BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jess Crane, Regional Director
Multidisciplinary Artist & Business Consultant
Jess Crane is a multidisciplinary artist and business consultant with a BFA in Fashion Design and an MS in Recreation, Sports and Tourism. Through her company, Jess Crane Design, she provides strategic guidance and creative solutions to businesses and organizations.
Deeply involved in Chicago’s fashion community, Jess serves on the nonprofit boards of AIBI Chicago and FGI Chicago. She creates pieces for fundraising events and is passionate about preserving Illinois’ fashion history, working on documenting the state’s fashion legacy.
As a musician and artist, Jess expresses her creativity through various projects and performances. Her community work is driven by the belief that individuals’ lives are greatly impacted and enhanced by the opportunities available in their local communities.
With her diverse background and dedication to supporting the fashion industry and local community, Jess brings a unique perspective to her role at FGI Chicago, fostering growth, connection, and creativity.
Melissa Carr, Treasurer
Higher Education Leadership and Business / Sales Development
Author of, Guide to Fashion Entrepreneurship: The Plan, the Product, the Process
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagcarr/
Melissa Carr, Department Chair for Fashion Design and Merchandising at Dominican University and teaching since 2005, is a seasoned leader in higher education and the fashion industry. With over 30 years of experience, she bridges academia and industry by preparing students for the dynamic fashion world. Melissa co-authored Guide to Fashion Entrepreneurship and wrote a case study, Amazon’s Luxury Ambitions: Can Amazon Fashion Address Its Luxury Credibility Gap?
Her contributions include curriculum development emphasizing career readiness and trends. As a bilingual professional with a higher-education doctorate and an MBA, Melissa serves on boards like the Apparel Industry Board and Fashion Group International Chicago, promoting innovation and mentorship.
Melissa has also contributed to events like Chicago Fashion Week 2024 and runs a successful online retail business. Her vast network and forward-thinking approach make her a vital advocate for the fashion industry and aspiring leaders.
Maria Vathis, Secretary
Attorney, Of Counsel, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavathis/
https://www.bclplaw.com/en-US/people/maria-z-vathis.html
Maria Vathis has a broad range of experience defending corporate clients in complex business litigation matters and class actions. Ms. Vathis manages nationwide litigation for Fortune 150 companies, and she represents clients in the fashion and retail industry throughout the United States and in Europe. She also advises on statutory compliance, including the GDPR and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. She is a licensed attorney in Illinois and New York. Maria is a frequent speaker at fashion law conferences in Chicago, New York, Paris, France and online.
She is past national president of the Federal Bar Association (2018-2019), past president of the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois (2018-2019), and past president of the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (2010-2011). Maria was selected for inclusion in America’s High Stakes Litigators for Illinois in 2019 and 2020, recognized for outstanding leadership along with Judge Loretta Preska for Fordham University School of Law/Southern District of New York Chapter of the Federal Bar Association in 2018, and selected as the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois’ “Lawyer of the Year” for 2017. Maria has appeared on podcasts, radio and local television. She has a passion for fashion and the law.
Rahela Tanase Marketing Director
Creative Director
https://www.instagram.com/rahelalalala
Rahela Tanase is a multidisciplinary creative specializing in creative direction, graphic design, and styling. Educated in design at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Central Saint Martins in London, she has crafted award-winning campaigns for luxury clients, earning accolades such as the Eddie & Ozzie Awards. Passionate about creating timeless, authentic work, she draws inspiration from fashion houses like Simone Rocha and Alexander McQueen, 1960s French New Wave cinema, and Wes Anderson’s signature use of color and quirk. Rahela thrives on storytelling that embraces the beauty in the odd, imperfect, and unexpected. With an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries, she seeks to elevate brands through thoughtful, visually compelling narratives.
DeAnna Spoerl Marketing Director
Public Relations Entrepreneur (Director of Client Services, Bear Icebox Communications), Founder + Editor in Chief at Letty Sparrow
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannaspoerl/
https://www.instagram.com/shesneon/
DeAnna Spoerl is the Director of Client Services at Bear Icebox Communications, a boutique PR agency specializing in B2B storytelling, and the Founder of Letty Sparrow, a platform dedicated to showcasing Chicago’s luxury fashion scene. With a strong background in public relations and an eye for creativity, DeAnna is passionate about helping brands amplify their stories and connect with their audiences.
Through Letty Sparrow, she highlights the work of Chicago’s most talented designers, emphasizing craftsmanship, sustainability, and unique, tailored fashion. As a new member of the FGI Chicago board, DeAnna brings a collaborative spirit and a fresh perspective, dedicated to fostering connections across the fashion industry. Her commitment to elevating local talent and creating meaningful opportunities for designers aligns perfectly with FGI Chicago’s mission to support and grow the creative community.
Nina Francios, Marketing Director
Handbag Designer & Microbiologist
linkedin.com/in/nina-françois-861a7244
Nina Francois studied fashion design at Columbia College Chicago. While struggling with garment design, she started exploring handbag design and realized it was her niche. Upon graduating from Columbia College, Nina then studied leather design at the Chicago School of Shoemaking. Her future plans include launching a line of handbags & accessories. Outside of the fashion world, Nina has worked over 15 years as a clinical microbiologist. A tale of two identities.
