​Tony Anzovino, Director of Product Development & Sourcing, Dillard’s Inc. 

An industry veteran with over 35 years' experience in manufacturing, sourcing, technical design and product development. Tony's resume includes manufacturing management at two domestic factories, Director of Technical Design at Abercrombie & Fitch, Sourcing and R&D at JCP, Chief Sourcing & Merchandising Officer at Haggar Clothing, and is currently at Dillard's in Product Development, Sourcing & Operations.

 

He is a Senior Member of the AATCC, Sustainability Committee and Government Relations Committee member with the AAFA, and Executive Committee member and outgoing President of the AAPN. 

 

Iulia Mihaela Coapsi, Vice President Manufacturing Systems, CGS

Iulia Mihaela Coapsi joined CGS in August 2020 as Vice President of Manufacturing Systems, leading operations for the Shop Floor Control Division. With over 25 years of experience in the apparel fashion industry, she specializes in manufacturing, product design, engineering, quality, and executive management. She oversees the implementation, development, and support of the BlueCherry Production Management System, driving business process analysis and integrations for new and existing customers. Previously, she served as VP of Product Innovation & Quality Assurance at Gildan Activewear Inc. and is also a successful entrepreneur. Iulia holds a degree in Manufacturing and Management from the University of Product Design and Engineering in Iasi, Romania.

 

Morgan Davis, Program Manager, Digital Fashion Academy, Austin Community College
As Program Manager of the Digital Fashion Academy at Austin Community College’s Fashion Incubator, Morgan leads initiatives to equip the next generation of fashion professionals with essential digital and technical skills. She oversees the program’s strategic growth and ensures accessible, high-quality education for a diverse audience—from middle school students exploring design to professionals advancing their careers. With a focus on workforce development, Morgan builds partnerships with schools, universities, and businesses to bridge the gap between education and industry needs. Through innovative programming and scalable learning models, she fosters career readiness, enhances employability, and contributes to the development of Austin’s growing fashion ecosystem. Her work directly supports the evolution of the fashion workforce by connecting students with hands-on learning opportunities, industry-relevant training, and pathways to success in an ever-changing industry.

 

Austin Dipadova, Founder, Breakfront

Austin DiPadova is a San Antonio-based creative entrepreneur and the founder of breakfront, a rising clothing brand celebrated for its innovative designs and commitment to individuality. Austin’s journey in fashion began when he was recognized as "Best

Dressed" in high school, a title that sparked his passion for personal style and design.

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He went on to study Fashion Design at Western Michigan University, where he worked on a team that produced fashion shows every semester, gaining valuable experience in event production and design presentation. Following graduation, Austin interned in New York City, where he discovered a passion for the product development cycle and the intricate process of bringing designs to life. This experience solidified his commitment to pursuing a career in fashion production and design. Austin later moved to Chicago, where he launched breakfront and immersed himself in the city’s vibrant creative scene.

 

With extensive hands-on experience in fashion production, Austin has showcased his work at events like Texas Fashion Week and actively contributes to San Antonio's creative community.

 

Dr. Charles Freeman, Professor & Chair, Department of Fashion Merchandising, Texas Christian University 

Dr. Charles Freeman is the Chair and Full Professor of Fashion Merchandising at Texas Christian University. With a Ph.D. in Human Ecology and over a decade of academic leadership, he has spearheaded numerous interdisciplinary initiatives at the intersection of fashion, technology, and innovation. He is the founder and CEO of Humo Technologies, a research-based startup developing wearable solutions for athlete performance and safety, and has received more than $4.7 million in funded research. Dr. Freeman previously led major academic and commercialization efforts at Mississippi State University, including a founding researcher with the Athlete Engineering Institute, the MSU Innovation Network for Commercialization, and the MSU Idea Shop Retail Innovation Hub. He is a published scholar with over 40 peer-reviewed articles, multiple patents, and a national voice in wearable tech, creative education, and retail innovation.

 

Frank Henderson, Owner & President, Henderson Sewing Machine Co.*

Frank Henderson is President of Henderson Sewing Machine Co., one of the largest distributors of industrial sewing machines, sewing machine parts, and associated products in the world. Founded in 1968, Henderson Sewing Machine Co. is known for offering customers the highest quality products at competitive prices with superior customer service. 

 

Frank has more than 40 years of experience in the textile and sewn products industries. He has held a wide variety of industry, community, and national positions including Chairman of SPESA, President of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Foundation, Covington County Economic Development Commission Board, President of Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, and has been named to Who’s Who in U.S. Executives. He received a degree from Auburn University’s Department of Textile Engineering.

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Justin Hershoran, Senior Solutions Architect, Aptean*

Justin Hershoran is a Senior Solutions Architect at Aptean with over 25 years of industry experience. As a member of the original team that developed the Shopfloor concept and software, he has played a key role in shaping its functionality with a focus on efficiency and streamlining operations. His expertise lies in optimizing workflows and saving valuable time in daily manufacturing processes. Today, Justin continues to drive the growth of the Shopfloor platform, enhancing its capabilities to help manufacturers achieve greater efficiency.

