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Nicole Finigan Ndzibah has had an impressive career in the fashion retail industry, including working for renowned companies such as The Gap, Talbots, Macy's, and Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole honed her skills in merchandising, retail development, and training divisions. Moreover, she was an adjunct professor at FIT and LIM College, where she shared her expertise with aspiring industry professionals.

In 2022, Nicole was named the Inaugural Executive Director of the Social Justice Center at SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology. She understands firsthand the obstacles faced by BIPOC youth, college students, and working professionals in creative fields, and in this role, she strives to provide opportunities for career development and education to creatives of color. Nicole oversees various programs and scholarships aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Nicole holds two undergraduate degrees from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, and an MBA from Suffolk University - Sawyer Business School in Boston, MA. She is a Brooklyn, NY native who resides in Westchester County, NY where she gives back to her community through several local and national organizations.

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Namasha Schelling is the Program Director at Creatives Want Change (CWC). She has over 15 years of professional experience in nonprofit communications, operations, and fundraising. As a mission-driven professional, and volunteer on several Boards and Committees, Namasha believes that a strong public education system is essential to the prosperity of our country and to the development of an informed and engaged democracy.

Originally from Switzerland and Tanzania, she brings her global perspective to the table and embraces the concept of Ubuntu, an African proverb that states: “I am because we are: we are because I am.” It speaks to the interconnectedness and responsibility that we have for each other and a shared community that doesn’t leave anyone behind. For too long, Black creatives have been left behind, CWC wants to change this by cultivating Black talent beginning at the high school level and continuing into early professional development.

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Morgan McDonald is the Fundraising & Partnerships Liaison for Hems & Brims, bringing expertise in sociology, history, and creative fundraising. A community organizer, reproductive justice activist, and cultural archivist, Morgan has dedicated her career to preserving Black history and celebrating Black creativity and community.

Her passion for fashion and history shines through her teaching, where she has led Black fashion history courses for middle and high school students, focusing on Black designers, models, and movements.

Morgan’s curatorial work includes exhibits for the Griot Museum of Black History and support for projects on Black erotica and Dandies. She also contributed to the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights Network.

Morgan’s expertise in fundraising and partnerships is extensive. She has raised over $3 million collectively for various organizations through grants, individual donors, major donors, and estates and has managed organizational portfolios of up to $8 million. Her deep understanding of Black culture and history fuels her ability to create sustainable opportunities that center equity, artistry, and community.

As the founder of Black Girls Know Best (BGKB), Morgan’s leadership uplifts Black girlhood through advocacy and creative partnerships. She is also a mom of three girls and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Morgan is honored to serve on the Hems & Brims board, where she will help expand opportunities and foster collaborations to advance the organization’s mission.

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Von Childs (Travon Bracey) is a Creative Director and Wardrobe Stylist with a diverse background spanning journalism, fashion, and visual merchandising. Originally from Atlanta, he began his career in journalism before transitioning to fashion at 17. His contributions to the industry include co-founding Africa Fashion Week and establishing ArtREV & Co., a creative platform dedicated to artistic expression and innovation.

Von holds degrees in Fashion Merchandising and Fashion Marketing & Management. His expertise in visual merchandising, film, and fashion has earned him industry recognition, including the Best Visual Store Design of Excellence award from Gap, Inc.

In 2021, Von joined Hems & Brims as a mentor, bringing his wealth of experience to support emerging Black creatives. He now serves on the organization's board, furthering its mission to foster equity and opportunity in fashion. Currently, he continues to lead ArtREV & Co. while serving in various creative capacities within the fashion industry.

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Ngolela Kabongo is an international cut-and-sew fashion designer and stylist with a passion for craftsmanship and creative expression. Her journey in fashion began at an early age, inspired by watching her mother sew. Over the years, her dedication to design has taken her worldwide, with her work featured in British Vogue and showcased on runways across the U.S. and beyond.

In 2022, Ngolela joined Hems & Brims as a fashion mentor, guiding the next generation of creatives. The following year, she expanded her impact by teaching a virtual sewing class to students around the world. In 2023, she was selected by SHEIN to design her own capsule collection, marking a significant milestone as her designs became mass-produced and globally accessible.

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Randee Grant is a dedicated arts educator and youth development leader with a deep commitment to cultural literacy and empowerment. As the Youth Development Program Coordinator at SEED Public School of DC, Randee combines her extensive experience in choreography, theater, and social-emotional learning (SEL) to create transformative educational experiences. She is the founder of Kebuka Arts Theater and Fashion Inspired Teens (F.I.T.), platforms that foster creativity and exploration of art, culture, and identity.

Randee’s work focuses on empowering young individuals by providing them with spaces to express themselves and engage in meaningful cultural dialogue. Her vision to use the arts as a tool for emotional exploration and community connection continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.