Female Entrepreneurs
Cartier is best known for its exquisite fine jewelry, but the brand’s contributions go beyond baubles. Each year the Cartier women’s initiative program helps female entrepreneurs reach their potential through programs that empower their businesses and enrich their lives. In the 15 years since CWI began, its awards, fellowships, and leadership programs have helped 262 fellows and provided more than six million dollars in grants to companies whose work is a force for societal good. 2022’s took place during the Dubai Expo 2020 on International Women’s Day, where changemakers from across the globe gathered to celebrate remarkable women.
That conversation came in the middle of the pandemic, so the first CWI event Shahidi attended happened virtually. “At that time, we weren’t able to meet in person, but we had a wonderful conversation about the importance of diversity and inclusion,” she says. “To be in a partnership where we can have these gatherings—virtually or face to face—is wonderful. We get to celebrate 15 years of supporting women globally through these initiatives while creating moments like the gala. So this is a partnership that fulfills me creatively and touches where my heart is in terms of the mission.”
Addressing the audience in Dubai, the star stepped into a familiar role: public speaker. “Coming out of two years where I did so much speaking, but it was all from the comfort of my bedroom or downstairs in my office, being physically back on a stage feels like a brand new experience,” says Shahidi. “I love the energy and fun that comes from being in the same room with everyone [and] there are so many incredible women. I dove into their work beforehand, especially those involved in technology. There are developers who are creating new ways for young women to enter the world of coding, opening up pathways so that programming [as a field] is more equitable. I was also impressed by an incredible Filipina entrepreneur, who has started a platform to teach kids about building credit, which is important considering its inaccessibility and how it impacts our mobility. The tools she’s created sets people up for success long term, and she’s just trailblazer among many here.”
Given the impact the attendees have, Shahidi wanted her keynote to focus on a meaningful topic, and the one she selected was deeply personal. “This is a truly intergenerational gathering, so I wanted to discuss the impact that intergenerational exchange has had on my life,” says Shahidi. “So much of who I am stems from my grandparents and the generations who came before me, the mentors that I’ve picked up along the way. These people have been so important to me, so I wanted to share the message that whether consciously or unconsciously, everyone who takes on a project tied to social justice and equity is doing intergenerational work. Their contributions have meaning for years to come, so how do we approach that with greater awareness of the power that holds? “
In keeping with that spirit, Shahidi noted the role the fashion community can have in creating such change. “Fashion and self-expression hold so much power,” she says. “When you think about the ways in which discrimination has played out, so much of it has been about policing expression. Any attempt to make fashion more inclusive, accessible, thoughtful, and capable of giving people the tools and agency to express themselves is so important. Initiatives like Cartier’s shouldn’t be an afterthought; they need to become part of the business model.”
Image may contain Human Person Yara Shahidi Clothing Apparel Audience Crowd Sleeve and Long Sleeve
Photo: Courtesy Yara Shahidi
1/7
Rehearsing the morning of my keynote speech.
Photo: Courtesy Yara Shahidi
2/7
Inside the Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 in collaboration with Cartier. What a beautiful exhibit highlighting women’s impact in creating a better world!
Image may contain Flooring Human Person Floor Corridor Wood Lighting Clothing Apparel and Purple
Photo: Courtesy Yara Shahidi
3/7
“Let’s end inequality together.”
WATCH
Heohwan Simulation: Fall 2016 Video Fashion Week
Image may contain Clothing Apparel Evening Dress Fashion Gown Robe Hair Human and Person
Photo: Courtesy Yara Shahidi
4/7
Humbled to stand among so many inspirational women.
Photo: Courtesy Yara Shahidi
5/7
Getting ready for the 15th anniversary of the Cartier Women’s Initiative. CWI celebrated eight former fellows and the extraordinary impact that their businesses have achieved over the years.
Image may contain Gold
Photo: Courtesy Yara Shahidi
6/7
The Juste un Clou rings, Clash de Cartier necklace and bracelet, and Panthère de Cartier bracelet.
Photo: Courtesy Yara Shahidi
7/7
The final look, honored to give the keynote address for the CWI Impact Awards ceremony.
Topics
Philanthropy
Vogue
The latest fashion news, beauty coverage, celebrity style, fashion week updates, culture reviews, and videos on Vogue.com.
MORE FROM VOGUE
NEWSLETTER
CUSTOMER CARE
CONTACT US
ABOUT VOGUE
CAREERS
SEE MORE STORIES
FASHION
BEAUTY
CULTURE
LIVING
RUNWAY
THE GET
MAGAZINE
SITEMAP
ACCESSIBILITY HELP
MASTHEAD
CONDÉ NAST SPOTLIGHT
COOKIES SETTINGS
© 2022 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices
CN Fashion & Beauty
Select international site
United States
About the Creator
Md.Nahid Hassan
I have been learning a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.", I am Nahid Ahmed, a professional digital marketing expert. My mission is client satisfaction. I have completed a bunch of projects and gather quality.
Keep reading
More stories from writers in The Swamp and other communities.
We Are Not Lazy Because We Are On Benefits
My life has not been easy. I struggled at school with bullying and school work with very little support available to me, and that continued into adulthood, where it interfered with my mental health, and my ability to find work.
By Carol Townend22 days ago in The Swamp
It Happened
Introduction Three years ago I joined Vocal to win a big prize. That never happened, but this did. What Did? As you know I have a fascination with numbers and tend to track what happens to my account via Vocal's flawed statistics. As I hit certain numbers of stories, I tend to share them with others on Vocal.
By Mike Singleton - Mikeydred6 days ago in Writers
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.