Swetha Chinnari, Marketing Director
International Model, Pageant Coach, & Associate Director of Business Technology in Biopharma Industry.
https://www.instagram.com/itzzswethaa
https://www.instagram.com/inspirebyswetha
https://www.facebook.com/swetha.chinnari
https://www.facebook.com/share/147ztRT38t/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Introducing Swetha Chinnari, a seasoned international model, pageant winner, and the visionary CEO of InspireBySwetha, a premier coaching platform dedicated to helping aspiring models and pageant contestants achieve success. With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, and having graced the runways of New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, she brings unparalleled expertise to her coaching, offering invaluable tips and guidance to those looking to break into the industry. Through InspireBySwetha, she provides a comprehensive approach to modeling and pageantry, equipping her clients with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to stand out and succeed. With a passion for nurturing talent and empowering others, Swetha is transforming the path to success for the next generation of models and pageant queens.
Delphine Pontvieux, Programming Director
Owner, Designer and Maker at NYET Jewelry
https://www.facebook.com/NyetJewelry/
Delphine Pontvieux is the creative force behind NYET Jewelry, where bold design meets artisanal craftsmanship. As owner, designer, and maker, she juxtaposes unconventional materials like rubber and semi precious gemstones and turns them into striking statement pieces that challenge traditional jewelry norms. Whether crafting bold necklaces or distinctive cuffs, her work embodies a daring yet refined spirit, perfect for those who dare to be different.
Delphine’s innovative vision earned her the prestigious Creative Innovation Award from the Fashion Group International during the inaugural Chicago Fashion Week in 2024, a testament to her artistry and impact on the fashion world.
Kimi Ellwein, Programming Director
Wardrobe Stylist & Event Producer
https://www.instagram.com/stylebykimi
Kimi Ellwein is a Chicago-based wardrobe stylist and event producer recognized for her bold and innovative approach. A finalist for the FGI Chicago Rising Star Award, Kimi’s work embodies creativity, authenticity, and a commitment to bridging artistic communities.
As a stylist, Kimi helps clients elevate their wardrobes to reflect their lives and goals. From guiding professionals through career transitions to wedding styling for brides seeking authenticity on their big day, and supporting new moms with functional yet stylish pieces, Kimi empowers her clients to look and feel their best.
As an event producer, Kimi produces events like Soundpost for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, engaging young professionals through multi-sensory, art-focused experiences. Influenced by Bauhaus principles and a passion for art, Kimi’s work inspires innovation, fosters connection, and builds vibrant communities through the cross-pollination of ideas and mediums.
Adilene Villalpando, Programming Director
Fashion Designer & Event Production Coordinator
https://www.instagram.com/villandez_adilenevillalpando
https://www.instagram.com/adilenev_disenos
Adilene is an emerging fashion designer with experience across multiple sectors within creating and participating in fashion events. Villandez, her personal special event fashion brand, has been featured across Chicago and Mexico through fashion weeks and industry events. She also works behind the scenes with Zzazz Productions and with the Driehaus Design Initiative, as well as with people with special needs during the day. Adilene is always looking for opportunities to keep gaining knowledge to further her brand into the next level and to showcase her art to new clients. As a first generation Mexican-American, she is very proud to represent her roots wherever her dreams take her.
Katie DeLuna, Membership Director
Fashion Stylist & Sr. Business Analyst
https://www.instagram.com/stylingbydeluna
Katie DeLuna is a Sr Business Analyst with over 15 years of experience. She seamlessly blends her analytical expertise with her passion for creativity as a freelance fashion stylist.
With a degree in Fashion Merchandising, Katie is committed to showcasing local talent, collaborating with Chicago-based HMUAs, photographers, and designers to bring unique visions to life. Her work has garnered significant recognition, including being featured as the Stylist on the cover and spread of the September 2024 edition of Vous magazine. She featured Chicago designer, Shernett Swaby.
Music fuels her creativity, influencing her ability to craft compelling narratives through fashion.
Katie exemplifies the perfect balance between technical prowess and artistic expression, leaving her mark in both industries.
Demetra Arvanitis, Membership Director
Fashion Stylist & Luxury E-Commerce Sales
Youtube: @StyledByDemetra
https://www.linkedin.com/company/styled-by-demetra
https://www.facebook.com/StyledByDemetra/
Pinterest: @StyledByDemetra
Demetra is a luxury fashion expert with over 20 years of experience in retail and luxury markets. Based in downtown Chicago, she founded Styled by Demetra, a business specializing in Sourcing, Styling, and Luxury Resale. She holds certifications in fashion styling and image consulting from George Brown Toronto, enhancing her ability to blend operational expertise with a sharp eye for emerging trends.
With a global network of clients across the U.S. and Canada, Demetra is skilled in international sourcing, vendor negotiation, and market trend analysis. She excels at curating bespoke, in-demand pieces tailored to the preferences of discerning clientele.
As Demetra is fluent in Greek and French, she has been involved in the fashion community locally and worldwide. Demetra’s appreciation of the creativity and artistry of fashion, which started at a young age, has grown into a thriving business. Demetra provides personalized boutique-style service, showcasing her dedication to the world of luxury fashion.
Audrey Taylor, Sponsorship Director
Events Marketing Manager, MMGNET Fashion Events, by Informa Markets
https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyltaylor/
Audrey Taylor has worked in the apparel business for ten years. She began her career as a sales associate in retail stores and quickly advanced into management roles. Realizing her passion for the industry, Audrey pursued a degree in Fashion Business and Marketing, and graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2018. Now as the Global Retail Business Manager for a leading producer of trade show events, Audrey connects retail fashion buyers with wholesale brands and suppliers from around the world. Audrey is endlessly fascinated by fashion and the impact it has on every person, everywhere. She also loves all things art, hiking with her dog, and exploring her home away from home, Chicago.
