We are on a mission to revive an industry that is in our DNA. Fashion and the manufacturing of ready-to-wear clothing were once some of Greater Cleveland's leading industries, making Cleveland second only to New York as one of the country's leading centers for garment production. To achieve our goal, we will create solutions that include input from every corner of our industry, and beyond. We are privileged to benefit from the insights and strategic guidance of our distinguished Steering and Organizing Committees. Composed of respected leaders from the corporate and civic sectors, members of the FITS Committees provide valuable advice and recommendations that enhance the effectiveness of our initiatives. Their counsel plays a critical role in supporting our mission and ensuring our work's continued integrity and success.

STEERING COMMITTEE

Megan Kim

Megan Kim
Greater Cleveland Partnership
SVP, Membership Development & Marketing
Executive Director, COSE

+ Bio...
Freddy Collier, Jr.

Freddy Collier, Jr.
Greater Cleveland Partnership
SVP, Strategy and New Initiatives

+ Bio...
Valerie Mayén

Valerie Mayén
Yellow Cake Shop
Founder & Artistic Director
Alum: Project Runway

+ Bio...
Angie Lowrie

Angie Lowrie
Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS)
Director, Cleveland History Center

+ Bio...
Obie Okuh, ESQ

Obie Okuh, ESQ
Trade Business Services Group + CRA Advisors
General Counsel & COO

+ Bio...

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Emily Applebaum

Emily Applebaum
Ingenuity Cleveland
Executive Artistic Director

+ Bio...
JR Campbell, PhD

JR Campbell, PhD
Kent State University
Professor, Fashion Design & Merchandising

+ Bio...
Eric L. Dicken

Eric L. Dicken
Cleveland Clinic
Director, Chief of Staff Office

+ Bio...
Audrey Gerlach

Audrey Gerlach
Downtown Cleveland Alliance
Chief Operating Officer

+ Bio...
Jeremy V. Johnson

Jeremy V. Johnson
Academy for the Arts
Founder & CEO

+ Bio...
Cecil Lipscomb

Cecil Lipscomb
United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, Inc. (UBF)
Executive Director

+ Bio...
William McNicol

William McNicol
William Frederick
Founder and Designer

+ Bio...
Lynnise Smith

Lynnise Smith
Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV)
Executive Director

+ Bio...
Otelia Carmen Vergez

Otelia Carmen Vergez
Vergez, Inc
Director, Cleveland History Center

+ Bio...
Norman A. Bliss

Norman A. Bliss
Community Reinvestment Advisors
President & CEO

+ Bio...
Jenice Contreras

Jenice Contreras
NEOH Hispanic Center for Economic Development
President & CEO

+ Bio...
Patty Edmonson

Patty Edmonson
Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS)
Curator of Costume & Textile

+ Bio...
Caroline Guscott

Caroline Guscott
Greater Cleveland Partnership
Managing Vice President, Strategic Communications

+ Bio...
Nancy Kraig

Nancy Kraig
Tri-C
Assistant Professor, Interior Design

+ Bio...
Deidre McPherson

Deidre McPherson
Assembly for the Arts
Development & Marketing
Executive Director, COSE

+ Bio...
Chanel Norton

Chanel Norton
Victoria’s Secrets
Senior Manager, Supplier Diversity

+ Bio...
Otto Tyson

Otto Tyson
Cleveland Foundation
Community Giving Officer

+ Bio...
Kate Borders

Kate Borders
University Circle, Inc
President & CEO

+ Bio...
Lauren Conway

Lauren Conway
Director, Career Services + Employer Relations
Director, Chief of Staff Office

+ Bio...
Molly Fitzpatrick

Molly Fitzpatrick
DittoHouse + Molly Fitzpatrick Studio
Owner and Textile Designer

+ Bio...
Nicki Hubbard

Nicki Hubbard
Jumpstart
Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communication

+ Bio...
Capri King-Thomas

Capri King-Thomas
Class with Capri/ CWC Boutique Consulting
Founder & Artistic Director

+ Bio...
Sean Martin

Sean Martin
Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS)
Associate Curator

+ Bio...
Nick Rivera

Nick Rivera
MMI TExtiles
President

+ Bio...
Megan Lykins Reich

Megan Lykins Reich
Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA)
Kohl Executive Director

+ Bio...
Jennifer Valencic

Jennifer Valencic
Destination Cleveland
VP, Destination Engagement

+ Bio...