D’Wayne Edwards and his PENSOLE Academy are joining forces with Portland State University and an esteemed list of historically black colleges and universities in an effort to increase diversity in the footwear industry. Howard University, Morehouse College, Fisk University, Spelman College, Tuskegee University and Coppin State University are slated to participate in this footwear-focused exchange program, which is aiming to host five students starting in January 2015. Starting small in numbers to better control the experience, students will be mentored by Edwards over the course of a six-month period, ultimately earning a certificate in PSU’s Athletic and Outdoor Industry program.
“Our industry has a severe problem from a diversity point of view,” Edwards said. Industry leaders “all recognize the issue, they all want to resolve it, they just haven’t done anything about it.”
Edwards, who has previously worked as a designer for Nike and Jordan Brand, is supported by former mentor Tinker Hatfield and Lauren Beitelspacher, director of PSU’s Athletic and Outdoor Program, in his efforts.
“One of the things we’ve heard in the industry is that there just aren’t a lot of women and minorities applying for positions,” Beitelspacher said.
“I’m all for it. I support this fully,” said Hatfield. “It’s something that’s appropriate for this locale. Diversity is something we’re all looking for and want to achieve, not just because it’s a rule or a law but we have a diverse group of customers and it makes good business sense.”
Source: OregonLive.com
