The Virgil Abloh Foundation Appoints Dana Loatman as Its First Executive Leader

In a significant move, the Virgil Abloh Foundation (VAF) has announced the appointment of Dana Loatman as its inaugural Executive Director. This prestigious foundation was established to honor the legacy of the late Virgil Abloh, an iconic designer and cultural innovator. Shannon Abloh, Virgil's widow and the founder of the foundation, emphasized the importance of this appointment in her mission to continue Virgil's vision of empowering underrepresented youth in creative industries.

Having spent over a decade in various roles within the nonprofit sector, Loatman brings a wealth of experience to the foundation. Her prior role as Chief of Staff for External Affairs at the Obama Foundation equipped her with a unique skill set that she will leverage to foster growth and outreach at VAF. Loatman played a pivotal role at the Obama Foundation, helping to develop initiatives like My Brother's Keeper Alliance, which focuses on uplifting young men of color across the United States. Her collaborative spirit and extensive network will be instrumental in expanding VAF's reach and impact.

Shannon Abloh articulated her thoughts, stating, "Finding the right leader to carry forward Virgil's legacy was a mission I took very seriously. Dana embodies the creative spirit and innovative thinking that defines Virgil's work and ethos. I am confident that her leadership will help us remove barriers and create equitable opportunities for the next generation of creators."

Dana first crossed paths with the Abloh family at a retreat hosted by Shannon Abloh at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, where they discussed the foundation's future. This initial meeting highlighted her alignment with the foundation's core values and objectives, and her acceptance of the Executive Director role serves as a natural progression of that connection.

The VAF aims to support diverse creatives, facilitating their access to resources and opportunities in the creative fields. Loatman stated, "Virgil was a visionary who tirelessly worked to open doors for young creatives of color. I'm honored to lead the foundation as we build upon his incredible legacy and strive to ensure that innovative and diverse voices can contribute to the creative landscape."

Under Loatman’s leadership, the foundation is poised to introduce innovative programs that address systemic barriers and cultivate an inclusive environment. Notably, the foundation will continue its partnership with the Fashion Scholarship Fund to administer the Virgil Abloh™ 'Post-Modern' Scholarship Fund, aimed at supporting young talent in fashion and design.

Corey Smith, VP and Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at LVMH North America, praised Loatman’s dynamic commitment to equity, stating, "Dana's experience and vision will make a transformative impact as we carry forward Virgil's mission. Her ability to unite diverse stakeholders under a common cause is invaluable, and I look forward to witnessing the growth of the foundation under her guidance."

Beyond her role in nonprofit management, Loatman's experience with organizations like World Vision International and the Boston Foundation adds to her credentials, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of social impact initiatives and community engagement. As she steps into this role, she will also have the support of a dedicated board comprising leaders from various sectors, ensuring a diversified approach to strategy and operational planning.

As the Virgil Abloh Foundation continues to evolve, Loatman’s dedication to fostering talent and promoting systemic change will be pivotal in fulfilling Virgil Abloh's dream of creating an environment where any creative, regardless of background, can thrive. The foundation is set to launch numerous expansion initiatives in 2025, promising an exciting future grounded in inclusivity and social justice.

For more information about the Virgil Abloh Foundation and its initiatives, visit virgilablohfoundation.com.