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.
Derrick Tennant is not just a survivor; he’s a thriver. His journey from promising athlete to inspirational speaker is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and love in the face of adversity. Despite experiencing a life-altering tragedy that left him paralyzed and in a coma for three days, Derrick emerged from the depths […]
Drum As One, formerly known as 1st Project, is a globally renowned drumming entertainment act that has captivated audiences with their electrifying performances and unique approach to rhythm. Established as pioneers in the field of percussion entertainment, Drum As One has seamlessly blended the power of drumming with innovative visual and auditory experiences, creating an […]
Eva Saha stands at the forefront of professional hosting, renowned for her exceptional command of audiences both in person and virtually. With a career spanning multiple platforms, Eva’s journey to becoming a sought-after host, emcee, and moderator is marked by her innate warmth, commanding presence, and a natural ability to connect with diverse audiences. Eva’s […]
Never afraid to go try new genres, DJ BritLee emotive musical selections are his own therapy. Having grown up on his father’s eclectic combination of funk music (George Clinton, Morris Day), European electronica (Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream), synth-infused 80s music (Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, Human League)… all which became infused with his own love for various […]
John Sitilides is Principal at Trilogy Advisors LLC in Washington, D.C., specializing in U.S. government relations, geopolitical risk, and international affairs, and Senior Fellow, National Security Program, at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Delivering exclusive geopolitical risk reports, webcasts, and related products and services to institutional capital market and retail clients, he is a professional […]
Autumn Melody Thomas is an extraordinary singer, songwriter, and performer known for delivering electrifying performances that leave a lasting impact on audiences. With her soulful blend of R&B, pop, and contemporary sounds, Autumn brings a unique energy to the stage, captivating both intimate and large audiences alike. Whether performing at corporate events, private parties, or […]
Madeleine Black is a powerful keynote speaker, author, and advocate whose compelling journey of survival and resilience has transformed countless lives worldwide. Known for her courage in breaking the silence on sexual violence, Madeleine uses her story as a catalyst for change, inspiring audiences to confront trauma, embrace forgiveness, and foster understanding. Her work centers […]
Kay Firth-Butterfield is an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) ethics and governance, championing the responsible development and deployment of technology. As the CEO of Good Tech Advisory LLC, she leverages her extensive legal and academic background to guide organizations toward ethical AI practices. Her leadership in this domain earned her a spot among TIME’s 100 […]
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
