LOS ANGELES (March 26, 2025) – Mentorship nonprofit Step Up and Aritzia, the Vancouver-based design house known for its Everyday Luxury™ wardrobe essentials and commitment to building “A Better Everyday. Together,” today announced a multi-year partnership that will bring free mentorship programs to teen girls at four high schools in cities including Los Angeles and Chicago. Aritzia’s investment means that high school girls will have access to on-campus, after-school mentorship programs to build confidence and career readiness, as well as the support of Step Up’s national community of mentors, which will now include Aritzia team members.
Launching during Women’s History Month, the partnership helps deepen Step Up’s impact and reach, specifically with girls in Los Angeles and Chicago. Aritzia’s multi-year investment underwrites Step Up’s 9th-10th grade mentorship programs at Step Up partner high schools.
Girls who are enrolled at these schools will be invited to join Step Up for its evidence-based, 12-week curriculum focused on exploring careers, building skills, taking action and cultivating community. During the Step Up programs, girls have the opportunity to connect with peers and with mentors, which will now include Aritzia team members, who support them in navigating their high school and post-secondary journeys.
“We are grateful for the impactful investment from Aritzia that will enable Step Up to deepen and expand our transformational mentorship programming for 9th and 10th-grade teens at partner high schools in Los Angeles and Chicago,” Step Up CEO Delores Druilhet Morton said. “At Step Up, we believe that girls deserve to define and pursue success on their terms. This partnership supports our continued efforts to empower teens to navigate life’s path with confidence, community, and capability, and we’re excited to see where this partnership takes us.”
As a women-led company that designs with a focus on women, Aritzia is committed to empowering women within and beyond its walls, which includes fostering long-term Aritzia Commuity™ partnerships with nonprofit and charity organizations that support women and girls across North America. Aritzia continues this focus with its multi-year commitment to Step Up and support in deepening the impact of the organization’s mentorship programs for girls.
“At Aritzia, we’re guided by an equation: Women to the Power of Women – recognizing the collective strength and exponential impact that comes when women uplift, support, and empower one another. Investing in mentorship through our partnership with Step Up is one of the ways we’re helping to equip young women with the confidence, skills, and connections to thrive — not just in their careers, but in every aspect of their lives," Aritzia Chief Impact Officer Renée Tirado said.
Step Up, now in its third decade offering free mentorship programs for high school girls, also offers programs in Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville and New York, along with continuing mentorship support both in-person and on demand for young women everywhere through age 29.
About Step Up
Through structured mentorship programs, focused support, and inspiring connections, Step Up helps girls, and those who identify with girlhood, define and achieve their unique visions of success. Connect at www.suwn.org.
About Aritzia
Aritzia is a design house with an innovative global platform. We are creators and purveyors of Everyday Luxury, home to an extensive portfolio of exclusive brands for every function and individual aesthetic. We're about good design, quality materials and timeless style — all with the wellbeing of our People and Planet in mind. Founded in 1984 in Vancouver, Canada, we pride ourselves on creating immersive, highly personalized shopping experiences at aritzia.com and in our 125+ boutiques throughout North America — for everyone, everywhere.
Media Contact:
Alissa Zito Cruz, Step Up
310.880.9049
