Black History Month Spotlight: Patrice, Director – AE Global Merchandising

February is Black History Month, a moment for honoring and celebrating the impact of Black people throughout history. At AEO, we are taking this time to reflect on the significance of the Black community as we seek to amplify their voices, stories and contributions.

Meet Patrice, Director – AE Global Merchandising for International! Patrice shares where she finds her joy, why she values mentorship and what Black History Month means to her below.

How long have you been with AEO?

I’ve been with AEO since April 2024!

What is your current role and can you tell us a little about what you do?

I am Director of Global Merchandising over Men’s Apparel and Accessories. My team and I use key performance indicators to help drive profitable sales growth and build global assortment strategies each season across licensed, franchise and owned brand stores in LATAM, the Middle East, Europe and APAC.

When you started out, did you think you’d be doing what you’re doing today?

I’ve always loved merchandising and product. I think the international piece is the biggest surprise– and the best one because it’s so interesting.

What is a piece of advice you wish you were given when you started working?

Things will not always be fair or make sense, but a strong mind, heart and work ethic go a long way. I’m also so grateful I learned early that mentorship is valuable, specifically from people who look like me and can share advice and wisdom.

Who do you admire either personally or professionally? How has this person changed the way you look at life and how you show up in the world?

I admire people who lead with authenticity, are able to influence and value learning. It’s too hard to name just one because some show up more one way, but here are a few: My late grandmothers, Solange Knowles and Aurora James. I’m inspired by these women to remember who I am, where I’m from, my values and to stay inspired!

What is something you’ve accomplished in the past year that you’re proud of?

Getting accustomed to a new role, new team and life back in NYC.

What is on the top of your bucket list?

Going in person to see a live taping of SNL… has to be a good guest! Hate I missed Dave Chappelle.

What does the significance of Black History Month mean to you?

I think it’s really hard for one or all of us to know where we’re going if we don’t know where we’ve been. Black History is part of American History, and to me it’s important for us all to know it. This month is a time when there’s a gaze and honor on Blackness and accomplishments from a culture of people that legally didn’t have freedom or opportunity for generations. I’m so proud to be Black, and it makes me happy to teach others about our part in American history, even as it stands today.

As a closing thought, what is bringing you joy right now?

I try to be intentional about seeking joy. Family and seeing my parents enjoy their retirement– they both came from little means and achieved a lot. My mom was part of the first class to integrate her high school, and my Dad was often one of a handful of Black lawyers in his space throughout his career. It makes me happy to see them living their best lives.

TaJane N. – Director, Product Management, Tapped to Participate in the 2025 Cohort of TALI’s Executive Leadership Academy

Congratulations to our very own TaJane (Taj) Nolen, Director – Product Management, on her selection to The Advanced Leadership Institute’s (TALI) 2025 Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) cohort! Taj is AEO’s first leader to join the program, and we are incredibly proud of her achievement. 

Together with Carnegie Mellon University, TALI has developed a world-class executive education program, creating ladders of opportunity for participants as they seek to drive personal growth and broaden community impact. AEO has proudly supported the organization since 2023. 

Below, Taj offers insights into her career, what she’s most looking forward to taking away from the program and how she hopes to apply her learnings to her role at AEO.

Tell us about your role at AEO!

Sure! I’m a Director of Product Management on the digital side of the business. I have an incredible team that manages the search and browse experience on the website and the full mobile app experience. I’ve been in various roles in the company, starting as a merchandising intern back in 2012! It’s been a great journey and I’ve loved being able to continue finding new things to learn at a company that I love. 

Why did you want to join TALI’s ELA?

I am a lifelong learner. As Abigail Adams once said, I believe that “learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence”. My participation in TALI’s ELA is one way that I am diligently seeking learning and growth. 

This program has already given me so many skills that bring immediate value to my day to day while also giving me lessons that I can apply as I look forward to my career at AEO. And it’s a beautiful benefit that I get to do it in such an affirming space that includes other African American professionals. I knew that it would be an eye opening and valuable experience and so far it has delivered above and beyond what I could have imagined. 

What are you most looking forward to taking away from the ELA?

I am most looking forward to being a witness to my own growth throughout the program. During the first session, we were challenged to think about our own personal vision statements, our networks and our goals in a way that was refreshing and impactful. After just one session, there’s a difference in the way that I show up to my team, my colleagues and others. They are providing invaluable tools and I get to apply them in the way that works for me and my personal brand. It’s truly a joy! And there are 20 other people that I get to learn from and grow with. 

