ROQ.US, Vancouver, Wash., has unveiled #ROQTogether, a unified movement to implement and embrace diversity inside and outside the apparel industry. An expansion of the company’s #WomenROQ movement and Facebook Group launched last year, ROQ.US sees #ROQTogether as a first step toward ultimate inclusion and equality.
The past year further revealed an underlying canyon-wide gap along racial lines in the United States, highlighting a glaring need for acceptance and compassion. With key partnerships, ROQ.US is helping to close that gap through #ROQTogether and a corresponding pledge for participating companies, in hopes of having more meaningful conversations about current realities that largely have gone unaddressed.
Impressions spoke with ROQ.US President Ross Hunter about #ROQTogether’s genesis, industry inclusion, hope for the future and more.
Impressions: How did #ROQTogether start?
Ross Hunter: When we started the company in February 2020, we wanted to create a space for female entrepreneurs within the industry, #WomenROQ. The events that took place with George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others last year really shed further light on the racial gaps within our country. We brought everything together into one movement, the #ROQTogether initiative, focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion as a whole across creed, race, sex, orientation and religion.
Impressions: Why do you think inclusion and diversity have been lacking in the apparel industry?
RH: I started in the industry about 17 years ago. After a while, it became apparent to me that it was a predominantly white-male-dominated space. It was a space where people didn’t want to share information or offer education and opportunities. You have to dig deep to see these things. When we started ROQ.US, I felt like I finally had a voice to make a difference in the industry that I’ve been in for a long time.
Impressions: What advice would you give other companies wanting to take the same first step but are unsure where to begin?
RH: I decided to take a grassroots approach within our walls, making it a comfortable space for everyone. We had a lot of eager team members. I believe it all starts with self-discovery and self-reflection. We had conversations. We read recommended books together, such as “White Fragility” and “How to Be an Anti-Racist.” The self-discovery process is not something we’re going to solve overnight. We felt the organic approach was the right approach to take, giving people the time to really understand who they were and how they could be a part of the solution.
Impressions: What has the response to the initiative been like so far?
RH: It has been fantastic! I think it has brought the [ROQ.US] team closer together. It has had an energizing ripple effect on distributor partners, trade-show partners, even magazine partners. Companies are looking internally to see what they can do to make our industry better. Beyond that, I’ve been able to share this message. It has been infectious across other industries adopting the same practices.
Impressions: In terms of efficacy, what are you hoping #ROQTogether’s legacy will be?
RH: Collaboration is one of our company values we define by demonstrating openness, transparency and vulnerability to encourage and reinforce that everyone will forever have a seat at the table with us. We are here to provide solutions to all in a collaborative environment that does not discriminate. I want to thank all of our partners that have pushed us forward and made this movement possible. I want to encourage other businesses to get involved, take the pledge and look internally at themselves [and] their company and recognize they have a voice. Change doesn’t cost money; change requires self-reflection and time.
For more information about #ROQTogether and to take the pledge, click here. — D.S.
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