ANNpower launches search for next-gen female leaders

50 young women will be selected and invited to the ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., June 16 – 19, 2014, where they will receive leadership training from influential women leaders who are part of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network, as well as executives from ANN INC., including the Company's President and CEO, Kay Krill.

The Forum's curriculum equips these aspiring young leaders with the training and mentorship they need to realize their full potential as future leaders.  Armed with these new skills, the Fellows will then return to their communities to create projects to affect change and apply for project grants to put their ideas into action.  ANNpower Grants will be awarded in the Fall of 2014, and winning Fellows will spend the school year implementing their projects and receiving mentoring from ANN INC. associates.

"We look forward to welcoming our next class of ANNpower Fellows," said Kay Krill, President and CEO, ANN INC.  "These girls are so committed to making a difference in their communities and the world.  I have so much confidence in the Fellows we have seen come through the program and cannot wait to be further inspired by this next group of young women."

"ANNpower Fellows are passionate and innovative trailblazers implementing truly effective and sustainable programs in their communities," said Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership. "We are proud to partner with ANN INC., together providing unique and life-changing opportunities for these young women leaders."

Selected Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in high profile global leadership events throughout the year. This past year, six ANNpower Fellows were given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness history in the making and travel to Burma to attend the Women's Forum Myanmar, the first of its kind in the country.  During the nine-day trip, the Fellows engaged with global women leaders while immersing  themselves in the Burmese culture, a country which is undergoing rapid transformation as it opens up to dialogue and exchange both domestically and regionally.

"Being an ANNpower Fellow has been an amazing opportunity that has shaped who I am today. I learned so much by participating in this historic event, hearing stories from influential world leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi and Melanne Verveer. The experience was extremely powerful and I left inspired to do more with the project I'm implementing in my community." – Emily Kosse, 2012 ANNpower Fellow and Grantee.

During the months of January and February, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada will support the search for the next generation of leaders in store with the ANNpower call-to-action: "Know a girl who wants to change the world?" Additionally, the 50 young women selected will received a special discount card redeemable for two years at Ann Taylor and LOFT.

Ann Inc