At VF, we power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our Purpose and it is powered by our Movement Makers—associates who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities and around the world. In this series, we’ll feature these associates and highlight how they’re doing their part to make the world a better place.

Senior Manager, Fabric, Global Material Supply, South Asia
Bangalore, India
3 years with VF

A little bit about me
I was born and raised in Central India. I’ve always loved to paint, and went to an elementary school that specialized in art. When I was growing up, my mom used to do beautiful embroidery. Watching her is what got me interested in art. Love of art must run in our family because my 14-year-old son is also a very creative person and he loves to paint, too!

A typical day for me
As a senior manager for VF’s Global Material Supply team, I help oversee materials for all VF brands. A typical day involves sourcing fabrics for garment operations, monitoring fabric quality and negotiating with suppliers. I have a team of 11 associates from India and Bangladesh who I mentor and support as they grow professionally and manage their respective brands.

What drives me to be a Movement Maker
My parents taught me that through my art and being a good person that I could make a positive impact on the world. Because of that, I have always been involved in community service. It gives me immense pleasure, inner peace and satisfaction when I can help make someone’s life better.

Movements I power
I power VF’s Free to Be Movement Territory, which emphasizes the importance of allowing all people to create and express their passions with encouragement and acceptance. As an artist, I believe art has magical powers to heal, so I use my creativity to help those in need in my community. I am associated with the Art Can Care Trust, a nonprofit that supports cancer patients. I recently donated one of my paintings to an Art Can Care fundraising event and donated 100 percent of the proceeds to the organization. This was doubly rewarding because I had the joy of creating the art, and, at the same time, I knew that I was helping someone in need. I also volunteer with a nonprofit that runs shelters for homeless girls. I’m planning on conducting monthly art workshops for the girls to teach them about art and to give them an outlet to express themselves. Through the workshops, we’ll also create bags from upcycled fabrics and will sell them to raise money for the shelters.

What I’d like to see as an outcome of my work
I want to spread happiness through art and I hope that I can continue to paint until I take my last breath. I believe that introduction to art at an early age has lasting benefits. It relieves stress, encourages creative thinking, increases brain plasticity and provides many other mental health benefits. Sharing my passion with the girls from the shelter, my fellow VF associates and people in my community has truly been a rewarding experience.

Learn more about VF's Movement Makers and the impact these associates are making on communities around the world.