Shavone Charles has exited her role as Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion and Multicultural Communications at TikTok, having spent three and a half years with the company. The Ford-signed model and tech executive will launch the Future of Fashion series at New York Fashion Week under her creative collective, Future of Creatives, in partnership with Ford Models Digital and Soho House. The initiative focuses on inclusivity, innovation, and emerging voices in the fashion industry.

“Future of Creatives was born from the belief that diverse creatives deserve more than visibility – we need ownership and a permanent seat at the table,” Charles said in a statement. “Our mission is to build sustainable, inclusive, culture-forward spaces, products, and experiences that not only celebrate multidisciplinary talent, but also ensure they hold real influence and stake in shaping the future of our industries.”

The departure occurs as major U.S. companies recalibrate their diversity initiatives following political shifts. Meta recently announced the termination of most of its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, following similar moves by companies such as McDonald’s, Ford, Amazon, Walmart, and John Deere.

Ongoing Challenges

TikTok hired Charles as its first diversity and inclusion communications executive to elevate underrepresented creators, following concerns from Black creators about the lack of recognition for viral trends they originated on the platform.

Her exit coincides with uncertainty about TikTok’s future in the U.S. The Trump administration continues to provide extensions for ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to find an American buyer.

Before joining TikTok, Charles held communications positions at Twitter, Instagram, and other major tech firms. Her collective focuses specifically on amplifying women of color and other underrepresented creators across multiple industries.

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