Meghan is Featured Guest at Women’s Empowerment Event – Plus a Partnership with Cuyana x Smart Works for Tote Bags Donation

On Tuesday evening, Meghan was the featured guest at the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana event, “The Power of Women: An Evening with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex,” at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. The benefit supported the Women’s Fund mission to invest in the lives of women and girls in the state.

Meghan participated in a discussion with Rabbi Sandy Sasso, an acclaimed writer and community leader. The two spoke about women’s empowerment, and supporting young women. Sasso is the first woman rabbi ordained by the Reconstructionist movement and previously served at Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis.

Ahead of the event, Women’s Fund shared this on their website —

“Women’s Fund is proud to welcome Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, to Indianapolis. The Duchess is a mother, feminist and champion of human rights. She is a lifelong advocate for women and girls, a constant thread she weaves through humanitarian and business ventures.”

Advisory board chair, Tavonna Harris Askew had this to share when the event was first announced —

Women’s Fund of Central Indiana believes in the force of women’s voices, women’s experiences and women’s work.”

“We know that Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex does, too,” Harris Askew added. “We are honored that she will join us on this special evening to celebrate our common cause—the power of women.”

Previous guests of the event include Michelle Obama, Soledad O’Brien, Andrea Jung and Brooke Shields.

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Cuyana x Smart Works

Yesterday was Giving Tuesday, the “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world”.

In honor of the day Meghan has partnered with one of her favorite brands, Cuyana to Donate 500 of their Classic Structured totes to Smart Works, of which Meghan is patron.

If not familiar with the organization, Smart Works provides dressing and coaching aid for its clients, so they can represent the best versions of themselves in interviews. Once the women are employed, the organization also gifts them a capsule wardrobe.

More from the Duchess of Sussex –

“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the magic of Smart Works – women’s confidence and lives transformed.” said Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex. “Smart Works invests in women so they know they can thrive in any workplace, and Cuyana is a company that is by women and for women, so this feels like the perfect fit. Similar to the Smart Set collection we created many years ago for Smart Works, this collaboration will support women in the UK as they mobilize back into the workforce. I am proud to bring these two together to further our shared mission of uplifting and empowering women all around the globe.”

Over the last nine years, Smart Works has supported over 25,000 women. 72% of those women have gotten a job within a month of their first appointment, and 95% have reported feeling more confident after their initial meeting with Smart Works. 

A message from Cuyana Co-Founder and CEO, Karla Gallardo —

“We’re thrilled to partner with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex and Smart Works, because for over a decade we have designed totes with both beauty and functionality in mind, to ensure that the collection is equipped to carry women throughout all stages of life. Giving back has always been at the core of our business – whether it is supporting communities of women, artisans, or our planet. This Giving Tuesday, we’re so grateful to partner with The Duchess of Sussex and Smart Works for helping us advance this mission.”

In January 2019 the Duchess was appointed the royal patron of Smart Works. Shortly after the announcement was made, she made an official visit to the charity.

You may recall Meghan’s Smart Set capsule Collection she created for the organization which launched in September 2019.

Meghan has also worn and carried a number of pieces from the brand including the Classic Structured Leather Tote in black, which she was seen carrying at Wimbledon, July 2019.

Mini Chain Saddle Bag (no longer available) / Classic Structured Leather Tote in black, $248 / Pleat-Back Anorak in both navy and olive, $298 / La Sud Day Bag (no longer available) / Luna Ear Jacket Earrings, $198 / Alpaca Scarf, $98 / Wool Cashmere Sweater Coat, $398

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Now our look at what Meghan wore for Tuesday evening’s event.

The Duchess wore the Giorgio Armani Twisted-Neck Jersey Midi Dress, $1795,

She paired the dress with Manolo Blahnik BB 105 Pumps in purple suede, $735. We were unable to find the 105’s but did find them in the 90mm heel, $588. Also available here.

Meghan’s necklace is the Logan Hollowell ‘Baby Queen’ Water Drop Emerald Solitaire Necklace, $3450.

Her ring is from Tabayer ‘Oera’ ring in gold, $3200.

Tabayer has partnered with Every Mother Counts, a non-profit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere. Learn more here.

LINKS

• If you would like to donate to Smart Works visit the site here.
• If you would like to donate to Every Mother Counts here.

What Meghan Wore donates several times a year to various charities including those that Meghan and Archewell support.