Pamela Culpepper becomes first Black woman to sit on Prada’s board

For the first time in its 100-year history, Prada has a Black woman seated among its Board members.

This month, the iconic fashion house’s parent company tapped two new Independent Non-Executive Directors, Pamela Culpepper and Anna Maria Rugarli with Culpepper, becoming the first Black woman to be named to the brand’s board.

Culpepper is coming to the brand with over 25 years in corporate human resources, diversity, inclusion, and more at some of the world’s biggest companies. According to Essence, her experience in these areas will help move the brand forward in its people, environment and culture strategy.

“People who know me and know what Prada stands for, quickly see what connects us –– status quo is simply not an option,” Culpepper told the publication.

“One of Prada’s principles is to go where the risk is. Prada has stepped out front to lead the industry in ESG. It would be easier to fast follow, but that would be counter to both our instincts. Prada is at the intersection of authentically connecting their values and purpose with the needs and will of their key stakeholders.”

“My role is to help strategically navigate that intersection,” she added.

In addition to working on Prada’s Board, Culpepper is also the founder of Have Her Back, a woman-led cultural consulting firm that is involved in promoting equity for all.

Culpepper was the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cboe Global Markets, Inc., one of the world’s largest exchange holding companies. As a veteran HR executive, Ms. Culpepper has over 25 years of experience. She joined Cboe from Golin, where she was the company’s Chief People Officer. For more than 14 years prior, she held various leadership roles with PepsiCo, Inc., including Chief Global Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Vice President Human Resources for Quaker Foods and Snacks; Vice President Human Resources for PepsiCo’s Beverages Supply Chain; and Vice President Talent Management and Diversity for Quaker, Tropicana and Gatorade. Before PepsiCo, Ms. Culpepper held progressive roles with McKesson Corporation, Clorox and Wells Fargo. Ms. Culpepper has a BA in Psychology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master of Public Administration in Organizational Change from California State University, Eastbay.

 

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