Fashion Designer - Firefighter Safety & Innovation Project (Volunteer)

Fashion Designer – Firefighter Safety & Innovation Project (Volunteer)
Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)
Division: Thread & Promise / Community Impact Lab
Project: The Fire We Carry – Cancer-Safe Firefighter Equipment Initiative
Location: New York City and/or Remote via Google Meet
Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)
About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, creative expression, and community-centered innovation.
Through

Thread & Promise

and MAP’s

Community Impact Lab , we bring together designers, engineers, scientists, and storytellers to address real-world challenges that affect families, first responders, and communities. One of our most urgent initiatives— The Fire We Carry Project —focuses on reimagining firefighter gear to reduce cancer risk, eliminate toxic materials, and prioritize long-term health and dignity for first responders.
Why This Role Matters

Firefighters face disproportionately high cancer rates due to prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals, PFAS, and hazardous materials embedded in traditional turnout gear. This role exists to ensure that

design, function, safety, and humanity are never in conflict .
The

Fashion Designer – Firefighter Safety & Innovation Project

brings a design-led, human-centered approach to protective equipment—balancing performance, ergonomics, durability, and comfort with

toxin-free, cancer-safe materials .
This is not fashion for aesthetics. It is

design as protection, care, and justice .
What You’ll Do

Design firefighter turnout gear components (coats, pants, base layers, accessories) with a focus on safety, comfort, and long-term health.
Collaborate with material scientists, engineers, occupational therapists, and firefighters to translate safety requirements into functional design.
Develop design concepts, sketches, and technical drawings aligned with performance and safety standards.
Consider ergonomics, mobility, heat stress, breathability, and usability in high-risk environments.
Support prototyping and iteration of new gear concepts using toxin-free and PFAS-free materials.
Participate in design reviews and feedback sessions with cross-disciplinary teams.
Ensure designs reflect dignity, respect, and real-world firefighter experience.
Document design rationale and revisions clearly for collaboration and research purposes.
Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours.
Take responsibility for performance improvement by refining designs based on testing and feedback.
How MAP Supports You

Clear role scope and collaborative leadership
Respect for time, capacity, and boundaries
Cross-disciplinary mentorship with scientists, engineers, and clinicians
Ethical, mission-driven design environment
Professional references and letters of recommendation
Recognition of your work as life-protective, not speculative or extractive
What We’re Looking For

Experience in fashion design, technical apparel, or functional garment design.
Strong understanding of garment construction, fit, and material behavior.
Ability to design for function, safety, and durability—not trend cycles.
Comfort collaborating across disciplines (engineering, science, health, safety).
Strong communication and documentation skills.
Commitment to ethical, safety-first, and human-centered design.
Bonus (Not Required)
Experience with technical or protective apparel (PPE, workwear, sportswear).
Knowledge of sustainability, non-toxic materials, or textile innovation.
Familiarity with NFPA standards or firefighter equipment (helpful but not required).
Experience working with first responders or safety professionals.
Commitment

Volunteer role, approximately

5–10 hours per week
Minimum 6-month commitment

preferred
Hybrid: New York City and/or remote via

Google Meet
MAP prioritizes care, precision, and sustainability over speed
What You’ll Gain

Portfolio-worthy work in life-saving design and innovation
Experience collaborating on a real-world public health and safety initiative
Exposure to materials science, human factors, and occupational safety design
Professional references and letters of recommendation
The opportunity to contribute to equipment that protects those who protect others
How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.
For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at

hr@mentorapromise.org
Design with responsibility — help reimagine firefighter gear that prioritizes health, dignity, and long-term safety.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, our volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals who are based in the United States. This limitation is due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements associated with our work. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.