Background
The daughter of two public school teachers, Bland was born in 1982 in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C. She was born under a different name, which she continues to keep private out of concern for media attention.
2015
New York City, New York, United States
(L-R) Chief of Technology and Research, Manufacture NY Amanda Parkes, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, MSLO Martha Stewart, Moderator, CEO and Founder, Manufacture NY Bob Bland, Founder and Creative Director Daniel Silverstein, Inc. Daniel Silverstein pose for a photo together during Martha Stewart American Made Summit at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Headquarters on November 7, 2015 in New York City. (Source: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images North America)
2015
New York City, United States
(L-R) Moderator, CEO and Founder, Manufacture NY Bob Bland, Founder and Creative Director Daniel Silverstein, Inc. Daniel Silverstein and Chief of Technology and Research, Manufacture NY Amanda Parkes speak during " Made in America: New York" panel discussion during Martha Stewart American Made Summit at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Headquarters on November 7, 2015 in New York City. (Source: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images North America)
2017
566 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012, USA
Women's March National Co-President Bob Bland speaks onstage while holding her child during Global Citizen: Movement Makers at NYU Skirball Center on September 19, 2017 in New York City. (Source: Theo Wargo/Getty Images North America)
2017
130 Bowery, New York, NY 10013, USA
Bob Bland, Tamika D Mallory, Linda Sarsour, Carmen Perez, Cassidy Findley speak onstage at the Ms. Foundation for Women 2017 Gloria Awards Gala & After Party at Capitale on May 3, 2017 in New York City. (May 2, 2017 - Source: Monica Schipper/Getty Images North America)
2017
130 Bowery, New York, NY 10013, USA
(L-R) Women's March Co-Chairs and honorees Carmen Perez, Bob Bland, Tamika D Mallory and Linda Sarsour attend the Ms. Foundation for Women 2017 Gloria Awards Gala & After Party at Capitale on May 3, 2017 in New York City. (May 2, 2017 - Source: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images North America)
2017
10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA
L-R) Women's March National Co-Chairs Linda Sarsour, Bob Bland, Tamika D. Mallory, and Carmen Perez attend the 2017 Time 100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 25, 2017 in New York City. (April 24, 2017 - Source: Jemal Countess/Getty Images North America)
2017
Washington, DC., United States
(L-R back row) Bob Bland, Nantasha Williams, Jamiah Adams, Ginny Suss, Carmen Perez, Gloria Steinem, Linda Sarsour, Janaye Ingram and (front row) Mia Ives-Rublee appear onstage during the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Source: Theo Wargo/Getty Images North America)
2018
Washington, D.C., United States
Women’s March co-president Tamika Mallory (at microphones) and Women's March on Washington creator Bob Bland (2nd-R) address a rally against the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh in front of the court September 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. Hundreds of people from half a dozen progressive organizations, including students from Yale University Law School, protested on Capitol Hill for a #BelieveSurvivors Walkout against Judge Kavanaugh, who has been accused by at least two women of sexual assault. (Source: Getty Images North America)
2018
315 Deshler St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
Social Movement Award Honorees Carmen Perez, Tamika D. Mallory, Bob Bland, and Linda Sarsour on stage during the BET's Social Awards 2018 at Tyler Perry Studio on February 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Source: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images North America)
2018
Washington, D.C., United States
Women's March Co-Chairwoman Bob Bland speaks while her daughter Chloe Foelger plays with her speech during the Women's March "Power to the Polls" voter registration tour launch at Sam Boyd Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Demonstrators across the nation gathered over the weekend, one year after the historic Women's March on Washington, D.C., to protest President Donald Trump's administration and to raise awareness for women's issues. (Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America)
2008
New York, NY 10018, USA
Fashion goers Brenna Wallace (L) and Bob Bland at the fashion tents in Bryant Park during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2008 on February 1, 2008 in New York City. (Source: Katy Winn/Getty Images Entertainment)
2009
New York, NY 10018, USA
Designer Bob Bland attends Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park on September 15, 2009 in New York. (Source: Katy Winn/Getty Images North America)
2009
New York, NY 10018, USA
Bob Bland attends Mercedes-Benz Fall 2009 Fashion Week at Bryant Park on February 18, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Katy Winn/Getty Images) (Source: Katy Winn/Getty Images North America)
2010
10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA
Diane and Bob Bland are seen around Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 15, 2010 in New York City. (Source: Katy Winn/Getty Images North America)
2010
New York, NY 10018, USA
Designer Bob Bland and guest attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park on February 16, 2010 in New York City. ( Source: Katy Winn/Getty Images North America)
2010
New York, NY 10018, USA
Bob Bland attends Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park on February 11, 2010 in New York City. (Source: Katy Winn/Getty Images North America)
2010
New York, NY 10018, USA
Bob Bland attends Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park on February 11, 2010 in New York City. (Source: Katy Winn/Getty Images North America)
2014
173 W 81st St, New York, NY 10024, USA
Founder of Manufacture New York Bob Bland attends Manufacture New York's Design Incubator during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2014 at Launch NYC on February 5, 2014 in New York City. (Vivien Killilea/Getty Images North America)
2015
New York City, New York, United States
