Aurora James, author of widely acclaimed memoir, Wildflower, Creative Director and Founder of luxury accessories brand Brother Vellies, vice chair member of the CFDA, and founder of the non-profit advocacy organization, Fifteen Percent Pledge, has long worked to make the global economy a more equitable place for historically excluded groups.

Founded in 2013, Brother Vellies began with the mission of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive. The brand supports artisan communities around the world, creating timeless pieces that celebrate different cultural histories and honor the individuals that make them through fair labor practices and job creation.

In June 2020, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, Aurora founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge, a non-profit advocacy organization that urges companies and individuals to make a long-term commitment to increased diversity and representation across their business practices and buying habits. Since its founding, the Pledge has signed nearly 30 partners including Sephora, Nordstrom, Vogue, Macy’s, and Ulta, and helped more than 800 companies launch their products with partners.

In 2021, Aurora became the first Black female designer to receive The CFDA Founder’s Award in honor of Eleanor Lambert, and was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. Aurora was also named one of Glamour’s Women of the Year in 2022.