Women Executives Leading the Way: The Power of Giving Back Locally this Holiday Season
Originally published in WE Business & Lifestyle Magazine, December 20, 2025
As the year winds down and the season of giving comes into full focus, the holidays offer a heartfelt reminder of how powerful generosity, compassion, and community can be, especially close to home. For many, this is a time of gratitude and celebration; for others, it is a season when needs are felt more deeply and charitable support to our local communities can make meaningful impact. Often, women executives are leading with purpose modeling the way with a commitment to corporate values and giving back locally.
The Leadership Power of Giving Back
Women in leadership are uniquely positioned to spark change within their organizations and within their communities. They often bring a strong sense of empathy, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to build a corporate culture that values people as much as performance. These leaders are frequently the driving force behind community-based efforts that turn corporate resources into real world impact for local families and communities.
Why Local Impact Matters
When businesses invest in their own communities, the ripple effect is immediate and visible:
- Families gain access to resources they need
- Local nonprofits can expand their reach
- Employees feel connected to a larger purpose
- Communities become more resilient and inclusive
At HYPEACH, we believe that doing good isn't separate from doing business—it's essential to it. Our commitment to giving back is woven into everything we do, from our 1% For the Planet partnership to our Americas-based manufacturing that supports local economies.
Give Back: Local Impact in Action
An example of local impact in action is a recent community-based collaboration between the non-profit Working Wardrobes and the Orange County-based apparel brand, HYPEACH. Through a strategic partnership, the CEOs collaborated to host a Sip, Shop & Giveback night with proceeds and clothing donations benefiting Working Wardrobes.
Two Purpose-Driven Organizations, One Mission
Working Wardrobes is a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals overcome hardship in order to reenter the workforce with confidence. They provide professional clothing, career development, and job placement services to people rebuilding their lives.
HYPEACH, in addition to manufacturing [sustainable, non-toxic apparel](link to non-toxic fashion blog) made in the Americas, gives back to environmental and community-based initiatives that foster meaningful impact locally and globally.
The natural alignment between our missions made this partnership powerful—both organizations believe in empowering people while honoring the planet.
More Than a Fundraising Event
The collaboration was much more than just a festive fundraising night that included women executives and community leaders. It was anchored into the theme of gratitude and included an inspirational fireside chat that explored values-based leadership and the importance of mentorship.
What happened:
- Guests sipped on champagne and shopped HYPEACH's sustainable collection for a cause
- Attendees donated professional clothing for Working Wardrobes clients
- Every hanger of clothing and every dollar raised stayed local, supporting women and men in surrounding communities who are rebuilding their lives and careers
- We spotlighted local community partners including Club Rewire, a non-profit providing mental health awareness to Gen Z and corporate audiences in innovative, engaging ways
The Impact
Collaborations between female executives like this illustrate how brands and nonprofits partner to create high impact, community-centered experiences that embody the spirit of Giving Tuesday and the holiday season—throughout the year.
For Working Wardrobes clients:
- Access to professional clothing for job interviews
- Resources for career readiness
- Connection to employment opportunities
For HYPEACH:
- Meaningful community engagement with our brand values
- Opportunity to support women reentering the workforce
- Platform to demonstrate that fashion can be a force for good
For attendees:
- A way to shop with purpose during the holiday season
- Connection with other women leaders
- Inspiration to bring similar initiatives to their own companies
Women Executives as Catalysts for Local Change
While women leaders are already making a powerful difference, the opportunity for collective impact is immense. Women executives can utilize their platforms to find like-minded partners, inspire employees, and model the way around causes that matter right in their own backyards—from workforce readiness and care for the environment to support and mentorship for underserved youth and the next generations.
How to Get Started: A Framework for Impact
1. Host or Sponsor Community-Focused Events
Create opportunities that invite community participation, not just corporate presence. Our Sip, Shop & Giveback event worked because it was accessible, festive, and purpose-driven—anyone could attend and contribute.
