WhitePaws RunMitts

Susan Clayton’s WhitePaws RunMitts drives social impact by creating manufacturing jobs in underrepresented communities. After George Floyd’s death highlighted the barriers Black-owned businesses face, her company—then one of only two Black-owned winter-gear brands—landed a major REI order and used a $100,000 Ignite Capital loan to scale production. Through our partnership with Innovation Works, she’s also tapped executive mentors to sharpen her leadership and grow sustainably.

Today, WhitePaws keeps underserved and unhoused populations active and safe outdoors year-round, supplying high-quality winter gear where it’s needed most. Susan’s collaborations with organizations like Back on My Feet further extend her impact, using fitness and community engagement to bolster health and wellness in vulnerable communities.