(L-R) Chief of Technology and Research, Manufacture NY Amanda Parkes, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, MSLO Martha Stewart, Moderator, CEO and Founder, Manufacture NY Bob Bland, Founder and Creative Director Daniel Silverstein, Inc. Daniel Silverstein pose for a photo together during Martha Stewart American Made Summit at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Headquarters on November 7, 2015 in New York City. (Source: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images North America)
2015
New York City, United States
(L-R) Moderator, CEO and Founder, Manufacture NY Bob Bland, Founder and Creative Director Daniel Silverstein, Inc. Daniel Silverstein and Chief of Technology and Research, Manufacture NY Amanda Parkes speak during " Made in America: New York" panel discussion during Martha Stewart American Made Summit at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Headquarters on November 7, 2015 in New York City. (Source: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images North America)
2017
1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA
The Women's March Organizers Bob Bland and Linda Sarsour pose at Glamour's 2017 Women of The Year Awards at Kings Theatre on November 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. (Source: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images North America)
2017
1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA
The Women's March Organizers attend Glamour's 2017 Women of The Year Awards at Kings Theatre on November 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. (Source: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images North America)
2017
1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA
The Women's March Organizers onstage at Glamour's 2017 Women of The Year Awards at Kings Theatre on November 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. (Source: Jason Kempin/Getty Images North America)
2017
566 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012, USA
Women's March National Co-President Bob Bland speaks onstage while holding her child during Global Citizen: Movement Makers at NYU Skirball Center on September 19, 2017 in New York City. (Source: Theo Wargo/Getty Images North America)
2017
130 Bowery, New York, NY 10013, USA
Bob Bland, Tamika D Mallory, Linda Sarsour, Carmen Perez, Cassidy Findley speak onstage at the Ms. Foundation for Women 2017 Gloria Awards Gala & After Party at Capitale on May 3, 2017 in New York City. (May 2, 2017 - Source: Monica Schipper/Getty Images North America)
2017
130 Bowery, New York, NY 10013, USA
(L-R) Women's March Co-Chairs and honorees Carmen Perez, Bob Bland, Tamika D Mallory and Linda Sarsour attend the Ms. Foundation for Women 2017 Gloria Awards Gala & After Party at Capitale on May 3, 2017 in New York City. (May 2, 2017 - Source: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images North America)
2017
10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA
L-R) Women's March National Co-Chairs Linda Sarsour, Bob Bland, Tamika D. Mallory, and Carmen Perez attend the 2017 Time 100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 25, 2017 in New York City. (April 24, 2017 - Source: Jemal Countess/Getty Images North America)
2017
New York City, New York, United States
Bob Bland prepares backstage for the Mara Hoffman collection during, New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Shop Studios on February 13, 2017 in New York City. (Source: Robin Marchant/Getty Images North America)
2017
New York City, New York, United States
Bob Bland poses before the Mara Hoffman collection during, New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Shop Studios on February 13, 2017 in New York City. (Source: Robin Marchant/Getty Images North America)
2017
Washington, DC., United States
Bob Bland attends the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Source: Theo Wargo/Getty Images North America)
2017
Washington, DC., United States
Bob Bland attends the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Source: Theo Wargo/Getty Images North America)
2017
Washington, DC., United States
(L-R back row) Bob Bland, Nantasha Williams, Jamiah Adams, Ginny Suss, Carmen Perez, Gloria Steinem, Linda Sarsour, Janaye Ingram and (front row) Mia Ives-Rublee appear onstage during the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Source: Theo Wargo/Getty Images North America)
2018
Washington, D.C., United States
Women’s March co-president Tamika Mallory (at microphones) and Women's March on Washington creator Bob Bland (2nd-R) address a rally against the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh in front of the court September 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. Hundreds of people from half a dozen progressive organizations, including students from Yale University Law School, protested on Capitol Hill for a #BelieveSurvivors Walkout against Judge Kavanaugh, who has been accused by at least two women of sexual assault. (Source: Getty Images North America)
2018
315 Deshler St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
Social Movement Award Honorees Carmen Perez, Tamika D. Mallory, Bob Bland, and Linda Sarsour on stage during the BET's Social Awards 2018 at Tyler Perry Studio on February 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Source: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images North America)
2018
315 Deshler St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
(L-R) Bob Bland, Linda Sarsour, Carmen Perez and Tamika D. Mallory attend BET's Social Awards 2018 at Tyler Perry Studio on February 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Source: Paras Griffin/Getty Images North America)
2018
Washington, D.C., United States
Women's March Co-Chairwoman Bob Bland speaks while her daughter Chloe Foelger plays with her speech during the Women's March "Power to the Polls" voter registration tour launch at Sam Boyd Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Demonstrators across the nation gathered over the weekend, one year after the historic Women's March on Washington, D.C., to protest President Donald Trump's administration and to raise awareness for women's issues. (Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America)
342 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
She graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in fashion design.
