Cranford Junior Selected as ANNpower Fellow For Leadership, Commitment to Social Cange

The following information was provided by ANNPower, Vital Voices. 

Sarah Jacobus, a junior at Cranford High School was one of the 50 young women to be selected as an ANNpower Fellow for her leadership potential and commitment to creating positive social change. ANN INC., the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, and Vital Voices, gave this opportunity to a group of exceptional young women from across the country.  

From April 1 to 4, Jacobus participated in the ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum, a three-day leadership training and mentorship program in Washington, D.C.

During the Forum, the ANNpower Fellows received leadership and communications training, unique mentorship opportunities and met with internationally renowned women leaders, including:

• Kate Hudson, Actress and ANNpower Advisory Council Member
• Hilary Rodham Clinton, Former U.S. Secretary of State 
• Kay Krill, president and CEO of ANN INC.
• Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama

Upon completion of the Forum, the Fellows were charged with developing projects to implement innovative solutions to social issues that impact their respective communities. The goal is to create a ripple effect that will benefit 5,000 or more people across the country in the next year. The young women will be eligible to receive ANNpower Project Grants of up to $2,500 to put their ideas into action.

In addition to the three-day, intensive training, the ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum also connects the Fellows to a longer-term support network that will support their leadership development and extend their impact for years to come. "In our global work to train, mentor, and connect women who lead progress in their communities, we've seen firsthand the power of networks to inspire and sustain movements for positive change. I'm deeply impressed by our 2013 Fellows and I'm so pleased to partner with ANN INC. as we collectively leverage our networks and expertise to invest in these remarkable young leaders," said Alyse Nelson.

Upon completion of the Forum, the Fellows are charged with developing projects to implement innovative solutions to social issues that impact their respective communities. The goal is to create a ripple effect that will benefit 5,000 or more people across the country in the next year. The young women will be eligible to receive ANNpower Project Grants of up to $2,500 to put their ideas into action.

Amidst all of their hard work, the Fellows were also able to celebrate and participate in surprise activities at the Forum – they each received a $100 shopping spree at LOFT to find the perfect outfit for future success and a special ANNpower Discount Card that provides them with a 20% discount for the next two years at any Ann Taylor, LOFT, Ann Taylor Factory, and LOFT Outlet store. Additionally, the girls received styling tips on how to put your best self forward from our resident LOFT stylist; learned skin and makeup tips; and received professional headshots.  During the three-day program, Fellows also attended the 12th Annual Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, took part of a Roundtable Discussion with Women Senior Staff in the White House, and met with Dr. Carol Lancaster, Dean, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. 

For more information about the ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative, visit ANNpower.org.