As a senior manager of design innovation at LS&Co., Linda Gallegos has a deep appreciation for the power of forward thinking. In her work with the sustainability team, she’s helped deliver such needle-moving successes as Screened Chemistry, which scored us a place on Fortune’s “Change the World” list. It’s that passion for tackling challenges that prompted her to apply to the First Movers Fellowship Program, which just accepted her to the class of 2019.
First Movers was developed by the Aspen Institute Business and Society Program to build the courage and conviction of business leaders to think long-term and act in the best interests of society. The fellowship fosters “intrapreneurs” who are working to help solve the world’s most challenging social and environmental problems from within their companies.
“What really appealed to me was that their mission aligns with LS&Co.’s values and my team’s work,” Linda said. “One of our team’s key purposes is to create long-term solutions to the challenges that face the apparel industry.”
She plans to use her fellowship to further drive the design innovation team’s work. “My project will focus on raw materials and their manufacturing. I’m excited to bring my learnings internally to help us accelerate projects that will address our key sustainability goals.”
Linda joins a distinguished roster of changemakers, including LS&Co. alums Anna Walker, VP of global policy and advocacy; Bart Sights, VP of technical innovation; and Paul Dillinger, VP of global product innovation.
The 30-year LS&Co. veteran credits being immersed in the company’s values for preparing her for the fellowship. “Being at LS&Co. has given me the courage to take on issues that our industry is facing and collaborate to find solutions. And having worked in innovation for so long doesn’t hurt, either. I’m used to a challenge!”
