Shawn R. Outler, executive vice president, licensed businesses, food services and multicultural initiatives for Macy’s Inc., will deliver the keynote address at the 79th Commencement exercises of LIM College at 8 p.m. on May 24 at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan.
Outler, who is a member of LIM’s fashion industry advisory board and copresident of the Black Retail Action Group, will also receive the college’s Distinguished Achievement Award and an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree at the ceremony.
LIM, located in New York, offers a curriculum focused on the study of business and fashion.
Outler oversees Macy’s licensed partner businesses, including Louis Vuitton, Finish Line and LensCrafters. She also leads the food services group, which is responsible for creating and operating destinations such as Starbucks and Taste Bar Café, as well as gourmet food statements, such as Stonewall Kitchen and Macy’s Candy Kitchen. In addition, Outler oversees multicultural business development and The Workshop at Macy’s, a retail vendor development and mentorship program for minority and women business owners.
“In addition to being a true role model for our students, Shawn Outler has also actively supported them on a multitude of fronts throughout the years. Her commitment to developing the next generation of fashion’s business leaders is admirable,” said LIM president Elizabeth S. Marcuse.