CEO Retains and Supports New and Established Designers

Christine Brooks-Cropper is President and CEO of the DC Fashion Foundation (DCFF). She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Delaware and received a Bachelor of Arts-Sociology degree from Delaware State University. She is a proud mother to her son, Christian.
As President and CEO of the DC Fashion Foundation, she identifies ways to retain and support new and established designers, fashion retailers, professionals and assist design students transitioning from school to career. Christine spearheaded the formation of the Commission on Fashion Arts and Events in DC Government with the message that fashion is an asset to economic development, served as Chairman for Mayor Gray and Mayor Bowser from 2013 to 2017.
Ms. Brooks-Cropper is a change agent and innovative strategist for the Creative Economy for over 26 years. In 2007, she launched The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC) and in 2009 the DC Fashion Foundation (DCFF) to promote the business interests of those in the Fashion and Style Industries. Through her work at DC Government under Mayor Anthony Williams, GWFCC, DCFF and the creative economy business consultant for Washington, DC; she has influenced DC legislation and has established youth and adult arts education programs for over 16 years. She has served on the Creative Economy Transition Team for Mayor Gray which resulted in the launch of the Deputy Mayor Planning and Economic Development’s Creative Economy Strategy 2013, to serve and support other creative businesses. In 2010, she formed the first Congressional Apparel Manufacturing and Fashion Business Caucus on Capitol Hill and a member of International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Christine worked with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Macy’s Holdings Inc. to create the first DC Fashion Incubator program at Macy’s Metro Center to include registering for business license, professional license, regulatory issues and training and professional development for fashion and creative businesses to learn how to monetarize, create a profit and sustain their businesses. This program assists emerging designers and fashion small business owners, international designers in Ghana, Peru, London, Estonia, Pakistan and growing through the DC Fashion Virtual Incubator; as well as industry influencers with special events to build awareness around fashion as an industry in Washington, DC. Her accomplishments have landed her in numerous press outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Business Journal, Voices of America, Uptown Magazine, Washingtonian and Women’s Wear Daily, which designated her as the next fashion advocate leading the fashion industry by creating jobs, in the Washington, DC- Baltimore metro area and the United States, as well as globally.

In 2017, she created La Societe Secrete LLC (The Secret Society) a lifestyle business and brand with a focus on sexual wellness, exploration and education. A member of AASECT- The American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists, the business focuses on Edutainment, Intimate Media-Driven Conversations, “For Play” Podcast and Social Event to provide the most innovative, informative, and exploratory experiences that connect culturally diverse communities. In 2018, “The Collective”, a creative business consultant firm, was created by Christine Brooks-Cropper and LeGreg Harrison to bring trailblazers and pioneers in their own craft/trade of fashion, music, entertainment, sports entertainment, multi-media, culinary and retail together to start to connect the dots and market the services of the Creative Economy in Washington, DC. The services consist of brand identity, production design, content creation and content development, brand strategy, trend reporting, digital services, commercials, graphic design, music videos, audio podcast, business development, event activation and retail advisor to tapped into land and emerging development. The Collective aims to promote Washington, DC as a thriving center of creativity and facilitating production throughout the entire city. Clients to date are LEGACY, Under Armour, DC Fashion Incubator at Macy’s, VIBE, AARP, GameMasters, PUMA, Centric, The Museum, Epic, Generation Now, DC Gov, BET, Beats, MLK Deli, Organic Goodz, NETFLIX, Radio One, McEnearney Associates Realtors, MissBish.

• CEO Hack: Step back and observe
• CEO Nugget: i) You can learn a lot by being quiet ii) You don't have to be friends with everybody
• CEO Defined: Making people believe in your vision, walking in your truth and leaving an impact

Website: http://www.dcfashionfoundation.org/

Instagram: dcfashionfdn
dcfashionincubator
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