Get to Know NOIR Co-Lead, Faith Maweu

In honor of Black History Month, Madewell and our family of brands at J.Crew Group (JCG) are excited to highlight the leaders of the?NOIR Associate Impact Group (AIG).

NOIR’s purpose is to create a safe space for associate connection, education, partnership, and activation. Through impactful conversations and community building initiatives—NOIR?aims to contribute to the professional and personal development of group members while connecting and amplifying the contributions of Black associates across the company along with allies who wish to join our efforts.

Meet Faith Maweu , Reports Analyst and NOIR Co-Lead for the Distribution Center and Customer Care Center. Read on to learn more her journey to JCG, her hopes for NOIR and how she honors Black History Month.

Q: What made you join the team at JCG?

FM: Prior to my current tenure at the Lynchburg DC, I had the joy of working at JCG as a seasonal associate while I was in college; first as a Customer Care representative and later at the Pentagon City Mall J.Crew store. I have followed and showcased JCG fashion throughout my adult life and when I had an opportunity to change careers/industries from Higher Education in 2021, I decided to look for a company I believed in and one that would be proud to represent. I had fond memories of my previous experiences at JCG and knew I could see myself growing within the company.

Q: What made you raise your hand to be the Co-Lead for NOIR? What does NOIR mean to you?

FM: Last year, during the turbulent time in the country, which involved several tragic events that were aimed at minority groups, I remember the team held a virtual meeting open to all associates who wished to participate to talk about how they were doing, acknowledge the collective emotional/mental strain and ultimately encourage each other. Even though?I don’t believe I spoke during these meetings, I felt like these sessions were a healing balm and that JCG cared. I didn’t feel as alone?and the weight of what was happening around the community (local and national) seemed lighter after these meetings.

I want to provide similar opportunities for others, not just because of tragic or painful events but opportunities to laugh, to feel seen and be heard, to lighten the heart as well as occasions for connection throughout the organization.

Q: How do you envision NOIR will impact the Care Center and Distribution Centers? What are you most excited about in the upcoming year?

FM: Representing NOIR for CC/DC is a great opportunity to establish a way for all associates to have the opportunity to know of and participate in the AIG groups as they wish. I’m excited to have more engagement and participation of Care Center and Distribution Center associates in the AIG groups. Over the next year, I look forward to providing opportunities for joy, celebration and learning; and fostering ways for associates to connect with other like-minded associates.

Q: What are your plans to honor and celebrate Black History Month?

FM: This year, for Black History Month, I have visited a Black Owned Restaurant every week and invited a friend to join me. I’ve immersed myself in watching movies that highlight strong?Black characters and tried to participate in my cities BHM events. As an avid reader, I’ve been introduced to?Black fictional authors, POC lead-character books, and autobiographies/biographies and find the stories and perspectives riveting. I’m enthused to continue in these practices throughout the year and introduce others to them as well.