Steve Madden Announces $1 Million Partnership with Voto Latino in Support of a Thriving Democracy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Danny Turkel
[email protected]
AUSTIN, TX – Steve Madden, a leading designer and retailer of fashion footwear and accessories, announced a national partnership with Voto Latino, a non-partisan civic engagement organization, to encourage diverse voter participation ahead of the 2020 presidential elections. The partnership was announced at Voto Latino’s annual Power Summit, a two-day gathering of Latinx organizers, policymakers and influencers.
“I’m honored to be involved with Voto Latino. I work with many Latinos – who are an amazing example of what it means to be American. Given all the issues around immigration, I want to help encourage this community to turn out to vote. Even if they don’t vote the way I would – that’s the American way,” said Steve Madden, Founder, Creative & Design Chief of Steve Madden.
Next year will mark the first time ever that young people will make up a larger population than the baby boomers by about 12 million eligible voters. Powered with this information, Steve Madden’s mission is to make their customers feel confident and empowered, which aligns with Voto Latino’s goal to educate, empower and engage young people. Both recognize youth’s agency and power and seek to meet them where they are.
“Never in recent history has participating in our democracy been seen as so hip and important. Last year, for the first time in 100 years, we saw historic participation at the voting booth. And for the first time, young voters came and flexed making up 1 out of every 5 voters, ” said Maria Teresa Kumar, President and CEO of Voto Latino. “Although 24% of all voters last year were first time voters, a voting registration gap remains with roughly 12 million unregistered young people. Partnering with Steve Madden stores lets us meet them where they are to help close that gap. And it allows young people to take the reins to build their future.”
The partnership will focus on registration efforts nationwide. Steve Madden employees across the country will encourage customers to vote using Voto Latino’s VoterPal app, which allows people to register in three easy steps directly on their phone. Events and awareness drives will be organized throughout 2019 and 2020.
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About Voto Latino
Voto Latino is a pioneering civic media organization that seeks to transform America by recognizing Latinos’ innate leadership. Through innovative digital campaigns, pop culture, and grassroots voices, we provide culturally relevant programs that engage, educate and empower Latinos to be agents of change. Together, we aim to build a stronger and more inclusive democracy.
About Steve Madden
Steve Madden designs, sources and markets fashion-forward footwear and accessories for women, men and children. In addition to marketing products under its own brands including Steve Madden®, Dolce Vita®, Betsey Johnson®, Blondo®, Report®, Brian Atwood®, Cejon®, GREATS®, BB Dakota®, Mad Love® and Big Buddha®, Steve Madden is a licensee of various brands, including Anne Klein®, Kate Spade®, Superga® and DKNY®. Steve Madden also designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. Steve Madden’s wholesale distribution includes department stores, specialty stores, luxury retailers, national chains and mass merchants. Steve Madden also operates 226 retail stores (including eight internet stores). Steve Madden licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products, including ready-to-wear, outerwear, eyewear, hosiery, jewelry, fragrance, luggage and bedding and bath products. For local store information and the latest Steve Madden booties, pumps, men’s and women’s boots, fashion sneakers, dress shoes, sandals and more, visit http://www.stevemadden.com.