Consider:
- Benefit shopping nights where proceeds support local causes
- Community panels on topics relevant to your business and mission
- Volunteer days where employees work directly with nonprofit partners
- Skill-sharing workshops (resume writing, financial literacy, career coaching)
2. Partner with Trusted Local Nonprofits
Find organizations whose missions align with your company's values. Look for nonprofits with:
- Strong track records of community impact
- Leadership that reflects the communities they serve
- Transparent operations and measurable outcomes
- Complementary missions to your brand
Our partnership with Working Wardrobes works because both organizations prioritize empowerment—they do it through career readiness, we do it through sustainable, accessible fashion.
3. Use Company Channels to Highlight Local Stories
Your social media, blog, and email platforms have reach. Use them to:
- Share stories of community partners and the people they serve
- Highlight local needs and how people can help
- Celebrate employee volunteerism
- Document your giving initiatives (transparency builds trust)
At HYPEACH, we share our community partnerships on LinkedIn and through our blog to inspire others and hold ourselves accountable.
4. Encourage Employees to Give in Personal Ways
Corporate giving is powerful, but personal giving is transformative. Create a culture where employees can contribute through:
- Time: Paid volunteer days, skill-based volunteering
- Resources: Donation matching programs, clothing drives
- Advocacy: Amplifying nonprofit messages on personal social channels
- Expertise: Pro-bono consulting, mentorship programs
5. Form Long-Term Charitable Partnerships
One-time events are great, but sustained partnerships create lasting change. Consider:
- Annual commitments to local nonprofits
- Multi-year program sponsorships
- Ongoing volunteer relationships
- Integration of giving into your business model (like our 1% For the Planet commitment)
Long-term partnerships:
- Reinforce your company's mission consistently
- Broaden your community impact over time
- Encourage a culture of employee volunteerism and service
- Build meaningful relationships with nonprofit leaders
Creating a Legacy of Local Generosity During the Season of Giving
When women executives step forward to champion local causes, they help build resilient, inclusive, and purpose-driven organizations that understand their success is intertwined with the well-being of the people around them.
As the holidays arrive, one message rings especially true: values-based leadership is rooted in service, compassion, and a commitment to others, particularly within our own communities.
The Business Case for Community Impact
Beyond the moral imperative, community involvement strengthens businesses:
Employee Engagement:
- 77% of employees say their company's purpose is important to job satisfaction
- Companies with strong community programs have 55% higher employee retention
- Volunteer opportunities increase team cohesion and morale
Brand Differentiation:
- Consumers increasingly choose brands that align with their values
- Community partnerships create authentic stories to share
- Local impact builds customer loyalty and trust
Leadership Development:
- Nonprofit partnerships expose employees to new perspectives
- Volunteer work develops empathy and problem-solving skills
- Community engagement strengthens communication abilities
What Impact Looks Like at HYPEACH
Our commitment to community and environment isn't a marketing strategy—it's who we are:
Environmental Impact:
- 1% For the Planet partnership (1% of sales to environmental causes)
- Non-toxic, certified materials (BCI cotton, Oeko-Tex certified dyes)
- Americas-based manufacturing reducing carbon footprint
- Q1 2026 clothing recycling program launch
Community Impact:
- Working Wardrobes partnership supporting workforce readiness
- Club Rewire collaboration addressing Gen Z mental health
- GlobalGirl Media board service empowering young women with media literacy
- Local economic support through California manufacturing and our Melrose Avenue storefront
Consumer Impact:
- Accessible pricing ($40-$145) proving sustainable fashion doesn't require luxury pricing
- Transparent supply chain so customers know their impact
- Educational content on sustainable materials and practices
- Intentional products designed to last, not disposable fashion
A Call to Action for Women Leaders
This holiday season—and beyond—I encourage fellow women executives to:
Look locally first. The most impactful giving often happens in your own backyard. What needs exist in your community? Which organizations are addressing them effectively?
Lead authentically. Choose partnerships that genuinely align with your company's mission and values. Forced collaborations feel hollow; authentic ones inspire.
Make it sustainable. One-time donations help, but ongoing commitments transform communities. Think about how your business can integrate giving into its long-term strategy.
Invite your team. The best corporate giving programs empower employees to participate in ways that feel meaningful to them. Create opportunities for involvement at all levels.
Tell your story. When you share your community impact, you inspire others to do the same. Transparency about your giving creates a ripple effect.
