Image Credit: Vans
Vans is a longtime supporter of STOKED’s message of inclusion and community-first methods, serving as a proud partner and supporter of the organization for over 10 years. In 2022, the Vans x STOKED partnership will expand even further. Founded by entrepreneur Steve Larosiliere and action sports personality Selema Masekela, STOKED is a community-focused nonprofit that combines one-on-one mentorship with the joy (and adrenaline) of action sports to help underserved BIPOC youth realize their potential.
Image Credit: Vans
Based in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, STOKED has worked with over 6,000 kids and 4,000 mentors since its founding, using action sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing as “safe spaces” for learning and personal growth. Kids who go through a STOKED program learn more than how to kickflip or catch a wave — they’re taught career skills, life lessons, and the importance of staying active as well.
Image Credit: Vans
The latest chapter in Vans’ partnership with STOKED aims to achieve two main goals: growing BIPOC participation and representation in action sports and providing STOKED participants with access, resources, and educational programming. To achieve these goals, Vans is sponsoring skate activations at STOKED’s NYC and Chicago sites, supporting STOKED’s after-school leadership development programs and weekend skateboarding/snowboarding/
Almost 30 Vans employees have already signed on to the “Career Pipeline” program, and Vans athletes have lent their support to STOKED as well — pro snowboarder Patrick Moore is a lead STOKED ambassador who’s recruited other Vans Snow team members like Jill Perkins, Bryan Iguchi, and Hana Beaman, which helped STOKED raise an additional $100K through its yearly fundraising campaign in 2021. STOKED also supports Vans by leading DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts with Vans staff and the greater action sports industry through employee and athlete workshops.
Image Credit: Vans
To learn more about STOKED, head to stoked.org. We got a chance to speak with Vans Sr. Marketing Manager of Action Sports, Justin Villano to learn more about the partnership. Get into the interview audio below.
Interview Highlights:
Celebrating 10 Years Of Partnership with Stoked.
Sponsoring Skate Activation’s in NYC & Chicago.
Main Goal They Wanted To Achieve.
Favorite Vans Sneaker/ Model.
Favorite Hip Hop Album Or Artist.
Goals For 2022.
What RESPECT. Means To Him.
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