The White Rainbow Project: Merging Fashion and Social Impact

For many, fashion is a form of self-expression. For others, it’s a tool for survival. For Baylor University alumna Rachel Iacoboni, fashion is a way to uplift and empower marginalized women, specifically through her work with The White Rainbow Project.   

A nonprofit humanitarian organization, the White Rainbow Project supports widows in Vrindavan, India by providing these women— who face extreme social stigma—with the skills to create ethically-made fashion pieces that are sold worldwide. For Iacoboni, this mission is deeply meaningful.

As a 2020 alumna of the Apparel Design and Product Development program in Baylor’s Department of Human Sciences and Design, Iacoboni initially volunteered with The White Rainbow Project right after graduation. The nonprofit, which is based in her hometown of Temecula, California, needed someone to help expand their product lines, so lacoboni stepped in to contribute her skills. Initially, her role involved leading the design process, including sewing, beading, and creating jewelry and clothing. Then, a translator would teach the widows living in India how to replicate the designs.

Since beginning her volunteer work with The White Rainbow Project, Iacoboni had dreamed of visiting Vrindavan to gain a first-hand understanding of what these women experience daily; however, her journey to India was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Global shutdowns and travel restrictions left her in California—but instead of feeling discouraged, she used that time to prepare. As a result, Iacoboni’s role at The White Rainbow Project evolved, and she was hired as a full-time employee, further deepening her commitment to the organization and its mission. 

“I wasn’t sure when I would be able to travel, but I knew I had to start preparing,” she recalled. “I spent a lot of time reading, researching, and connecting with people who were already doing work on the ground—and it helped me feel like I was still doing something, even though I couldn’t physically be there yet.”  

When the opportunity to travel finally arrived, Iacoboni was ready. The moment she set foot in India, she was immediately faced with the harsh reality of the widows’ struggles, which she had only read about before. The women she met on her trip and the stories they shared made a profound and lasting impression on her.

“I remember meeting a woman who had lost everything—her husband, her home, and her sense of worth,” she recalled. “She told me that learning to sew with The White Rainbow Project gave her back a purpose in that she wasn’t just making clothes—she was reclaiming her dignity.”  

For Iacoboni, it is deeply humbling to experience the hospitality and kindness of the women she works alongside. She shared that one of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing the transformation in the widows she works with. 

“Even when they have little, they still want to give it all. It’s such a beautiful thing to witness, and it motivates me every day to work harder, to show them how much they’re truly capable of,” she said. “They take so much pride in what they make, and it’s incredible to see the change in their confidence when they realize how capable they are. For many of them, it’s the first time they’ve felt really valued.”  

These firsthand experiences from visiting India have intensified Iacoboni’s passion for ethical fashion, a passion that was inspired during her time at Baylor. Through classes in the Apparel Design program, Iacoboni learned that the fashion industry often relies on exploitative labor practices, specifically in areas where marginalized communities lack opportunities or awareness to stand up for themselves.

Now, as a program manager with The White Rainbow Project, she plays a key role in bridging the gap between consumers and conscious fashion. Iacoboni closely collaborates on new products with the women she works with, ensuring an ethical and cooperative partnership. Ultimately, she holds two privileges close to her heart—the empowering of women in India and educating the public on how purchases can create meaningful change.

“For consumers, it takes research,” she explained. “Companies don’t always advertise where they manufacture or who they employ—but, if you investigate its partnerships, its sourcing, and its ethical standards—you can start making more informed choices.”  

Iacoboni’s faith has also played an important role in her career, inspiring her desire to serve others. Although many of the widows she works with don’t share her Christian beliefs, the mission of The White Rainbow Project is built on Christian values: love, dignity, and service to others. Iacoboni’s strong, faith-based values drive her to see each woman as not only a recipient of help, but as someone who is loved and valued. 

“My faith has always guided me toward service,” she said. “In Vrindavan, these women were cast aside because of cultural traditions, but in God’s eyes, they are loved and valued, and that belief drives everything I do.”  

As she continues to advocate for ethical fashion, Iacoboni urges everyone to be mindful consumers.

“Even if you’re not working in fashion, you can still make an impact,” she said. “Supporting ethical brands, volunteering for nonprofits, and simply spreading awareness—every small action adds up.”