As a bonus, the ELA program counts toward an Executive Certificate from the Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business – I look forward to taking advantage of this opportunity to receive even more training!

How do you hope to apply your learnings from the ELA to your role at AEO?

I am bringing back every single learning – whether it’s through the way that I show up or through the way that I coach and mentor others. Metaphorically, I will fill my cup with all of the lessons and learnings from the program and allow them to overflow into my work and relationships here at AEO. When I look forward to how I want to be remembered as a leader, it’s for being effective, sure, but mostly for being empathetic, generous and authentic. This program is helping me marry those together so that I show up as my full self in every space.

Any parting words of motivation or encouragement for fellow associates who might be interested in applying to TALI’s programs? 

To anyone considering the program, apply. To anyone who believes that you may not be a good fit or you may not get in – apply. This is an opportunity to join a phenomenal program with people who care deeply about equipping you with the tools to better yourself, your team and your community. So, again, I say – apply. 

Pictured left to right: Evan Frazier, President and CEO – TALI, Taj Nolen, AEO and Terry Roberts, AEO

Black History Month Spotlight: William, Sr. Manager – Visual, License & Key Accounts – International

February is Black History Month, a moment for honoring and celebrating the impact of Black people throughout history. At AEO, we are taking this time to reflect on the significance of the Black community as we seek to amplify their voices, stories and contributions.

Meet William, Sr. Manager – Visual, License & Key Accounts for the International organization! William shares which industry icon sparked his passion for fashion, what he’s hoping to cross off of his bucket list in 2025, and why this month is so important below.

How long have you been with AEO?

4.5 years.

What is your current role and can you tell us a little about what you do?

Currently, I’m the Sr. Manager of VM for International. Basically, I help bridge the gap between our omni VM and our international license and key accounts. 

When you started out, did you think you’d be doing what you’re doing today?

More or less! While I’m doing a good amount of my initial job, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my role into areas like styling and managing our VM field team. It can be a lot but I look at it as stretching my professional muscles, ultimately making me stronger throughout my career. 

What is a piece of advice you wish you were given when you started working?

Observe first, change later. 

Who do you admire either personally or professionally? How has this person changed the way you look at life and how you show up in the world? 

Andre Leon Talley was always a hero to me. Seeing someone who looked like me in such a rarified world made me love fashion at an early age. I miss his brand of elegance in the world today; it’s so sorely needed. I also really admire my mom. She taught me how to be fab and also gave me the soundest piece of advice I use to this day: “Not everyone was raised like you or afforded the same privileges; approach every stranger with compassion and a warm smile.”

What is on the top of your bucket list?

In 2025, I’d like to travel to the Scandinavian countries, buy more vintage, go to more concerts (Beyonce is plotting something) and get a cat (I stan a British Shorthair furbaby).  

What does the significance of Black History Month mean to you? 

To me, Black History Month means celebrating the achievements, progress and impact of the black community in America and the world at large. Being Black comes with generational strings attached that can often restrict the celebration of our vast contributions. This month is a chance for us to truly revel in the joy and triumph of our community, showing others the power and influence we wield. 

As a closing thought, what is bringing you joy right now?

It can be really challenging finding joy in the world right now but for me it’s been reconnecting with my people. I’ve been trying to have more hangouts, write more letters/cards and make more phone calls to make sure I’m showing up for my friends and family. That has truly made a difference! 

WWD: Todd Snyder Goes Schoolboy Chic for Fall 2025 Collection

By: Jean E. Palmieri | Link to article

A strong tailored clothing assortment and uniform-inspired silhouettes marked the designer’s elevated offering.

Todd Snyder has gotten his mojo back when it comes to fashion shows.

Since returning to the runway a year ago as a guest designer at Pitti Uomo in Florence, the New York-based designer realized how much he missed the experience and the opportunity to showcase the craftsmanship and innovative fabrics he works so hard to achieve.

“Last year was my first show in a while and it really invigorated me,” he said.

And it shows.

