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

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

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

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

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

Emily Applebaum Ingenuity Cleveland Executive Artistic Director

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

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

Audrey Gerlach Downtown Cleveland Alliance Chief Operating Officer

Jeremy V. Johnson Academy for the Arts Founder & CEO

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

William McNicol William Frederick Founder and Designer

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

Otelia Carmen Vergez Vergez, Inc Director, Cleveland History Center

Norman A. Bliss Community Reinvestment Advisors President & CEO

Jenice Contreras NEOH Hispanic Center for Economic Development President & CEO

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

Caroline Guscott Greater Cleveland Partnership Managing Vice President, Strategic Communications

Nancy Kraig Tri-C Assistant Professor, Interior Design

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

Chanel Norton Victoria’s Secrets Senior Manager, Supplier Diversity

Otto Tyson Cleveland Foundation Community Giving Officer

Kate Borders University Circle, Inc President & CEO

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

Molly Fitzpatrick DittoHouse + Molly Fitzpatrick Studio Owner and Textile Designer

Nicki Hubbard Jumpstart Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communication

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

Sean Martin Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) Associate Curator

Nick Rivera MMI TExtiles President

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

Jennifer Valencic Destination Cleveland VP, Destination Engagement