Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Building Leadership in ESG within the Fashion Supply Chain: Learning from Radical Leaders in Regenerative Cotton Farming and Ginning

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Abstract

This pedagogical project explores leadership development within the sustainable fashion supply chain, emphasizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Multicultural scholars engaged in experiential learning by visiting key sectors, including a regenerative cotton farm and a cotton gin, and interacting directly with their leaders. Through structured preparation, reflection essays, presentations, and video summaries, students analyzed leadership approaches, ESG integration, and ethical decision-making in real-world contexts. The project revealed that effective leadership in sustainable fashion extends beyond authority, encompassing purpose-driven, inclusive, and transparent practices that foster trust, community engagement, and long-term value creation. Scholars reported that observing regenerative farming and traceable cotton production enhanced their understanding of ethical, innovative, and care-oriented leadership. Insights from these early supply chain stages highlight the importance of connecting corporate governance, sustainability, and human-centered practices. By combining interdisciplinary perspectives from fashion management and agricultural communications, this project cultivates future leaders capable of promoting sustainable, responsible practices.

Keywords: ESG, leadership, regenerative, cotton, experiential learning

How to Cite:

Chang, H., Lee, S., Meyers, C. & Kim, M., (2025) “Building Leadership in ESG within the Fashion Supply Chain: Learning from Radical Leaders in Regenerative Cotton Farming and Ginning”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.22071