 

Rebekah Hoffer, Director of Pattern, Design, and Operations, Stitch Texas & Lefty Production Co.

Rebekah Hoffer’s career in fashion began unexpectedly when a summer internship shifted her path entirely. After graduating from UT, she started in R&D as a pattern and sample maker at a startup sewn goods factory, later leading production before returning to development. In 2014, she joined Stitch Texas, a sewn goods development company, where she immersed herself in every stage of the process. Now, a decade later, she runs Stitch Texas, bridging design development with production through its partnership with Lefty Production Co. in LA—making it a full-service provider for fashion entrepreneurs and sewn goods innovators.

 

Yong Jin, Founder & CEO, Leridge*

Yong Jin is a visionary leader with a diverse background in technology, real estate, and pharmaceuticals. As Founder & CEO of Leridge Corporation, he is transforming smart manufacturing in the fashion industry. Previously, he drove record-breaking sales as Executive Chairman & Senior Managing Director at CBRE China and founded 5i5j, one of China’s top real estate brokerage firms. His career also includes roles at Accenture, where he helped develop Wall Street’s first Internet-based corporate bond exchange, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where he applied AI and robotics to drug discovery. A CFA charter holder, he earned degrees from Tsinghua University, Penn State, and NYU. An inventor with multiple patents, Yong is also a passionate skier who has tackled extreme terrains worldwide.

 

Leonard Marano, President, Americas, Lectra*
Leonard Marano has served as President of the Americas at Lectra since June 2021 and joined the company’s Executive Committee in July 2021. Prior to Lectra, he spent seven years at Gerber Technology, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer. His career includes over a decade in senior product management and marketing roles for advanced technology companies, including leading FujiFilm’s kiosk equipment, software, and consumables business and launching Jensen Dental’s CAD/CAM digital dentistry product line. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Central Connecticut State University.

 

Nina Means, Director, Austin Community College Fashion Incubator
Nina Means is the inaugural Director of ACC Fashion Incubator, where she educates, incubates, and accelerates business-minded fashion entrepreneurs. Passionate about bridging creativity and commerce. She has launched key programs, including The Future of Fashion virtual series sponsored by Macy’s, the Designers-in-Residence incubator program, and the ATX+EGYPT global fashion exchange accelerator, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy Cairo. She also chairs the Badging Subcommittee for student-facing, competency-based micro-credentials under the Curriculum and Programs Committee. As a doctoral student at the University of Texas at Austin, her research explores equitably designed micro-credential programs and the digital transformation of higher education business models.

 

Anthony Mele, Regional Account Director, Aptean*

Anthony Mele is the Regional Account Director at Aptean, where he excels in driving new customer growth both domestically and internationally. Prior to Aptean, he served as Strategic Account Director for Exenta, Director of Sales for NuORDER, and Business Development Manager at PrecisionDemand, among other innovative SaaS companies. Anthony’s deep industry knowledge spans both the wholesale and production sides of fashion brands, having started his career in technology at Infocrossing. He is a graduate of Parsons, New School University.

 

Marta Miller, Owner & Co-Founder, Stitch Texas & Lefty Production Co.

Marta Miller is the visionary behind Lefty Production Co. and Stitch Texas, with a vast background in the apparel industry. Her career began with internships under Matthew Williamson and Debra McGuire, followed by roles refining her expertise with Rosetta Getty and managing sales for Christian Siriano. In 2007, Marta launched Moody Mamas, a maternity line sold at major retailers, before co-founding Lefty Production Co. with Emily Roiff to address development and production challenges for brands. Under her leadership, Lefty and Stitch have become premier development and production houses, serving clients such as Beach Riot and Urban Outfitters, with operations domestically and internationally. Marta values her team and enjoys spending time with her three children and supportive husband.

 

Michael Rabin, Sales Director of the Americas, Morgan Tecnica Spa

With over 35 years in the apparel industry, Michael Rabin brings a wealth of expertise in product development, production, design, merchandising, and management best practices. His knowledge spans the entire process, from initial concept to sourcing production through global networks, utilizing various software tools to deliver products to retailers and wholesalers worldwide. In the late 90s, Michael combined manufacturing and technology experience to develop an innovative application that allowed merchandisers to customize products for fashion wholesalers, manufacturers, and importers. He later successfully sold ERP/PLM solutions to vertical fashion companies, introducing new European technology to the North American market. Today, Michael is the Sales Director for the Americas at Morgan Tecnica Spa, a technology and product solution company for textile and manufacturing industries worldwide, offering cutting-edge tools for 3D design, CAD, cut order planning software, and integrated machinery for material handling, spreading, and cutting. Morgan Tecnica’s products are among the most dynamic in the industry and were among the first to introduce these new technologies to the Americas.

