Ambar Campos | Director of Industry & Member Engagement, SPESA

Ambar Campos serves as SPESA’s Director of Industry and Member Relations, where she leads outreach, engagement, and growth efforts across the sewn products supply chain. In this role, she manages SPESA’s member recruitment and retention strategy, supports sponsorship development, and ensures strong connections between the association and its diverse network of industry partners.

A longtime Chicagoan, Ambar brings nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and sewn products industry advocacy. Prior to joining SPESA, she served as Executive Director of the Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), where she developed and led programs supporting local designers, manufacturers, and creative entrepreneurs. She also spearheaded grant writing, events, and strategic partnerships that elevated Chicago’s sewn products sector.

Ambar began her career at AIBI while pursuing a BFA in Fashion Design from the Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago. What started as a temporary data entry position quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to supporting the industry and building meaningful connections across it.

Outside of work, Ambar can usually be found hunting for the perfect secondhand jacket, nerding out about embroidery techniques, or collaborating with community arts and fashion initiatives throughout the Midwest. She lives in Chicago with her husband and teenage daughter, who both keep her grounded, inspired, and laughing on a daily basis.