MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH CONVERSE

For me, having an impact means transformation through human connection. Whether it’s supporting teammates at a Converse Diversity Network or Women of Converse event, painting murals in the Edwards Middle School with students from Project 351, or inviting young female leaders into Lovejoy to interact with Converse employees—change comes from connecting with others to create something bigger than myself.

My favorite program is our partnership with Project 351. It’s a Massachusetts-based organization building a service movement led by eighth-graders. Converse became a corporate sponsor about four years ago. Working alongside the students has deepened my connection with the brand by allowing me to experience what it means to amplify the voice of youth—transforming communities, elevating kindness, and creating opportunity by investing in their courage and compassion. Dedicating even a small amount of my time and energy to help someone else write their story helps keep things in perspective and is a continual reminder of why I love working here.

One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had was in summer 2017 when the Women’s Product Team hosted 130 emerging female leaders from 30 countries as part of the Annual Women2Women (W2W) International Leadership Conference. The day was structured to inspire women and encourage their leadership skills as they developed civic engagement plans for their communities. Members from across the organization shared their expertise in conversations on a variety of social issues. It was a powerful day of inspiration and idea exchange. Opening our doors to create a space for our consumers’ voices to be heard was a testament to our support of youth that goes far beyond product.

Converse has been evolving through the ideas of its employees for 110 years. No matter where you sit in the organization, if you have the right work ethic and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, there are resources available to make your goals happen.

Jocelyn B.

Senior Product Line Manager, Global Women’s Footwear