Fashion Entrepreneur
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Kathlin Argiro is a fashion designer, educator, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience at the intersection of design, business, and education. As the founder of her eponymous brand—sold in over 500 premier specialty stores worldwide, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s—Argiro has translated her success as a fashion entrepreneur into an innovative approach to fashion education. Her deep industry expertise bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, equipping the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs with the skills needed to thrive. A dedicated mentor with a strong emphasis on fostering emerging talent, Argiro has guided countless students in developing their creative and business acumen.

A sought-after speaker on fashion entrepreneurship and emerging technologies, she has been a panelist and guest lecturer at Parsons School of Design, NYU Stern School of Business, Fordham University—Gabelli School of Business, and The Washington Fashion Group. Argiro is an adjunct professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and holds a BFA in fashion design from Parsons School of Design, as well as a master’s degree in Global Fashion Management from FIT. She spearheaded FIT’s first AI Symposium and has led high-profile projects, including initiatives for first lady Michelle Obama and the Charles James exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute. She recently launched Artisans, Ethics, and AI, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the global fashion community to ethically integrate AI with heritage craftsmanship—fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and the preservation of savoir faire for future fashion leaders.

Assistant Professor, Fashion Design, FIT
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Amy Sperber is a radical optimist in the realm of digital fashion tools, skillfully merging 3D modeling, avatar-driven fit analysis, and parametric design with time-honored craftsmanship. She champions technology as a catalyst for enhancing precision, creativity, and efficiency, all while safeguarding the tactile artistry that defines fashion. Her vision? A future where digital tools empower designers and work in harmony with the human touch and ingenuity at the heart of great design.

AIA, IIDA, NCIDQ, IDEC, LEED AP BD+C
Assistant Professor, Interior Design Department
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Ethan Lu is the assistant chair of Interior Design at FIT. He is currently a principal at Metropolitan United Studio, PLLC. He worked at FXFowle (now FXCollaborative) and CookFox Architects on several signature projects, including the Bank of America Tower, Second Avenue Subway, and the No. 7 Subway extension, with a focus on sustainability. Lu has taught architecture and interior design courses at Columbia University, Parsons, NYIT, and NYSID, specializing in design technology. He’s currently working on building performance analysis with his FIT students using Revit Insight. He holds a BS in architecture from the University of Michigan, a Master of Architecture from Harvard University, and a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University. He is a Registered Architect in NY and NJ, NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer, and LEED Accredited Professional.

Manager of Marketing and Industry Programs at Cotton Incorporated
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Diana Peck is the Manager of Marketing and Industry Programs at Cotton Incorporated, where she develops and executes strategic marketing initiatives to support the Global Supply Chain Marketing division. She connects brands, retailers, and emerging professionals with key industry resources through CottonWorks.com and trade media—leveraging industry insights and creative marketing to drive cotton’s presence in key markets. With over 15 years in the textile industry, Peck has led strategic marketing programs that enhance industry engagement and business growth, blending creative strategy with market intelligence to turn industry trends into actionable initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design and a Bachelor of Science in Textile Technology from North Carolina State University.

CEO and Founder of FashionINSTA
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With over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, Sylwia Szymczyk has transformed her journey. After starting out as a seamstress and patternmaker, she now has a cutting-edge career in fashion-tech. The turning point came in 2017, when she discovered the potential of applying 3D design to fashion, which paved the way for a new digital vision of the industry.

Szymczyk has collaborated with major brands such as Max Mara and Timberland (VF Corporation), leading the implementation of innovative solutions in their production processes. However, the real revolution began with the integration of artificial intelligence, which she sees as the key to a more inclusive, sustainable, and accessible industry. She firmly believes that AI can redefine traditional business models, freeing fashion professionals from low-value tasks and allowing them to focus on what truly matters: creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

Driven by the desire to change the game, she left Timberland to found FashionINSTA, a revolutionary platform that enables influencers to create and sell their own on-demand collections, eliminating waste and overproduction. With a real-time, data-driven approach and a fully digital production model, FashionINSTA is redefining the future of fashion business, bringing fashion into the era of hyper-personalization and the creator economy.

Zehra Soysal’s career journey began at Google in business strategy, followed by impactful roles as a consultant at BCG, where she worked across diverse sectors in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. She played a key role in establishing a tech joint venture with Turkey’s largest conglomerate, igniting her passion for innovative business technologies. After receiving her MBA from Harvard Business School in 2022, she joined Metaphysic.ai in New York, where she was instrumental in scaling operations and driving strategic and financial growth initiatives. Passionate about the transformative potential of AI, Soysal explores generative AI applications in e-commerce, retail, and fashion. She works on retail AI projects that enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive innovation in the industry.

