Ashley’s work in Africa began in 2006 when she served as a volunteer for the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative in Rwanda. Deeply touched by what she encountered there, she set out to utilize the skills she acquired both in law school and in the finance industry to build a sustainable company. Made from natural horn carved by a women’s cooperative, fair-trade semi-precious gemstones, bronze, and other materials indigenous to East Africa, Ashley’s jewelry collection provides much-needed employment and business training to local artisan groups – while also producing a gorgeous product. Ashley launched her jewelry collection with Bergdorf Goodman in October 2009, and has since expanded to luxury retailers such as Neiman Marcus, NET-A-PORTER, and high-end boutiques. The Ashley Pittman Collection is a remarkable, intertwined mix of fashion and social responsibility. Ashley was just admitted into the new CFDA class.