Colleen Clines

Co-Founder + CEO, Anchal Project

Professional Overview
Colleen Clines is a visionary social entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO of Anchal Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women through sustainable design and ethical fashion. With over a decade of experience in the sustainable design and textile industries, Clines has leveraged her expertise to create innovative solutions that drive social and environmental impact.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Co-Founder and CEO of Anchal Project, Clines oversees the organization's mission-driven initiatives, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight. Under her guidance, Anchal has grown into a globally recognized social enterprise, empowering marginalized women in India and the United States through employment, job training, and educational opportunities. Through innovative product design and sustainable manufacturing, Clines has positioned Anchal as a leading voice in the ethical fashion movement.

Career Progression
Prior to co-founding Anchal Project, Clines held various roles in the design and public service sectors, including positions as a Studio Associate at the University of Kentucky, a LIFE Zone Coordinator at Louisville Metro Government, and a Teaching Assistant at the Rhode Island School of Design. Her diverse background in design, community engagement, and education has provided her with a unique perspective that has informed Anchal's holistic approach to social impact.

Academic Background
Clines holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, where she honed her skills in sustainable design and community-centered problem-solving. Her academic achievements and interdisciplinary training have been instrumental in shaping Anchal's innovative business model and design-driven approach to social change.

Areas of Expertise

• Sustainable design and ethical fashion

• Social entrepreneurship and nonprofit management

• Community engagement and workforce development

• Textile production and manufacturing

• Strategic planning and organizational leadership

Professional Impact
Under Clines' leadership, Anchal Project has grown into a globally recognized social enterprise, empowering over 400 marginalized women in India and the United States through fair-trade employment, job training, and educational opportunities. Through innovative product design and sustainable manufacturing, Anchal has diverted over 50 tons of textile waste from landfills, while generating over $5 million in revenue to support its mission-driven initiatives.

Conclusion
Colleen Clines is a dynamic and purpose-driven leader who has dedicated her career to driving positive social and environmental change. Through her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering marginalized communities, she has positioned Anchal Project as a leading force in the ethical fashion industry. With a proven track record of success and a deep passion for sustainable design and social impact, Clines continues to inspire and guide Anchal's journey towards a more equitable and sustainable future.