Women Who Rock: The Class of 2024

Welcome back to FN Daily, where we break down the biggest stories happening in footwear and retail.

Today we're diving into FN's June issue, which features top female leaders in the footwear industry, from Hoka president Robin Green to Jimmy Choo creative director Sandra Choi.

Here's what you need to know.

CNN Star Kaitlan Collins and Brand Architect Marina Larroudé Get Candid About Career Lessons and the Pivotal Role of Women Voters in the 2024 Election

Marina Larroudé and news anchor Kaitlan Collins led off Footwear News' annual Women Who Rock series, highlighting the industry’s influential female leaders.

In some ways, the two New Yorkers have had parallel journeys — their tipping points came during the height of the pandemic. After making a name for herself during the Trump presidency, Collins was named chief White House correspondent at CNN in early 2021. Two years later, after a brief stint on the morning show, she was in the anchor chair hosting her own primetime show, “The Source With Kaitlan Collins.” Larroudé started her business with husband Ricardo out of their Manhattan home in 2020. And during a time when many independent designers have?been closing their businesses or scaling them back, Larroudé defied the odds and became a success, racking up $30 million?in sales in 2023, less than three years in.

At a defining moment for both women, they sat down together to talk about how they got here, the inspiring women who came before them and why it’s important to make the most of every job.

Click here to take a deeper look at their conversation.

Meet the Footwear Women Who Rock

During a high-stakes year for women across the country, these influential power players are raising the leadership bar and mentoring the next generation of female leaders at a time when the industry must do more to support and empower women.

Here are some of the stories from FN's package featuring the Women Who Rock in footwear.

• Why Sharifa Murdock Is Determined to Open to Others the Opportunities They Deserve
• How Robin Green’s Athlete Journey Informs Her Leadership Style at Hoka
• New Balance Exec Melissa Worth Reveals Her Professional Superpower — And the One She’s Still Working On
• Rothy’s CEO Jenny Ming on Leading a Female Power Team and Mentoring Peers
• Tamara Mellon Has Some Sage Advice for Rising Female Leaders
• Jimmy Choo’s Sandra Choi on the Power of Mentoring

FN Summit 2024 Speakers Revealed: See Who’s on ‘The Hot List’

During a critical period for the industry, FN is assembling the innovative architects at the center of the biggest success stories in shoes for a day-long summit on June 25 in New York. Welcome to "The Hot List."

In addition to showcasing the new powers, the event — which will take place at 583 Park — centers around several key themes: the hot markets that are driving the industry forward; the retail innovations that are fueling a brick-and-mortar comeback; the AI revolution; and the critical DEI conversation.

Register now!

Need more shoe news?

• Designer Brands Inc. Acquires Canadian Shoe Retailer Rubino
• Totes Isotoner Sold to Marquee Brands, Randa
• eBay Is Expanding Its Consignment Service to Include Footwear, Fine Jewelry and Luxury Watches
• Caroline Brown Becomes President of The North Face — and the Newest Female Brand President at VF

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