Founder of Cobalt
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Rupert Breheny is an emerging technology advisor with extensive experience in major technology companies and a specialized focus on applying artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance business value chains. During his 16-plus years at Google, Breheny assisted key advertising clients in aligning innovative technologies with their strategic business goals. By integrating best practices in web performance, user experience, and 3D content, he facilitated significant cost reductions, improved conversion rates, and increased revenue. Notable clients include Sephora, Red Bull, Foot Locker, Frasers Group, and Marks & Spencer.

As the founder of Cobalt, a technology consultancy, Breheny guides businesses on the effective integration of AI into their operational workflows. His clientele includes Alexander McQueen, Zaha Hadid Architects, Perkins Eastman, and Curiosity Studios.

His insights have featured in Wired, The New York Times, and Vogue.

Founder, Kitted AI, Inc.

Leanne Luce is an experienced product leader and innovator. As founder and CEO of Kitted AI, she integrates advancements in AI to develop solutions for consumers of secondhand fashion. As a former lead product manager at Google, she directed multiple teams incubating and launching features that impact billions of users each day. She authored the book Artificial Intelligence for Fashion in 2018, and her work has been featured in Vogue and International Business Times, and on BuzzFeed. Combining technical expertise with strategic vision, Luce creates breakthrough products in competitive markets.

Elizabeth (Liz) Pulos is a recognized leader in corporate environmental and social responsibility within the footwear and apparel industries. As Head of Compliance, Sustainability, and Traceability Innovation at Inspectorio, she shapes product strategy, guides market positioning, and leads the Center of Excellence to drive innovation in responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency. Founded in 2016, Inspectorio is the leading AI-powered supply chain platform optimizing performance, building resilience, and providing intelligence across production chains for global brands, retailers, and their multi-tier suppliers.

Before joining Inspectorio, Liz was Director of Global Sustainability at Converse (Nike Inc.), where she built the brand’s first enterprise sustainability strategy, scaling initiatives across data reporting, materials sourcing, and traceability. She also led sustainability and social responsibility efforts at Macy’s and managed the global factory compliance certification program at WRAP. Liz holds a B.S. in International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries from FIT, and an M.S. in Sustainable Fashion from IENYC. She co-wrote the SUNY textbook, Good Corporation, Bad Corporation: Corporate Social Responsibility in the Global Economy and teaches IN342 International Corporate Responsibility at FIT.

Regional Design Technology Director, Principal
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Islay’s work leverages cutting-edge technology to revolutionize the design and delivery processes. In a rapidly changing digital landscape, Islay is an industry leader who can conceptualize and implement technological innovations that bring unprecedented services to our clients. As Regional Design Technology Director based in the firm's New York office, Islay has recruited and trained a team of specialists that continuously develops next-generation solutions to new challenges. Islay received a Master of Architecture and Community Design from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a registered architect who has been certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and she has Revit certification with Autodesk. As technology and design become further entwined, Islay will lead the charge into the future of design.

Brian is the Director of Faculty Development and FIT’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and was the founding director of FIT’s Writing and Speaking Studio. He has taught writing and research courses for a number of FIT departments, including Educational Skills, English and Communication Studies, Social Sciences, and the Sustainable Interior Environments Graduate Program. Brian’s scholarly work focuses on collaborative learning, the social and political dynamics of peer tutoring in writing, and the interplay of literacy and technology.  He is a co-author of Optimizing AI in Higher Education: SUNY FACT² Guide and co-edited Multimodal Composing: Strategies for 21st Writing Center Work, which introduced a technology and design focused curriculum for writing centers. His work has been recognized by a 2007 International Writing Centers Association outstanding scholarship award, the 2010 Ron Maxwell Award for distinguished leadership in writing centers, and a 2017 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

Jason Roth is Vice President of Solutions and Strategy at Computer Generated Solutions, Inc. (CGS), where he drives innovative enterprise solutions that help companies in the fashion industry streamline operations and enhance business performance. With 30+ years of experience in enterprise project and program management, Jason has built a reputation as a strategic leader with deep expertise in business process optimization, technology-driven transformation, and enterprise software solutions.

Associate Professor, International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries, FIT

Sonja Chapman is a licensed customhouse broker with more than 40 years of experience managing international transportation logistics and customs compliance for apparel companies. Chapman began teaching at FIT in 2003 and conducts courses in international logistics, import/export regulations, and international compliance management. Chapman has participated in FIT's international teaching partnerships, teaching at the Bangkok International Fashion Academy and conducting seminars for visiting students from Moscow State University. She regularly coordinates alumni and trade panels on behalf of FIT's International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries program.

Chapman has maintained a 40-year career in the fashion industry, working in senior-level supply chain management positions, overseeing international shipping, customs compliance, and regulatory compliance for a broad range of apparel companies. In 2004, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appointed Chapman to serve as a member of the board of directors of the Cotton Board. She has served multiple terms, held multiple leadership positions, and ultimately was named chairperson. She is also a member of the board of directors of the U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), where she serves as secretary and is an active participant on their Customs Committee.

In her hometown, Chapman is the vice president of the board of trustees of the Boonton Holmes Public Library.