Join Us in Making an Impact
At HYPEACH, we're committed to proving that business success and community wellbeing aren't mutually exclusive—they're inseparable.
Ways to engage with our mission:
Shop with Purpose
Every HYPEACH purchase supports 1% For the Planet and our commitment to sustainable, non-toxic fashion manufactured in the Americas.
Donate Locally
Visit Working Wardrobes to donate professional clothing or volunteer your time supporting individuals reentering the workforce.
Get Involved
Learn about Club Rewire's innovative mental health programming for Gen Z and corporate audiences.
Visit Us
Stop by our [Melrose Avenue boutique](link to Melrose shopping blog) at 8360 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles (Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm) to experience sustainable fashion in person and learn about our community partnerships.
Follow Our Journey
Connect with us on Instagram @hypeachboutique to see our community impact in action and get inspired to create your own local partnerships.
The Season of Giving is Year-Round
While the holidays amplify our awareness of giving, the most meaningful impact happens when generosity becomes part of our daily practice—woven into how we do business, lead our teams, and show up in our communities.
As women executives, we have the power to:
- Model values-based leadership
- Create corporate cultures of service
- Support local nonprofits doing essential work
- Inspire the next generation of purpose-driven leaders
- Prove that business can be a force for good
This holiday season and beyond, let's lead with compassion, give with intention, and build businesses that lift up the communities around us.
Because when we give back locally, everyone rises together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corporate Community Giving
How can small businesses give back if they have limited resources?
Corporate giving doesn't require large budgets. Start with what you have: donate your products or services, offer pro-bono expertise, provide volunteer hours, or use your platform to amplify nonprofit messages. Even hosting a donation drive (like professional clothing for Working Wardrobes) costs nothing but creates meaningful impact.
How do I find the right nonprofit partner for my business?
Look for organizations whose missions align with your company values and whose work addresses needs in your local community. Research their track record, talk to their leadership, and start with a small collaboration to test the partnership before committing long-term.
What if my employees don't seem interested in corporate giving programs?
Make giving personal and accessible. Survey employees about causes they care about, offer diverse volunteer opportunities, provide paid volunteer time, and share stories of impact. When people see how their contribution makes a difference, engagement increases significantly.
How much should a company donate to be considered socially responsible?
There's no magic number, but consistency matters more than amount. HYPEACH commits 1% of sales through 1% For the Planet—a meaningful commitment we can sustain. Start with what your business can realistically maintain, then grow your impact as you grow your business.
Can community giving actually help my business beyond just feeling good?
Yes. Community involvement strengthens employee engagement, builds customer loyalty, differentiates your brand, develops leadership skills, and creates authentic marketing stories. The business case for community impact is well-documented—companies with strong CSR programs consistently outperform those without.
How do I measure the impact of corporate giving initiatives?
Work with nonprofit partners to establish clear metrics: number of people served, volunteer hours contributed, dollars raised, clothing items donated, etc. At HYPEACH, we track our 1% For the Planet contribution, volunteer hours, and partnership outcomes. Share these metrics internally and externally to demonstrate accountability.
About the Author
Marlo Hovis is the Founder and Chief Brand & Product Officer at HYPEACH, a Southern California-based apparel brand at the forefront of sustainable and purposeful fashion. With a vision rooted in innovative leadership, Marlo has steered HYPEACH to help transform the industry through a combination of creativity and environmental responsibility.
Under her leadership, HYPEACH has demonstrated itself as a pioneer in eco-conscious design and production in the Americas. Leading with a "planet first" approach, Marlo's dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly practices extends far beyond apparel. With a next-gen mindset, Hovis has longstanding involvement with organizations and causes that advocate for women and environmental causes, including serving on the executive board for GlobalGirl Media, an international non-profit that empowers young women with media literacy training and skills.
A passionate advocate for innovative yet mindful commerce, Marlo leverages her expertise in creative direction and product development to evolve fashion industry norms and practices. Prioritizing transparency and positive impact in every aspect of the business, her work not only appeals to a new generation of conscious consumers but also exemplifies how fashion can be a powerful force for good in the world.
