In a February 10 interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, fashion designer and Vital Voices board member Diane von Furstenberg discussed her passion for promoting women’s leadership while announcing the first annual DVF Awards, to be held on March 13 at the United Nations in New York City. Furstenberg has long been an advocate for women’s empowerment, and spoke of her involvement with Vital Voices and the women leaders who make up our international network. Two of the four DVF awards to be presented will recognize Vital Voices network members Danielle Saint-Lot of Haiti and Sadiqa Basiri of Afghanistan. The designer created the awards to honor women who are giving back to their communities and inspiring positive change.

“I have never met a woman who is not strong.”

As President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Furstenberg led a recent effort to raise awareness and funds for survivors of the January 12 earthquake that struck Haiti. Proceeds from a t-shirt designed by members of the CFDA have already reached $1 million, and are expected to continue to increase.

Furstenberg will attend the 2010 Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards on March 10, when she will present an award to Rebecca Lolosoli of Kenya, an artisan whose necklaces have been featured in Furstenberg’s 2010 Spring Collection.

Watch the full interview with Diane von Furstenberg on Good Morning America.

Read about the DVF Awards.