Ashley Biden, daughter of Joe and Jill Biden, decided to give fashion a try. She launched a hoodie line called Livelihood Inc. Her products are made from organic cotton and actually made in the U.S.A. She takes it a step further by donating proceeds to communities that are underserved here in the Anacostia, D.C. and Wilmington, Delaware.
“I chose a hoodie because it is universal,” explains Biden, who also runs the nonprofit Delaware Center for Justice. She added that hoodies were “once ubiquitous with the labor movement.”
Ashley’s line is produced exclusively for Gilt, which has partnered with philanthropic initiatives.
She says that communities can decide what initiatives need funding the most.
“I want a janitor, a school teacher, the local pastor, whomever is involved in the community to sit at the table and to pick the projects for economic development,” she said. Economic development could mean anything from “education, community centers, literacy programs, tutoring, or workforce development,” she added.
Another addition to Livelihood is the interactive website where people can learn about reducing poverty. “We’re going to be talking about policy reforms needed, such as campaign finance reform, tax revisions, [and] minimum wage,” said Ashley. “We’re going to be talking about the importance of civic engagement participation. Because many people don’t believe understand governance, and how it’s set up. [Livelihood] is encouraging people to get involved on a local level.”
