GRACE FOODEN

Grace Fooden is an entrepreneurial fashion and beauty executive with over two decades of experience driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across global markets. A leader in merchandising, design, and product development, Grace has held senior leadership roles at top organizations such as Ralph Lauren, Warnaco, Perry Ellis, and Spanx, where she launched groundbreaking categories and achieved significant profitability gains. As the co-founder and former CEO of Biophile Skincare, Grace led the development and global distribution of an award-winning beauty brand, securing partnerships with high-profile retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Blue Mercury. Her work in the beauty space combines a deep understanding of brand strategy with a focus on sustainability and consumer needs. Currently, through her consultancy Grace + Fooden Inc., she provides strategic guidance to fashion and beauty brands, helping them navigate growth, optimize operations, and achieve long-term success. In addition to her corporate accomplishments, Grace is a passionate advocate for advancing women of color in the workplace. She has mentored African American women and girls through organizations such as The Royalty Project and The Collective Identity, as well as through private and corporate initiatives. Her focus is on addressing the systemic barriers, such as McKinsey’s “broken rung,” that hinder career advancement for women of color, providing the tools and strategies necessary for success. A graduate of Parsons School of Design and New York University, Grace is also on the Board of Advisors for Cal Poly Pomona's Apparel Merchandising and Management department.