For this season’s show at the Academy Mansion on the Upper East Side, Snyder reimagined the space as “an old French boarding school that we turned into a rave,” he said during a preview. The inspiration for the collection started with a neighborhood in France: Saint-Germain in the 1980s, and the music, nightlife, artists — and uniforms — that defined the area. As he wrote in his show notes: “Undergrads loitering outside class in shorts and neckties, a writer having coffee at Café de Flore, keeping warm in a great coat he thrifted at Les Puce de Saint-Ouen, businessmen in three-piece suits ducking into Le Voltaire for dinner.”

All of these archetypes would feel comfortable donning the pieces in Snyder’s fall collection, which offered traditional silhouettes — heavy on tailored clothing. Silhouettes were also updated and were oversized without being balloon-like, giving the tailored pieces a modern twist.

“It gets me back into tailoring, which I love, and allows me to create the perfect armhole or shoulder,” he said. “We’ve been selling a lot more suits and it’s been our number-one category in the past 12 months.”

Snyder also continued to move beyond the subdued traditional menswear palette by infusing the collection with rich fabrics such as velvets, silk brocades and cashmere in an array of colors such as military green, aubergine and obsidian blue.

“In the spring, we experimented with color,” Snyder said, “and it gave me the confidence to express myself in new and different ways.”

That included some standout pieces such as a great coat in olive with military details. But instead of being scratchy and stiff, the fabrics on this and the rest of the collection were reinvented to be soft and comfortable. “My favorite thing is to take traditional fabrics and reinterpret them,” he said. Think a Harris tweed made from wool, double-breasted suits in wool crepe and mohair “Granddad” sweaters in cashmere inspired by British and French pieces from the 1950s and ‘60s.

Double-breasteds were a big part of the collection, showing up in everything from silk linen suits to tuxedos. Snyder said this collection includes the most formalwear he has ever shown, and he stepped out with pieces such as a white velvet tuxedo jacket with a shawl collar and an eggplant-colored dinner jacket.

Among the standout pieces was a cashmere double-face coat in a mint green that weighed 1,000 grams per square meter, he said. “Outerwear has always been the ultimate expression for me,” he said. Creating strong pieces is a lot like studying architecture, and “it separates the men from the boys,” he believes.

The collection overall presented an elevated take on the season. And while Snyder said he created some less expensive pieces as well, it was the higher-priced items that stood out. “We have an amazing business and this pinnacle product sets the stage for everything else,” he said.

While the collection was the star of the show, to set the tone, Snyder turned to Jivan Calderone, son of music producer and DJ Victor Calderone and his wife, interior designer Athena Calderone. “Music is a very important instrument to set the tone,” Snyder said.

There were also some famous faces both walking the runway — Holden Fraser, son of actor Brandon Fraser(sitting front row); Jackson and Atticus Wakefield, sons of Camilla Nickerson, and James Turlington, nephew of Christy Turlington — as well as the front row that included Aaron Tveit.

2024: Our Year Was Better Together

As we kickoff a new fiscal year, we are inspired by all of the ways we embraced a collaborative spirit and worked better together in 2024—from major anniversaries and hall of fame moments to epic collabs and inspiring new generations through positivity, community and connection.

A special THANK YOU to our associates for bringing so many amazing initiatives to life last year. The passion for ensuring AEO and our portfolio of brands were at the forefront of culture and retail shined bright in 2024. We could not have accomplished any of this without you.

Take a look back at some of the milestone moments that made our business, brands and community stronger️ in 2024.

Black History Month Spotlight: Lauryn – Coordinator, Email and Mobile Marketing, AE

February is Black History Month, a moment for honoring and celebrating the impact of Black people throughout history. At AEO, we are taking this time to reflect on the significance of the Black community as we seek to amplify their voices, stories and contributions.

Meet Lauryn – Coordinator, Email and Mobile Marketing for the American Eagle brand! Lauryn shares more about her role, who she admires and what this heritage month means to her.

How long have you been with AEO?

I have been with AEO for nearly three years, joining the company in March 2022.

What is your current role? Tell us about what you do!

I am an Email & Mobile Marketing Coordinator for the American Eagle brand. Currently, I assist with the strategy and execution of marketing campaigns. I work closely with the Loyalty & Credit team, in addition to focusing on our day-to-day promotional messages.

When you started your career journey, did you think you’d be doing what you’re doing today?

Not necessarily! My day to day when I first started was much more automated. I have more autonomy now and enjoy the brainstorming element to marketing as opposed to the executional side.

