Our speakers and presenters are leaders, innovators, and storytellers who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Each session is designed to inspire, educate, and equip participants with practical tools and fresh perspectives. From powerful keynotes to interactive panels, they deliver meaningful insights that spark new ideas and drive lasting impact.
SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS
Alden Wicker Founder, Eco CultJournalist and Author of “To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion is Making Us Sick”
LaToya Wilson Global Co-Head, Inclusive Ventures Group Morgan Stanley
Stephanie Czekaliński Executive Editor Crain’s Cleveland Business
Nicole Rawling Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer Material Innovation Initiative
Amy Peterson Co-Founder and CEO Rebell Nell
Jo Miller Founder FashionED Advisor Hocking College Fashion
Freddy Collier, Jr. Greater Cleveland Partnership SVP, Strategy and New Initiatives
Bronlynn Thurman Program Officer Cleveland Foundation
Jeremy V. Johnson Academy for the Arts Founder & CEO
Cecil Lipscomb United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, Inc. (UBF) Executive Director
Janetta King Midwest Regional Director, 10,000 Small Businesses Voices Goldman Sachs
William McNicol William Frederick Founder and Designer
Lindsay Sims McKee Founder & CEO Predictable Results Marketing Ohio's Grow with Google Coach
Lynnise Smith Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV) Executive Director
Norman A. Bliss Community Reinvestment Advisors President & CEO
Cintia Nardi President Bolt Threads
Dontavius Jarrells Deputy Minority Leader OH State Representative
Jennifer Guarino President & CEO Industrial Sewing & Innovation Center
Jon Ratner Co-Founder and Managing Partner The Max Collaborative
Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra Creative Directors JCRT + Resonance Companies
Dr. Denise Reading Founder and Chief Executive Officer Future Plans
Nancy Kraig Tri-C Assistant Professor, Interior Design
Otto Tyson Cleveland Foundation Community Giving Officer
Michal Marcus Program Director Burton D. Morgan
Julie Jacono onSora Solutions Founder, Chief Executive Officer
Julie Crowe Willoughby, PhD Chief Technology Officer TerraSafe Holdings, Inc.
Molly Fitzpatrick DittoHouse + Molly Fitzpatrick Studio Owner and Textile Designer
Andrea N Boyd Formerly Advisor at Ohio MBDA President/CEO, Community Wealth Partners of Greater Cleveland
Nicki Hubbard Jumpstart Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communication
Capri King-Thomas Class with Capri/ CWC Boutique Consulting Founder & Artistic Director
Nick Rivera MMI TExtiles President
Meredith M. Turner Councilwoman & Vice Chair Economic Development & Planning Committee Cuyahoga County Council
Betsy Franjola Founder & CEO Hocking Hills Garment Center, LLC Founder BFF Studio
Valerie Mayén Founder & Artistic Director, Yellow Cake Shop FITS 2025 Principal Curator
JR Campbell, PhD Kent State University Professor, Fashion Design & Merchandising