Zinnia Kumar: Empowering Generations and Cultivating Belonging
Zinnia’s work in the people space, addresses culture, environment, and empowerment with empathy and compassion. Her journey began as a researcher in Ecology, Human Attraction, and South Asian Studies, exploring beauty politics, social stereotypes, colorism, and scientific racism. Her work has graced scientific journals like Biology Letters and Adaptive Human Behaviour and radio, television, and in print—on platforms including The Royal Society, Science, Time, The New York Times, Forbes, British Fashion Council, G20, RTE Ireland, Channel 7 and Vogue.
Beyond fashion, Zinnia is dedicated to humanitarian efforts, driven by her experiences growing up as a disadvantaged student driving her grassroots youth and children’s empowerment. She has conducted educational workshops and motivational talks for disadvantaged youth in Australia and Thailand. Working at the UN Human Rights Office-endorsed children's education charity Think Equal, she worked to eradicate discrimination and instill environmental mindfulness in young children. Through a partnership with FRAME denim, she donated $10,000 to Treasure House Children’s Orphanage in Fiji.
Zinnia advocates for female empowerment through empowering talks and mentors women and girls to reach their potential and break gender stereotypes, addressing at engagements with the Cancer Council, the World Assembly of Women at the G20, and disadvantaged high school girls. Her journalism highlights female empowerment and inspiring role models, including Professor Sarah Gilbert (Covid-19 Vaccine founder), actress and activist Jameela Jamil, and CEO Helena Helmersson.
A positive impact entrepreneur, she co-founded The Dotted Line a sustainability and cultural consultancy. She uses her expertise as a sustainability psychologist and inclusion consultant to make sustainability optimistic and inclusive. Her mission is to empower the next generation, foster harmonious communities, and promote racial visibility. Zinnia mentors models and creatives, recognizing talent and paying it forward. In a 2021 campaign, she chose empowerment over a fee, hiring six models of color who struggled to find work, giving them her fee. Fashion influences millions daily, Zinnia communicates the impact of advertising on cultural representation, colorism, racial representation, access, and mental health in fashion. She advocates for social belonging through advertising visibility, ensuring marginalized youth feel respected and visible. As a Vogue Values Diversity Councilor, she has driven change through demographic representational casting.
Zinnia’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion and purpose. Through her multifaceted roles, she has redefined fashion and beauty while addressing critical societal issues. Her work fosters belonging and empowerment in marginalized communities, including youth empowerment, social belonging, colorism, women’s empowerment, and mentorship. She has collaborated with various government bodies and NGOs, including the Australian Department of Education, Department of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Thai Government, UNSW ACCESS, the Cancer Council and Harvard Medical School.
Zinnia Kumar is a force for positive change, weaving together compassion, education, and advocacy. By challenging norms and advocating for inclusivity, Zinnia is paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future. Her story inspires us to strive for a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
Zinnia’s work in the people space, addresses culture, environment, and empowerment with empathy and compassion. Her journey began as a researcher in Ecology, Human Attraction, and South Asian Studies, exploring beauty politics, social stereotypes, colorism, and scientific racism. Her work has graced scientific journals like Biology Letters and Adaptive Human Behaviour and radio, television, and in print—on platforms including The Royal Society, Science, Time, The New York Times, Forbes, British Fashion Council, G20, RTE Ireland, Channel 7 and Vogue.
Beyond fashion, Zinnia is dedicated to humanitarian efforts, driven by her experiences growing up as a disadvantaged student driving her grassroots youth and children’s empowerment. She has conducted educational workshops and motivational talks for disadvantaged youth in Australia and Thailand. Working at the UN Human Rights Office-endorsed children's education charity Think Equal, she worked to eradicate discrimination and instill environmental mindfulness in young children. Through a partnership with FRAME denim, she donated $10,000 to Treasure House Children’s Orphanage in Fiji.
Zinnia advocates for female empowerment through empowering talks and mentors women and girls to reach their potential and break gender stereotypes, addressing at engagements with the Cancer Council, the World Assembly of Women at the G20, and disadvantaged high school girls. Her journalism highlights female empowerment and inspiring role models, including Professor Sarah Gilbert (Covid-19 Vaccine founder), actress and activist Jameela Jamil, and CEO Helena Helmersson.
A positive impact entrepreneur, she co-founded The Dotted Line a sustainability and cultural consultancy. She uses her expertise as a sustainability psychologist and inclusion consultant to make sustainability optimistic and inclusive. Her mission is to empower the next generation, foster harmonious communities, and promote racial visibility. Zinnia mentors models and creatives, recognizing talent and paying it forward. In a 2021 campaign, she chose empowerment over a fee, hiring six models of color who struggled to find work, giving them her fee. Fashion influences millions daily, Zinnia communicates the impact of advertising on cultural representation, colorism, racial representation, access, and mental health in fashion. She advocates for social belonging through advertising visibility, ensuring marginalized youth feel respected and visible. As a Vogue Values Diversity Councilor, she has driven change through demographic representational casting.
Zinnia’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion and purpose. Through her multifaceted roles, she has redefined fashion and beauty while addressing critical societal issues. Her work fosters belonging and empowerment in marginalized communities, including youth empowerment, social belonging, colorism, women’s empowerment, and mentorship. She has collaborated with various government bodies and NGOs, including the Australian Department of Education, Department of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Thai Government, UNSW ACCESS, the Cancer Council and Harvard Medical School.
Zinnia Kumar is a force for positive change, weaving together compassion, education, and advocacy. By challenging norms and advocating for inclusivity, Zinnia is paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future. Her story inspires us to strive for a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.