BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jess Crane,
Regional Director
Multidisciplinary Artist & Business Consultant
Jess Crane is a leading force in Chicago’s fashion and creative industries. A multidisciplinary artist, designer, and business consultant with a BFA in Fashion Design and an MS in Recreation, Sports and Tourism, she brings a rare blend of creative depth and strategic acumen to her work. Through Jess Crane Design, she advises businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations, strengthening their operations, branding, and long-term vision.
Launching in 2026, Jess’s forthcoming brand Forma Numa combines custom fit, sustainable practices, and emerging technology—reflecting her commitment to innovation and the future of design. She is also the founder of Illinois Fashion History, a major initiative documenting and preserving the state’s fashion heritage.
A trusted advisor to multiple fashion organizations, Jess also contributes extensively to charitable and community-driven initiatives. As the 2025–2026 Regional Director of FGI Chicago and a board member of AIBI Chicago, she is recognized for shaping infrastructure, expanding opportunities, and advancing the broader fashion ecosystem.
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 is an attorney licensed in Illinois and New York that defends corporate clients in complex business litigation matters and class actions. She represents clients in the fashion and retail industry throughout the United States and Europe and advises on statutory compliance. Maria is a frequent speaker at fashion law conferences in Chicago, New York, Paris, France and online.
Currently, Maria is president of the Apparel Industry Board, active with the Service Club of Chicago and serves on the Hellenic Bar Association Foundation Board and the American Bar Association’s book review board. 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).
In 2025, Maria was named as an Illinois Super Lawyer and selected as an Elite Lawyer. She 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.
Demetra Arvanitis,
Regional Director-Elect
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.
Rahela Tanase
Vice-Regional Director- Elect
Creative Director, Fashion Stylist & Editorial Graphic Designer
Rahela Tanase is a multidisciplinary creative whose work dances between creative direction, styling, and graphic design drawing from a formal design education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Central Saint Martins in London. Known for her ethereal yet sensible aesthetic, she has crafted campaigns for luxury brands and earned recognition such as the Eddie & Ozzie Awards for her editorial work in Iconic Collection Magazine. Inspired by designers like Simone Rocha and filmmakers like Wes Anderson, Rahela draws from the peculiar and imperfect to create emotionally resonant, visually compelling work that honors authenticity and reveals the quiet magic in every subject.
Darren Buchanan,
Programming Director
Interdisciplinary artist and the founder of the Fabric da Vinci brand
I was inspired to join FGI because I desire a sense of community within the industry. I also want to help build a robust fashion scene in Chicago. I stay motivated in the fashion industry by doing what I love: creating collections that narrate educational themes. I’m passionate about developing a platform that is like Vogue meets National Geographic. My curiosity, desire for experimentation, and quest to share knowledge keep things interesting, busy, and engaging. In 2026, I am excited for the rebrand of my business and to participate in many fashion shows.
Swetha Chinnari,
Marketing Director
International Model, Pageant Coach, & Associate Director of Business Technology in Biopharma Industry
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.
Katie DeLuna,
Membership Director
Fashion Stylist
Katie DeLuna is a Chicago-based freelance wardrobe stylist and creative director known for her editorial, commercial, and on-camera work. Her styling has been featured in Vous Magazine, Imbued Magazine, and on WGN TV, where she curated festival fashion looks for a live segment. Katie brings a collaborative, detail-driven approach to every project, often spotlighting local designers and creatives. With a deep love for music, culture, and storytelling, she creates visually impactful looks that blend edge, elegance, and authenticity—continually pushing her craft forward through new collaborations and creative exploration.
Kimi Ellwein,
Programming Director
Wardrobe Stylist & Event Producer
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.
Aisha Jackson,
Programming Director
Model & Model Director
Tiktok: Aishathemodel
Aisha Jackson is a Chicago-based fashion, print, and beauty model and the Model Director for MODE Chicago. With over two decades in the fashion industry, she brings a rare blend of on-camera presence and behind-the-scenes mastery.
Aisha’s modeling career includes being a featured model for The Makeup Show Chicago with Danessa Myricks and AJ Crimson (2011), a model for Fashion Fair Cosmetics’ online Shade Finder tool (2012), and a featured model for The Makeup Show Chicago Merrill Hollis (2013). She has worked extensively as a print model for Chicago fashion and accessories designers and has appeared as a hair model in multiple salon news magazines.
Her foundation in the industry began with formal studies in Fashion Merchandising at I.A.D.T. in 2003, which supported her early understanding of style, branding, and fashion business.
Transitioning into production, Aisha stepped into creative direction and model directing in 2012. She led the PRSVR Leatherwear Spring Forward 2012 campaign. In 2024 lead creative execution and styled music artists brand activation. She currently leads MODE Chicago’s Model direction and has coordinated standout shows, including Swaby’s “Braided Opulence” at Chicago Fashion Week and Tony P’s networking event Tesla’s “Not For Profit” fashion show. Known for her elegance, precision, and magnetic presence, Aisha continues to shape Chicago’s fashion landscape with timeless sophistication and modern glamour.
