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 Founder and Design Director
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