Sarah Lubas always strives to show up authentically — whether she’s driving commercial success at one of the world’s most recognizable brands or helping spearhead the rapid expansion of breast cancer charity Shoes for a Cure.
The vice president of wholesale at Burberry, who also serves as vice chairman of the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation, has been instrumental in developing Shoes for a Cure in its two main markets, New York and Miami.
“Successfully navigating the fast-faced nature of a senior executive role alongside this large-scale charitable expansion was a rewarding milestone,” said the executive, who was just 7 years old when she lost her own mother to cancer. “Shoes for a Cure’s mission is to fund critical, first-step breast cancer research by mobilizing the fashion industry. I feel it is both my responsibility and a profound honor to leverage my ties within this industry to give back. Being able to turn our professional platform into a vehicle for life-saving research is what truly drives me.”
Leading by example is what drives Lubas, and she aims to empower her team at Burberry by “ensuring they have visibility, not just responsibility.”
“I strive to lead with resilience, accountability and transparency, as I believe these are the foundational qualities needed to navigate today’s landscape,” Lubas said. “Mentorship is more critical than ever; it’s a commitment to making the time to listen and provide a roadmap for others. To me, a great mentor doesn’t just offer advice— they offer sponsorship and a blueprint for success, turning their own experiences into a roadmap for the next generation of leaders.”
To truly empower young women in fashion, the industry must focus on intentional succession planning, Lubas said. “Individual success must be supported by a broader commitment to sponsorship and sustainable pathways for growth,” she said, adding that when women opt out at mid-to-senior career levels, it’s important to understand the structural barriers that still exist.
It’s also critical to understand that Gen Z evaluates success at work differently than previous generations.
“Gen Z prioritizes authenticity and purpose over traditional hierarchy; they aren’t just looking for a paycheck, they want to know their work — and their leaders — stand for something,” she said. “I make it a point to show up authentically, balancing a high-stakes career with a full personal life and nonprofit commitments. I want to model that we don’t have to choose; we can lead at the highest level while remaining dedicated to the things that move us personally.”
A version of this article appeared in the June 1 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On June 3, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation will honor these women at the annual live event in New York City.
