​​
Bahja Johnson, the Director of Banana Republic Global Merchandising is an advocate for creating a diversified workspace. In 2018, Bahja co-founded The Color Proud Council, Gap Inc.’s first product inclusion initiative, with the mission of bringing diversity to the “bottom line of the business by improving product education and pipeline, as well as talent acquisition and retention.”
This council works towards elimating bias through certain designs. All designs made for production will have to be approved through this council -- allowing for multiple perspectives. This council is also creating higher sales in the Gap Inc. One of the councils first huge campaigns was called True Hues which was launched in Gap Incs. Banana Republic stores. It is said that “the line of nude basics includes bodysuits, camisoles, shoes and intimates in eight shades, from pale to a dark espresso brown.” The council as a whole came up with this idea which made the line unbiased.
Gap Inc. focuses mainly on Diveristy + Inclusion (as stated on their website). It mentions that they are committed to equality, opprotunity, and connection. Under their mission statement, they say “As one of the world’s leading apparel retailers, we see an opportunity to stand alongside other leaders and work toward greater fairness for everyone.” The company believes that for as big as they are, they have the responsibility to set to make change. If Gap Inc. strives towards being more inclusive and unbiased, other companies may begin to follow.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dominiquefluker/2019/11/30/bahja-johnson/#57bbcffc78f5https://eoejournal.com/how-gap-inc-s-company-wide-diversity-and-inclusion-council-is-driving-sales/https://www.gapincsustainability.com/people/working-greater-equality-and-opportunity/embracing-diversity-and-fostering-inclusion