Maria (Marisa) Luna,
Programming Director
Fashion Designer
I studied Fashion Design at Columbia College Chicago. Obtained a Bachelors in Communication Theory and Practice. Currently, working in the government sector.
The love for creativity is a journey I embarked at a young age; growing up, migrating to the United States, having a language barrier, finding the uniqueness of my soul; is how I found passion for fashion.
Through style, it is the means I utilized, to feel a stronger connection to my own identity; coming from an artsy, and colorful country, and through creative interactions. Learning needle work, crocheting, and sewing from various women of my family, all have given me the unique vision, and motivation to ignite that love, and share similar interests with the community.
Isa-Mari, is my brand, inspired by the journey of my life. In my opinion, the hardest thing in the world is to find out who you are, and once you know who you are, the hardest thing is to show the world, and go against all you’ve ever known: Think outside the box, be unique!
This is a journey of perseverance, a life full of challenges, a life of many learning experiences, the feeling of not having a voice, being quiet but still wanting to stand out, not knowing how. Wearing certain clothes can provide a sense of empowerment, allowing people to feel confident and to explore different personalities.
Through my passion for creativity, fashion, and styling techniques. My goal is to further my creative talents into the next level, in hopes, to one day, showcase my art to a new audience, other than myself- to inspire the next generation; empowering them, to continue utilizing style as a form of self -expression.
Connie Michalarias -Zembillas,
Marketing Director
Fashion Artist & Product Designer
Connie has spent the past 30 years working in marketing , advertising, sales, and management. Her artistic and creative passions were pursued by attending the Art Institute of Chicago where she studied fashion illustration.
Her creative journey has taken her around the world — including studying perfumery in Grasse , France – where she created scents. Currently she is focusing on illustration and designing products and fashion art inspired by her travels, heritage, and Greek culture.
She feels FGI is a professional organization that brings together fashion enthusiasts and industry leaders to celebrate, support, and elevate the immense talent within the community – she is excited to contribute to this dynamic network in her hometown of Chicago!
Nicole Redmond,
Programing Director
Project / Event / Operations Management, Marketing Account Director
Nicole Redmond is a Chicago-based leader with extensive experience in project management, strategic partnerships, governance and compliance, budget management, board relations, event and program management, and international development. A lifelong lover of fashion – with a particular passion for global fashion, cross-cultural design, and the ways style reflects identity and community worldwide – Nicole brings both creative enthusiasm and operational expertise to every role.
As Account Director leading the Chicago office for Right Hand Marketing, Nicole oversees creative strategy, client engagement, and integrated campaigns that elevate fashion, lifestyle, and community-driven brands. Known for collaborative leadership and culturally informed storytelling, Nicole strengthens brand visibility and builds bridges across Chicago’s diverse fashion ecosystem.
Across a multifaceted career in education, nonprofit, healthcare, government, and international development, Nicole has built a strong foundation in policy, operations, and cross-cultural engagement. Nicole currently serves as Accounts Payable Specialist for Oak Park Elementary School District 97, managing financial operations, compliance, and vendor relations. Previous roles include coordinating the Afghan Parolee Asylum Program at RefugeeOne; advising on governance for the American College of Sports Medicine; and managing multimillion-dollar departmental operations at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Earlier experience spans program management at the American Medical Association, property and contract oversight with the General Services Administration, international internship program administration with Spirit Cultural Exchange, and diversity recruitment leadership at the Peace Corps. Nicole also served as an Intellectual Property Paralegal at Rotary International, a Public Health Educator with Peace Corps Guinea, and held early sports marketing roles with The Chicago White Sox, Gemline, and WNBA sponsorship programs.
A former Division I student-athlete with a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management from The University of Iowa, Nicole combines disciplined leadership, global perspective, and a genuine passion for fashion’s international influence. Nicole is dedicated to advancing Chicago’s creative community and is honored to contribute this perspective to FGI.
Holly Sias,
Marketing Director
CEO & Founder of Socialite Media
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollysias/
Holly Sias is the CEO & Founder of Socialite Media, a boutique digital-first marketing agency specializing in influencer relations, content creation, and social media strategy for fashion, lifestyle, hospitality, and consumer brands. With a background in brand storytelling and community-driven digital marketing, Holly has built Socialite Media into a multi-market agency known for elevating brands through authentic creator partnerships and strategic social visibility. She is passionate about championing women in business, cultivating meaningful industry relationships, and shaping the future of digital influence through creativity, connection, and innovation.
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/
DeAnna Spoerl is the Chief Brand Officer 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.
Adilene Villalpando,
Programming Director
Fashion Designer & Event Production Coordinator
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adilenevillalpando/
Adilene is a 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, and works 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.