What is a piece of advice you wish you were given when you started working?

To make yourself useful to any and all teams you work closely with. You’re much more valuable when you have multiple groups of people who rely on you.

Who do you admire either personally or professionally? How has this person changed the way you look at life and how you show up in the world? 

Monet McMichael – iykyk! She is a TikTok queen who spreads positivity in all of her videos and has worked hard to get to where she is today in a saturated world of white influencers. She is also my fashion and accessories icon.

What is something you’ve accomplished in the past year that you’re proud of?

Attending my first work conference in NYC. Not only did I advocate for myself to go, I also was able to meet my pen pal from AEO’s Close Knit Co-Mentorship program for the first time as a result of introducing the event to her. It was all around a great trip!

What is on the top of your bucket list?

To travel to Greece! Specifically Santorini or Mykonos. I would love to live out my Emily in Paris moment, only it would be Lauryn in Greece!

What does the significance of Black History Month mean to you? 

Black History Month is significant to me because it’s a time period to appreciate and remember the people who had the courage to demand a more accepting future. It inspires me to have courage in situations that seem impossible.

As a closing thought, what is bringing you joy right now?

Spending time with people who make me happy. I have learned it is better to keep your circle small with people who really care about and respect you instead of a large circle of friends who won’t be there when you really need them.

American Eagle Outfitters Raises Fourth Quarter Profit Outlook; Holiday Sales Above Expectations with Growth Across Brands

January 13, 2025

PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE) – American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) today announced that fourth quarter-to-date comparable sales, through Saturday, January 4, 2025, are up in the low single digits, tracking ahead of recent guidance of positive 1%. Trends across American Eagle and Aerie were positive.

As a result, the company is raising its fourth quarter outlook, with operating profit expected to be approximately $135 million, up from previous guidance of $125 million to $130 million. This is based on a comparable sales increase of approximately 2%, building on 8% growth last year. As previously discussed, the retail calendar will have an adverse impact on total revenue*, resulting in total revenue down approximately 5%.

“As a top destination for holiday shopping, we achieved record sales in December. We came to market with exciting new product assortments and engaging customer experiences, resulting in growth across brands and selling channels,” commented Jay Schottenstein, AEO’s Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “We also remain focused on driving operational efficiencies, putting us on track to deliver high-teens operating profit growth in 2024.”

Shareholder Returns

Fourth quarter-to-date, the company has repurchased 1.5 million shares for $27 million, bringing year-to-date repurchases to 7.5 million shares for $158 million. The company continues to have 22.5 million shares remaining for repurchase under the current authorization.

Year-to-date, the company has returned $231 million in cash to shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchases.

*FY24 Quarterly Impact of Retail Calendar

 1Q2Q3Q4QFY24
Revenue Impact+$15M+$55M-$45M-$85M-$60M

* * * *

About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed. Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last.

AEO Inc. operates stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners. Additionally, the company operates a robust e-commerce business across its brands. For more information, visit aeo-inc.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This release and related statements by management contain forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), which represent management’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including, without limitation, fourth fiscal quarter and annual fiscal 2024 results. Words such as “outlook,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “potential,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All forward-looking statements made by the company are inherently uncertain because they are based on assumptions and expectations concerning future events and are subject to change based on many important factors, some of which may be beyond the company’s control. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise and even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. The following factors, in addition to the risks disclosed in Item 1A., Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024 and in any other filings that we may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, the company’s financial performance and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this release or otherwise made by management: the risk that the company’s operating, financial and capital plans may not be achieved; our inability to anticipate customer demand and changing fashion trends and to manage our inventory commensurately; seasonality of our business; our inability to achieve planned store financial performance; our inability to react to raw material cost, labor and energy cost increases; our inability to gain market share in the face of declining shopping center traffic; our inability to respond to changes in e-commerce and leverage omni-channel demands; our inability to expand internationally; difficulty with our international merchandise sourcing strategies; challenges with information technology systems, including safeguarding against security breaches; and global economic, public health, social, political and financial conditions, and the resulting impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending, as well as other changes in consumer discretionary spending habits, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and liquidity.

The use of the “company,” “AEO,” “we,” “us,” and “our” in this release refers to American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

Celebrating the Power of Women@AEO

Join us in celebrating our 2024 Women of the Year!