 

Drawing upon more than 35 years in the apparel industry, Michael Rabin’s experience covers all facets of product development and production, with the use of design, merchandising, production, and management best practices. Michael has in-depth knowledge of the complete process, including the initial concept to sourcing production through global sourcing networks, using a variety of
software tools and applications to deliver to retailers and wholesalers worldwide.

In the late 90‘s, combining manufacturing and technology experience, Michael developed an innovative application which enabled the merchandiser to customize a generic product for fashion wholesalers, manufacturers and importers.

Michael later went on to successfully sell innovative ERP/PLM solutions to vertical fashion companies, bringing new European technology to the North American marketplace.

Today, Michael Rabin is Sales Director of the America’s for Morgan Tecnica Spa. Morgan Tecnica is a technology/product solution company for Textile related and manufacturing companies worldwide, featuring some of the most innovative tools for 3D, CAD, Cut Order Planning software and integrated machinery for all area’s of material handling, spreading and cutting. Morgan Tecnica’s technology/products are viewed as some of the most dynamic in the product machinery, and among the first to bring these new technologies and products to the North/South American Market.
 

Felishia Shinn, Co-founder, LS4

Felishia Martinez, LS4 3D Printing - Felishia is a passionate STEAM educator and acting Communications and Education Specialist of LS4 3D Printing and Manufacturing, which offers creative 3D printed solutions for an array of industries, including Space. As

an educator, Felishia finds value in equipping schools and organizations with instructional resources, creating engaging student environments, and raising community awareness of the transformative power of 3D printing. Most recently, Felishia and the LS4 3D Printing team has partnered with Texas Fashion Industry Initiative in support of creating unique 3D printed projects and STEAM-based activities that include innovations of fashion jewelry and 3D printed clothing.
 

Geoffrey Taylor, President of TUKAweb, Tukatech*
Geoffrey Taylor is the President of TUKAweb/Tukatech, a company founded in 1999 to provide cutting-edge fashion software, hardware, subscriptions, and services. With over 30 years of experience managing successful technology businesses, he has a strong background in CAD/CAM software, textile and apparel design, and manufacturing. Under his leadership, Tukatech has pioneered digital pattern-making in dozens of countries and remains an industry leader in virtual sample-making with real-time motion simulation. The company was the first to develop and implement on-demand manufacturing processes and is widely recognized for its advanced cutting room solutions. Today, fashion professionals across the industry rely on Tukatech’s innovative systems.

 

Saige Thomas, President, Texas Fashion Industry Initiative

Saige Thomas is an award-winning fashion photographer and fashion show producer based in San Antonio, Texas. Before entering the fashion industry, she served 11 years in the United States Air Force as a surgical orthopedic technologist, with deployments in Texas, the Dominican Republic, and Afghanistan. Recognized for her leadership, she earned multiple awards for her work as a patient advocate, sexual assault response educator, security manager, and process improvement specialist, holding Green Belt certification and Black Belt training in Lean Six Sigma. Post-military, Saige has built a successful career in fashion photography and show production, producing events in Texas, Seattle, and New York, including two official NYFW shows in 2023 and 2024. She is the president of the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative (501c3) and co-founder/executive producer of Texas Fashion Week™.

 

Michelle Washington, Fashion Industry Expert & TV Style Host

Michelle Washington is a seasoned fashion industry professional with expertise in design, retail, marketing, technical design, and product development. She has worked with top brands such as Nike, Polo Jeans, Haggar, and Abercrombie & Fitch, traveling globally to evaluate manufacturing quality, processes, and facilities. With a Bachelor’s in Fashion Design and a Master’s in Education, Michelle has over 20 years of experience as a fashion instructor at institutions including Columbus College of Art and Design, Westwood College, and the Art Institute of Austin.

 

As a TV Style Expert, Michelle’s vibrant on-air presence has been featured on FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, Spectrum News, and The CW, with her fashion insights published by The Zoe Report, InStyle Magazine, Bustle, Best Life, Static Media, and The Huffington Post. Internationally published and known for her creative styling, she exclusively works with magazines, TV personalities, and celebrities. She is also the host of the TV show Behind the SEAMS™ and the award-winning podcast The Color of Fashion™
 

Dr. Jennifer Wilson, Academic Program Director, Textiles & Apparel, University of Texas at Austin

Dr. JenniferWilson brings over 15 years of apparel industry and academic experience to her courses in Textiles and Apparel. Her background spans merchandising, media, event planning, and retail management, providing students with a well-rounded perspective on the industry's interconnected design and merchandising sectors. Inspired by fashion from an early age, she pursued a Master’s degree at UT, where teaching in the TXA department led her to earn a Ph.D. in the field. Her research focuses on consumer behavior, specifically how locally-owned retailers contribute to downtown revitalization. Passionate about community engagement, she integrates industry experts into her courses to enhance student learning and career development.

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