Kathy Forstadt has three pieces of advice for her daughters when they’re facing a big day: “Be bold. Be strong. Be confident.”
She gives the same advice to her peers in the shoe business: “I think these are three skills that would benefit any woman in the industry,” she said.
Indeed, that mantra appears to have worked successfully for Forstadt, a longtime merchant at Zappos.com, who over the course of nearly two decades has risen from buyer to the role of senior director of merchandising.
However, Forstadt is quick to give credit to great mentors who have advised her along the way. “I have been fortunate to be the beneficiary of both support and guidance from seasoned industry professionals at Zappos and within the broader footwear industry,” Forstadt said. “I would not be where I am in my career today without these amazing individuals. It’s been a privilege for me to have worked alongside them and to have learned from them.”
In turn, she is sharing her own experiences and perspectives with others through her involvement in the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, where she serves on advisory boards for the nonprofit and its Women in the Footwear Industry group; as well as the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation, organizer of the Shoes for a Cure breast cancer fundraiser. “It means a lot to me to be able to contribute and make a positive impact supporting these meaningful causes,” she said.
Watch on FN
A version of this article appeared in the June 3 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On June 5, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation honored these women at a live event in New York City.