Throughout 2024, outstanding female associates were nominated by their peer group to be recognized for their contributions to AEO’s business and associate community as “Woman of the Month.” Keep reading to learn more about our Women@AEO associate resource group and the twelve inspiring honorees.

About Women@AEO
Women@AEO fosters an environment where women are empowered and inspired to achieve their full potential. The network provides opportunities for professional development, networking, resource sharing and support. Events are hosted to expand skills, share inspiring speakers, address unique issues that women face in their careers, families and communities, and make time to give back to our communities.

Meet the Honorees!

January 2024

Sridivya joined AEO nine years ago and is a champion of all things technology. As Senior Engineering Manager, she is an inspiration to everyone around her and finds motivation in making a difference and overcoming any obstacle that is thrown her way. Personally, Sri is passionate about yoga, philanthropy and travel. And, fun fact – Sri is a trained South Indian classical singer!

February 2024

As Director – Associate General Counsel, Madison is a brilliant attorney who goes above and beyond for her team, her two (women!) direct reports and business partners. She is an amazing mom to two young boys and is driven by making her loved ones and those closest to her proud. Madison is passionate about learning new things and problem solving, both at work and in her personal life. While she recognizes that not everything needs solving, she’s always willing to try!

March 2024

Marianne is a true go-getter! She joined AEO six years ago and is currently Senior Merchandise Planner on the International team. Marianne is passionate about human rights and social justice, and is incredibly proud of the work she has achieved as a leader in AEO’s Real Black Alliance. She most admires her friend group, of which she shares, “the women I have been lucky enough to surround myself with live their lives boldly and have given me so much that I don’t even think they realize.”

April 2024

Meet Lex – Manager, Digital Content Strategy and dedicated team player who always works hard to find more efficient ways to support AEO’s digital business. She’s passionate, dedicated, stands up for her team and for what’s right, is always looking for ways to get more involved in the community and to share inclusive events with fellow associates and the organization. Looking back on 2024, Lex is most proud of the confidence that her team had in her and her work in helping to launch a new content tool for all ae.com’s site assets.

May 2024

Daniella makes behind-the-scenes magic happen for the AEO Better World Foundation. She is a wiz at utilizing technology to enhance all of our charitable giving programs—from matching gifts and Team of Ten to our “Count Me In!” campaign, as well as all of the grantmaking we do through our foundations. A lover of all things music, and a musician herself, Daniella is a constant admirer of Dolly Parton for her musical gifts, for the way she has prioritized philanthropy and for staying true to her personal values and style – no matter what.

June 2024

Christina, Manager – DC Operations, has been with AEO for 20 years and leads the technical team responsible for keeping the software solutions running onsite at our Ottawa distribution center. In the past year, Christina played an integral part in deploying new solutions and ensuring that all of the teams are successful in delivering products to our end consumers. Christina admires people who strive to help, support and uplift those around them.

July 2024

Marianne, Manager – Product Management, is a passionate leader and collaborator in all that she does. Her deep business expertise and technical knowledge is constantly on display, and she’s always looking to refine processes. She’s eager to share her insights and naturally goes the extra mile in support of her team’s initiatives and AEO’s business priorities. On her motivation, Marianne shares, “I want my daughter to witness firsthand that women can manage multiple responsibilities and are not limited by any single role.”

August 2024

Lisa, Sr. Director – Brand Marketing & Project Management helped to lead a big moment for American Eagle in 2024 – the launch of the Live Your Life brand platform. Working in marketing for more than a decade, Lisa is an incredible leader and mentor who has built a team that is continually evolving and growing with business needs. Lisa is passionate about teaching her girls to advocate for themselves and says that her grandmother is a source of inspiration, “she led with kindness in all that she did and it’s so simple to do if you just prioritize it.”

September 2024

Shirley has been with AEO for a remarkable 27 years! She is currently Senior Manager – Supply Optimization and exemplifies what it means to lead with passion, innovation and integrity. She is an advocate of continual self-improvement, both personally and professionally, and is proud of being part of a large cross functional team that works together to achieve their goals. Fun fact – Shirley’s husband is a fellow AEO associate managing data center operations.

October 2024

With nearly a decade at AEO under her belt, Sangeetha leads a number of initiatives on the Customer Technology team – always with a positive attitude! As Program Manager – Customer Product, Sangeetha finds motivation in the opportunities and teams she gets to work alongside, as well as navigating the unknowns and learning along the way. She credits her grandmother as a source of inspiration, “she made me realize very early on the importance of being independent.”

