Dana Loatman Becomes First Executive Director of the Virgil Abloh Foundation

Dana Loatman Appointed as Executive Director of the Virgil Abloh Foundation

The Virgil Abloh Foundation (VAF), which honors the legacy of the visionary designer Virgil Abloh, has announced the appointment of Dana Loatman as its first Executive Director. Established by Shannon Abloh and her family, the foundation aims to continue Virgil's impactful work and support underrepresented young creatives in the industry. Loatman's leadership marks a significant milestone for the foundation, reinforcing its commitments to accessibility, opportunity, and empowerment.

In her new role, Loatman will oversee the foundation's operations, strategic planning, and program development, ensuring that the spirit of Virgil Abloh remains a guiding force in their initiatives. Her appointment is expected to energize the foundation's work and extend its reach, aligning with its mission to dismantle barriers in the creative fields.

A Leader with Vision

Dana Loatman brings over ten years of experience in nonprofit, philanthropic, and social impact sectors, advocating for underrepresented communities. Prior to joining VAF, she held the position of Chief of Staff for External Affairs at the Obama Foundation, contributing significantly to initiatives like the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. Loatman's extensive background in community engagement, strategic relations, and partnership development reflects her deep commitment to social equity and systemic change.

Shannon Abloh, founder and chair of the Virgil Abloh Foundation, expressed a thoughtful approach in selecting Loatman, emphasizing the importance of finding a leader who resonates with Virgil's vision. She believes that Loatman’s innovative thinking and dedication will help continue the work of opening doors for the next generation of creatives. “Dana’s ability to challenge traditional philanthropy while being rooted within Virgil’s authentic spirit is what makes her the ideal leader for us,” declared Shannon.

Community-Centric Initiatives

Loatman’s initiative is grounded in her experience at various organizations, including World Vision, where she held leadership roles. Her relationships with brands like Apple, Nike, and literary organizations illustrate her capability to forge powerful partnerships that enhance community support. “I am honored to lead such a dynamic foundation dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for diverse talent in the creative industries,” said Loatman, underscoring her commitment to keeping pathways open for emerging creators of color.

At the 2023 Summit 000 organized by Shannon Abloh, Dana took part in discussions to outline the foundation's bold mission and values, demonstrating her deep engagement with the wider creative community. Collaborators and friends of Virgil, including notable figures such as Corey Smith and Marc Eckō, praised her capacity to inspire meaningful dialogue and new initiatives that resonate with the pioneer’s legacy.

Upholding a Vision Beyond Legacy

Virgil Abloh’s groundbreaking influence in fashion and art set a precedent for future creatives. Through his work with major brands and his artistic vision, he managed to elevate widespread discussions about racial equity and representation in the culture. With the launch of the Virgil Abloh™