Search....
CTRL+K
Search....
CTRL+K
Aurora James, Creative Director and Founder of luxury accessories brand Brother Vellies and founder of the non-profit advocacy organization, Fifteen Percent Pledge, has long worked to make the global economy a more equitable place for historically excluded groups. Brother Vellies was founded in 2013 with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques […]
Aurora James, Creative Director and Founder of luxury accessories brand Brother Vellies and founder of the non-profit advocacy organization, Fifteen Percent Pledge, has long worked to make the global economy a more equitable place for historically excluded groups.
Brother Vellies was founded in 2013 with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive. The brand supports artisan communities around the world, creating timeless pieces that celebrate various cultural histories and honor the individuals that make them through fair labor practices and job creation.
The first Brother Vellies collection was a single style of vellies that Aurora James sold at the Hester Street Fair in New York. Today, Brother Vellies is handmade across the globe and has expanded into handbags and other accessories categories, including a home goods subscription service, Something Special.
In June 2020, Aurora founded the Fifteen Percent Pledge, a non-profit advocacy organization that is closing the racial wealth gap by partnering with retailers to diversify their shelves and commit 15 percent of their purchasing power to Black-owned businesses.
Under Aurora James leadership, what initially began as an Instagram post has now expanded to a full-fledged organization with ten full-time staff members. To date, the Pledge has partnered with nearly 30 major companies across industries, including Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta Beauty and more.
By 2030, the organization aims to drive $1.4 trillion of wealth generation by Black entrepreneurs and increase Black business representation by 14.6 percent.
As a result of her advocacy work, Aurora has been awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Founders Award, and named to the 2021 TIME100 and the 2020 Bloomberg 50.
Aurora currently splits her time between New York City and Los Angeles with her dog, Mr. Chow.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Afua Hirsch is a prominent figure in journalism and broadcasting, known for her insightful reporting and engaging presentations. Currently serving as a journalist and presenter at Sky News, Afua is a familiar face on programs such as Sky News World News and Sunrise. As the Social Affairs Editor, she delves into a diverse array of […]
As Founder and CEO of inDinero, Jessica Mah loves helping entrepreneurs run better businesses. She started inDinero back in 2010 to help entrepreneurs with all their accounting and tax needs after going through the same challenges with her own businesses. Jessica has grown inDinero from zero to multi-million dollar revenues with over 100 full-time employees […]
Noramay Cadena is a Managing Partner at Supply Change Capital, a pioneering venture firm that strategically invests in the convergence of food, culture, and technology. With a distinguished career path deeply rooted in venture capital, Noramay’s expertise spans the realms of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. Previously, she served as a Managing Partner at MiLA […]
Trevor Noah is a globally celebrated comedian, television host, and author whose wit, charm, and insightful humor have made him one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. Born in South Africa during apartheid, Noah’s unique perspective on politics, culture, and human relationships is deeply informed by his experiences growing up as a mixed-race […]
With a DJ career spanning over two decades, DJ Johnny Hawkes is a seasoned professional who has captivated audiences across the globe. He’s performed at some of the most popular venues in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, New Orleans, New York City, Southeast Asia and New Zealand. Johnny believes […]
Silvia Garcia, the former International Marketing Director and President of the Happiness Institute at Coca-Cola, is a pioneer in the field of understanding how emotions impact consumer and employee behavior. With her unparalleled expertise, she has inspired millions to revolutionize their approach to sales, customer retention, relationship-building, leadership, and overall success. Silvia Garcia’s insights have […]
Nick Santonastasso is a medical miracle. Not only is he one of four people with the rare genetic condition, Hanhart Syndrome, the inspirational keynote speaker is an internationally known bodybuilder and fitness model—despite missing both his legs and one arm since birth. Nick did the unthinkable when he became a varsity wrestler in high school. […]
Jim Kelly is a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who spent his entire NFL career as a Buffalo Bill. His hallmark as a player was his toughness. Jim is considered one of the elite quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League. He led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls in […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
