Marc Fisher Footwear Deepens Commitment to Philanthropy With ‘Make Our Marc’ Initiative
Billboard Women in Music 2025
President Susan Itzkowitz said leaning into philanthropy is top of mind in 2025. “We’re deepening our commitment toward giving back. It’s something that we’ve always done in the company and we have new ideas and ways that we’re going to expand that,” she said.
As a founding member of the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation (FFCF), Itzkowitz has been steadfast on giving back, particularly with breast cancer awareness and research. The footwear industry’s biggest annual charity event, Shoes for a Cure, formerly known as Shoes on Sale, began as a tent sale in Central Park started by Jerome and Jodi Fisher, Marc’s late father and sister.
The family and Marc Fisher Footwear have been dedicated to the cause for decades.
“Susan Itzkowitz is an extraordinary leader, mentor and philanthropist whose heart and dedication have touched the lives of so many,” said Sandi Mines, president of FFCF and vice president of corporate engagement at the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America. “Her tireless efforts have played a key role in raising over $62 million for breast cancer research.”
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the company has launched its “Make Our Marc” corporate initiative. “It’s laddering up everything charitable that we’re doing into this program from an individual perspective, a corporate perspective, even from our brands,” said Shanya Perera, senior vice president of marketing, advertising and PR.
Some of its recent initiatives include donating to the Los Angeles fires and supporting the Two Ten Footwear Foundation. Marc Fisher LTD also works with the Female Founders Collective to highlight female business leaders.
Overall, executives said, the idea is to inspire and uplift. “It’s to celebrate individuals for making their own mark and driving real change in their communities,” added Perera
