. Our flagship Fellows Program provides early-stage women entrepreneurs the opportunity to access funding, education, networks and business guidance. In collaboration with Bank of America, the Foundation offers access to affordable loans. In partnership with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and Babson College, the Foundation provides an entrepreneurial education program.
Q: Why invest in women entrepreneurs?
Women entrepreneurs are a vital part of our nation’s economy. But women struggle to access critical business resources to start and grow their business compared to male counterparts.
Q: If I have not yet started a business, can I still participate in Tory Burch Foundation programs?
Currently, our programs focus only on established businesses, but we encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to visit our online resources to help build their enterprises. We welcome entrepreneurs in all stages of growth to be a part of the Tory Burch Foundation community.
Q: Does the Foundation provide loans directly to entrepreneurs?
No, the Capital program is structured as follows: the Foundation connects women entrepreneurs with appropriate Community Lenders in their region. The lenders then determine eligibility and provide affordable loans, which come from our Capital program with Bank of America. Visit our Capital page to learn more.
Q: Does the Foundation provide grants to entrepreneurs?
No, the Foundation does not currently provide grants to business owners. However, we connect women entrepreneurs to Community Lenders who provide affordable loans through our Capital Program with Bank of America. Learn More.
Q: Does the Foundation provide grants to other nonprofits?
No, the Foundation does not currently provide grants to nonprofits.
Q: Do you provide one-on-one consulting to entrepreneurs?
We do not provide one-on-one consulting outside of our programs. For articles and interviews from the most creative and innovative leaders visit our online resources.
Q: Can I pitch my business to the Foundation?
Our programs provide opportunities to discuss your business with expert leaders and peers. We do not have the capacity to receive any pitches outside of our official programs. If you would like to stay up-to-date with the Foundation, subscribe to our newsletter.
Q: If I’m an entrepreneur outside of the United States, can I be a part of the Foundation’s programs?
We are presently focused on supporting women entrepreneurs in the United States but hope to expand internationally in the future. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest from the Foundation straight to your inbox.
Q: How can I sign up for emails from the Foundation?
Subscribe to receive the latest from the Foundation straight to your inbox.
Q: How can I contact the Foundation?
For inquiries about our programs please email programs@toryburchfoundation.org. For all other information please email info@toryburchfoundation.org.
Q: Where do the statistics I see on your site come from?
We reference statistics from studies and research by vetted organizations and nonprofits, including the Center for American Progress, the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, and American Express OPEN.
- Programs
Q: How does a woman entrepreneur apply for an affordable loan through the Foundation’s Capital Program?
If you have an existing business in the U.S. and are interested in a loan, please fill out our Loan Pre-Screening Form. Once complete, a member of the Tory Burch Foundation team will reach out to you discuss your business and provide more details about the loan application process.
Q: What are your qualifications for an affordable loan through the Foundation’s Capital Program?
In order to be considered for a loan through the Capital Program, your business must already be operating and generating revenue. Beyond that, loan eligibility is determined by local Community Lenders and differ slightly by region. Generally, the loans are intended for women entrepreneurs with a sustainable business, a satisfactory credit rating, at least two years in business and a passion for growth.
Q: What happens after I submit the Loan Pre-Screening Form?
Following your submission, a member of the Foundation team will reach out to you to discuss your interest and provide more details about the loan application process.
Q: How can I apply for the education program?
Check our Education Program page, which has the latest information on our classes—or cohorts, as we call them. Once we announce an upcoming cohort, interested entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to submit an application. Top applicants will be invited to interview with the Foundation and our partners. Following the interviews, finalists will be selected and notified. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about future cohorts.
Q: Do you charge tuition for your education program?
No, full scholarships are covered for all selected participants.
Q: Who is eligible for your education programs?
The requirements for the education program are as follows:
- You are woman based in the New York area
- You are the owner or co-owner of a small business
- Your business has been in operation for at least one full year
- You have at least one employee (in addition to yourself)
- You are the key decision maker of the business
- Your business has revenues in excess of $25,000
- You are committed to growing your business
Q: What is the time commitment required for your education programs?
Each education cohort runs for approximately three months. Classes meet once every other week for all-day sessions. Participants must be willing to commit an additional 4-8 hours per week on out-of-class activities.
- Support the Foundation
Q: How can I donate to the Tory Burch Foundation?
You can donate online or make a contribution by check. Please note that while we do accept international donations, all transactions will be processed in USD.
Q: Can I make a recurring monthly donation?
Yes, please visit our donation page to make a monthly contribution.
Q: Is my donation tax-deductible?
Donations made within the United States are tax-deductible. The Tory Burch Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Q: How do I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Tax receipts for online donations will be emailed within 24 hours. If you made a donation by check for $250 or more, tax receipts will be sent by mail within 4-6 weeks.
Q: How will my donation to the Foundation be used?
Every dollar you donate to the Tory Burch Foundation directly funds programs to support the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in the United States.
Q: Are there volunteer opportunities with the Foundation?
Thank you for your interest! We are not able to accommodate volunteers at this time, but there are many other ways you can get involved with the Tory Burch Foundation. Visit our careers page for opportunities or show your support by connecting with us on social media, signing up for our newsletter, sharing the Foundation with your friends, or donating to our programs.
- Requests
Q: Do you donate Tory Burch merchandise to auction off at charity events?
While we appreciate and like to support other nonprofits, the Foundation does not donate merchandise.
Q: Whom can I contact at the Foundation for questions about toryburch.com?
Please visit Tory Burch’s customer care for inquiries about Tory Burch merchandise shipments. The Tory Burch Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is a separate organization from Tory Burch LLC.
- Careers and Internships
Q: How do I apply for full-time opportunities at the Foundation?
Please visit the careers site for open full-time opportunities.
Q: How do I apply to be an intern at the Foundation?
Please visit the Tory Burch careers site for internship opportunities.