Speakers
Apurba Banerjee
Textile Research Scientist- Innovation, Standard Textile
Apurba Banerjee is a Textile Research Scientist spearheading innovation at Standard Textile Corporation (STC). As a key member of the Innovation Group, she plays a pivotal role in bringing sustainable, value-added products to life in the realms of Hospitality, Healthcare, and Interiors. Her journey is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences. Before joining STC, she navigated diverse career landscapes, leaving her mark on Sourcing, Product Development, and Polymer Research. Her expertise was instrumental in driving projects at renowned companies such as Glowforge, Milwaukee Tool, and brrr˚Inc.
Sarah Cobb
Digital Marketing Specialist, Mermet USA
Sarah Cobb serves as the Digital Marketing & Communications Strategist for sun control textiles manufacturer, Mermet USA, based in upstate South Carolina. Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Clemson University and has since used her knowledge and skills to drive success in a number of roles, including those in both B2C and B2B marketing. An avid writer outside of the office, Sarah has used her passions and abilities to transform blogging and copywriting in the textiles industry. Currently, Sarah specializes in digital and social media strategy in tandem with blog and content creation.
Jennifer Fennell
Supply Chain and Process Improvement Advisor, Polo Custom Products
Jennifer Fennell is the Supply Chain and Process Improvement Advisor for Polo Custom Products, a global manufacturing company specializing in sewing and radio frequency welding serving the OEM market. Jennifer also serves on Polo Custom Products’ Executive Team and participates in the company’s Mentorship Program. Jennifer holds a Lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager accreditation. Jennifer previously served on ATA’s Military Division Advisory Board, and currently sits on the organization’s Board of Directors. Throughout Jennifer’s 20+ years with Polo Custom Products, she has held various management positions of increasing responsibility in Purchasing, Logistics and Supply Chain.
Dr. Melissa Furman, MS, DBA
Owner/Consultant, Career Potential, LLC
Dr. Furman is not your typical “academic”. She served as the Assistant Dean and Professor at the Hull College of Business at Augusta University for 10+ years, but her passion for career, leadership, and organizational development inspired her to launch Career Potential, a consulting, training, and coaching organization. Her expertise include generational diversity, unconscious bias, leadership success, and emotional intelligence. She brings her background in higher education—particularly business, counseling, and psychology—to the conversation to help individuals and organizations achieve success.
Xochil Herrera Scheer
Apparel Engineer, Product Development Expert | President & Founder, The Chicago Pattern Maker (XOCHIL INC)
Xochil Herrera Scheer is the founder of The Chicago Pattern Maker, a design and product development service provider for apparel and sewn products brands. She and her team collaborate with creative partners and factories alike, and bring technical expertise, guidance, and genuine care to the pre-production process of pattern making, technical design, and prototyping. An analytic creative, she works hard to create beautiful and functional products that are ready to take to market, and works across multiple apparel categories including knit and woven sportswear, performance activewear, swim, workwear, plus-size, and accessories.
Nichole Holroyd
COO, Spiritus Systems
Nichole Holroyd is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Spiritus Systems. Spiritus Systems is a tactical gear cut-and-sew manufacturer and brand creating the highest quality equipment for military, law enforcement, and civilian use. Nichole, her husband, and best friend started the company in their home and have grown it into one of the leading brands in the tactical gear market. In a former life, Nichole was a Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS (ASCP)CM and received her Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on infectious disease and epidemiology.
Holly V Morris
Hand Surgeon, Medical Textile Specialist
Internationally trained, Ms Holly Morris holds dual professional accreditation across the surgical and textile industries.
Working as a hand surgeon, Holly has a special interest in the management of paediatric and congenital hand differences. Holly trained in Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery, spending time in her training working at the internationally renowned Pulvertaft Hand Centre. In her clinical practice, she has a keen involvement with the utilisation of a circular economy model of medical textiles and has previously sat as a member of the environmental committee of her hospital. Nationally, she has previously advised the Royal College of Surgeons Sustainability group, contributing guidance on textile use in surgery for the Green Surgery Report. In addition, Holly sits on the Technical Textile and Sustainability Special Interest Groups of the Textile Institute and the medical textile working group of the European Division of Health Care Without Harm.
Clelia Parisi
Senior Fabric and Market Research Analyst, Apex Mills Corp
Clelia’s career is focused on developing and bringing to market a range of specialty textiles in the lace and warp knit industry. Within the areas of healthcare, consumer goods, apparel, medical, aerospace, PPE and industrial textiles, she has worked on the development and commercialization of capacitive touch sensor fabrics, static dissipative, elastomeric, and auxetic fabrics with more recent focus on medical and performance-fit solutions. Clelia has a B.Sc. in Textile & Apparel Marketing from S.U.N.Y. Fashion Institute of Technology and an A.A. Sc. In Textile Science from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a heavy emphasis on the equipment relationships of fabric materials.
Amy Rivera
Founder of Ninjas Fighting Lymphedema Foundation and Rivera Hybrid Solutions
Amy Rivera is a resilient advocate, inspirational speaker, and author dedicated to empowering individuals living with lymphedema and other chronic conditions. As the Founder of Ninjas Fighting Lymphedema Foundation and Rivera Hybrid Solutions, she has made it her mission to provide support and resources to those in need. Through her compelling journey, she has become a prominent voice in the lymphedema community, sharing her experiences and insights to raise awareness and foster a sense of community.
Amy’s expertise extends beyond advocacy work. She has developed innovative resources, including the renowned “Lymphedema Blueprint” course, equipping individuals with knowledge and tools to manage their condition effectively. Her background in healthcare further enhances her ability to provide valuable guidance and support.
Kaylee Smith
Regional Sales Manager North America, Mehler Engineered Products
In 2021, Kaylee Smith joined Mehler Engineered Products as the North America Sales Manager for Engineered Fabrics. She was formerly a Technical Sales Representative in the automotive, home furnishings, medical, and geotextile businesses. She has previous work in Six Sigma Systems and understands lean process engineering. Kaylee earned her degree in 2017 from North Carolina State University’s School of Textiles in Textile & Product Engineering with a Minor in Material Science & Engineering.
Billie Whitehouse
CEO & Creative Director, Wearable X
Billie Whitehouse is the CEO & Creative Director of Wearable Experiments (Wearable X). Recognized as the recent winner of the Design Technology Award from Fashion Group International, New York. Billie specializes in the combination of hardware, software and apparel for wearable technology products, leading design, product development, business partnerships & overseeing major business & financial decisions. With over 10 years of experience in building innovation products with Wearable X & Google, she has played a pivotal role in leading innovative product development in collaborations with companies such as Durex, American Express, Oakley, Burton, Calvin Klien, Mattel, Foxtel, Bud Light & Pepsi. Known for her development of Nadi X, the first smart yoga experience with guidance on the body through smart textiles. Billie was named in the 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company.
For more information contact: Jill Newman, Education & Events Manager | 651-225-6953 | jill.newman@textiles.org