Chicago Fashion Coalition began in 2020, when we developed a digital directory with the goal of connecting anyone who needed to end-to-end resources- centralizing the very segregated existing space. From the beginning it was always my mission to highlight voices and businesses of people of color and women; so when we began launching in person events, they remained at the center of every curation and conversation. While I was founder and president, we started from nothing and were able to build an impressive community who all elevated each other, sparking new projects and collaborations between businesses and seeing the growth of our members and their businesses from day one.

After serving out the inception of CFC, I stepped down as president, remaining an advisor, and passed the role on to my successor, Marquan Jones. It was my intention that CFC will continue to grow and evolve and it’s leader should reflect its core mission and be able to put their own flavor into what it becomes. Under Marquan, CFC has evolved and grown beyond what I imagined, partnering with the CFDA, hosting numerous fashion shows and events, providing resources and opportunities, and being a catalyst and major player in Chicago’s first ever recognized Fashion Week. This is just the begining for Chicago Fashion and I am so proud to have even had a chapter in it’s story.