6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312, USA
She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
(Sustainable Fashion provides a unique and accessible over...)
Sustainable Fashion provides a unique and accessible overview of fashion ethics and sustainability issues of the past, present and future. This book is the first to situate today's eco-fashion movement in its multifaceted historical context, investigating the relationship between fashion and the environment as far back as the early nineteenth century. Employing an expanded definition of sustainability that also considers ethical issues, Farley Gordon and Hill explore each stage of the fashion production cycle, from the cultivation of raw fibers to the shipment of the finished garment. Structured thematically, each of the six chapters is dedicated to the discussion of one major issue, from recycling and repurposing to labor practices and the treatment of animals. Including interviews with eco-fashion designers, Sustainable Fashion will appeal to students and scholars of fashion, as well as students of design, history and cultural studies.
https://www.amazon.com/Sustainable-Fashion-Past-Present-Future/dp/0857851853
2015
The daughter of two public school teachers, Bland was born in 1982 in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C. She was born under a different name, which she continues to keep private out of concern for media attention.
Bland was sewing by the time she was eight years old and put on her first show in high school, with 32 original creations marching through the cafeteria and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in fashion design.
Bob Bland worked on the design floor for Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, and in parallel started her own label, Brooklyn Royalty in 2006. Bland attempted to source production locally, but faced difficulties. In 2014 Bland said that her line participated in four to five fashion week events since being founded.
In 2012 Bland founded Manufacture New York which operates a 160,000 square foot industrial plaza in Sunset Park Brooklyn named Manufacturing Innovation Hub for Apparel, Textiles and Wearable Tech, and a work hive for independent designers. Bland worked closely with congresswoman Nydia Velázquez and solicited grant money from NY city officials, receiving grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Growth Accelerator Fund, followed by a 3.5 million grant from New York City. In 2016 the organization was part of an initiative named Advanced Functional Fabrics of America that was awarded $75M federal grant from the Department of Defense.
Following the 2013 Savar building collapse which killed more than 1000 in Bangladesh, Bland has called for on-shoring of the apparel manufacturing industry saying that cheap fashion from off-shored manufacturing exacts a toll in lives and lack of sustainability.
Bland originated the idea of the Women's March on Washington and associated international marches held after the inauguration of Donald Trump. Bland tapped Linda Sarsour, Tamika Malory, and Carmen Perez as co-chairs in order to give the march a diverse leadership team.
An international speaker and advocate for domestic manufacturing, ethical supply chains and design entrepreneurship education, Ms. Bland has presented Manufacture New York as a case study in Copenhagen, Seoul, Los Angeles, Raleigh, Washington D.C. and NYC. She has also been featured in two books, Sustainable Fashion: Past, Present & Future (2015), We Own the City (2014); the film “Making It In America: Empowering Global Fashion” and multiple TV interviews including CNBC & CBS Evening News.
(Sustainable Fashion provides a unique and accessible over...)
2015(A new documentary exploring the decline, evolution and re...)
Bob Bland served as a youth minister in Pohick Church, and in 2005 when serving as summer staff in a Woods & Waters Workcamp said she wants her charges to "reach out to people and show them what Christ's love is."
Bland originated the idea of the Women's March on Washington and associated international marches held after the inauguration of Donald Trump.
Bland later criticized the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. According to Bland, white women are complicit in white supremacy as they benefit from it by virtue of being white due to white privilege, and therefore they should let people of color take the lead in the struggle. Bland was praised for her complex stance as being both beneficiary of white privilege, as a white woman, and fighting for change as a minority, trans-woman, non-binary.
Quotations: "Inclusivity isn't just part of the march, it is the foundation of this march," national co-chair Bob Bland told the Washington Post's Sandhya Somashekhar. "We are deeply, profoundly divided as a nation and in order for us to heal those wounds we need to basically take all of the different groups that were not given a platform, were not given a chance to speak, and ensure that there voices are heard."
Physical Characteristics:
Hair color - red
Eyes color - green
Bland married her high school sweetheart, Michael Foulger, in 2009. They were wed at Trinity Church on Wall Street in New York City. They left the city after purchasing a historical home in West Philadelphia.
Bland has two daughters, one born in 2011 and the other born shortly after the US election in 2016. During the Women's march events in 2017 she often brought her baby girl on stage with her, had been photographed with her, and spoken on the topic of modern motherhood. She says it gives her new perspective and reason to improve the world.