November 2024

Katie, Manager – AE Brand & Performance Marketing, is the epitome of a team player! She recently expanded her role to further support the AE Marketing team, tirelessly working to unlock the power of the brand’s influencer partnerships and content. Katie will do whatever it takes to get the job done right and continue to push AE to the forefront of consumers’ minds. Katie finds her motivation through a profound desire to be better, “I try to look at every experience, whether positive or negative, as an opportunity for reflection and growth.”

December 2024

As Regional Director – Aerie, Jenn is a champion for field associates and has led several development opportunities for Store Team Leaders focused on leadership and the #AerieREAL movement. Alongside her fellow Regional Directors, Jenn has helped to build a strong, supportive and cohesive network that spans the country. Being a problem solver and working to make things better is a source of motivation for Jenn, and she considers being a working Mom her special talent (facts!).

Women@AEO’s mission is to inspire and engage our network of associates to help them reach their full potential and to give back to the local community to support women and girls in need.

Suja Chandrasekaran and David Sable Named to NACD Directorship 100

Congratulations to AEO Independent Directors, Suja Chandrasekaran and David Sable, on being named to the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Directorship 100. The annual list recognizes the most influential leaders in corporate governance who have demonstrated excellence in the boardroom through innovation, courage and integrity. 

This is the first time two current AEO Directors are honored on the prestigious list, which is a testament to our highly talented, skilled and engaged Board. Prior to Suja and David being recognized, Cary McMillan, Noel Spiegel and the late Steve Davis were named to the NACD Directorship 100. 

Suja has served as an AEO Director since 2018, bringing vast information and digital technology expertise, as well as a wealth of leadership experience in the global retail and consumer industries. Her passion, strategic mindset and commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders strengthen our business, culture and purpose. Suja is a member of the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating, Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility Committees.

David is a highly inspirational, creative thought leader whose insights and diverse skill set have added tremendous value to our company and portfolio of brands. He has served as an AEO Director since 2018, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in advertising, marketing and digital entrepreneurship. David is a member of the Audit and Compensation and Nominating Committees.

Suja, David and fellow honorees were formally recognized at the 2024 NACD Directorship 100 Awards Gala at Gotham Hall in New York City on December 16, 2024.

Ashley Schapiro, Cary McMillan, David Sable and Craig Brommers

We deeply value the expertise that Suja and David provide to AEO and are honored to have them as a part of our Board of Directors!

AEO Building A Better World Volunteer of the Month: Jessica, Director – Production

AEO associates share our commitment to doing better, being better and building a better world. We’re proud to spotlight our people who are making a real and lasting impact in their communities.

Meet Jessica, Director – Production for Todd Snyder and 14-year volunteer with Animal Haven. As a lifelong animal lover, getting to see the shelter dogs—particularly the long-term residents—is always the highlight of her week.

Tell us about your volunteer service with Animal Haven!
I have been volunteering with Animal Haven since 2011– mostly working with the dogs and assisting staff in daily walks, maintaining the kennels, training (dogs and new volunteers), playtime and enrichment, and potential adopter meet and greets. I have also fostered 6 cats and have taken some of the dogs for hikes as part of the Camp Underdog program which allows longer term shelter residents a break from the city life.

Why is volunteering at Animal Haven important to you?
I’ve loved animals my entire life, so being around them is the highlight of my week. Since Animal Haven is a no-kill shelter, we do have some long-term residents– seeing them finally find their forever home after being in the shelter for years is always the happiest goodbye.

Animal Haven also has a community outreach program that offers short-term shelter for pets whose owner needs temporary assistance. Animal Haven will help board and care for the animal until the person has the means to take their pet back. It’s a great feeling to not only help and care for someone’s pet, but to help people as well.

How long have you been volunteering?
I’ve been volunteering with Animal Haven since 2011, so almost 14 years! I’ve also volunteered at the ASPCA and the MSPCA while I was a student in Boston.

How does being an active participant in your community help to Build a Better World?
Volunteering helps to put things into perspective and makes you realize that even helping someone in small ways can leave a big impact.

What are some of the benefits you have gained from volunteering?
I’ve learned that even if you are giving up a small amount of your time, your service goes a long way and is always appreciated!