about the foundation
our story
Aimon Ali's transformative journey from Toronto to Cleveland ignited a powerful mission. As a female Person of Color (POC) within the fashion realm, Aimon saw a glaring absence of representation for individuals such as herself. Rather than letting that void discourage her, she used it to fuel an ambition to pave a new path. Thus, the Fashion Talks Foundation was born, driven by her deep desire to empower diverse creative entrepreneurs. With a heartfelt commitment to inclusivity, we're not just closing gaps but lighting a beacon for talents that have long been overlooked. Our journey is an ode to diversity, innovation, and the boundless potential that blooms when voices like ours are given a platform to shine.
our
mission + Vision
Fashion Talks Foundation envisions a future where diverse and creative entrepreneurs in fashion and business have the resources, connections, and opportunities to thrive. Through our impactful initiatives—The Runway, our Internship Cohort, and The Forum—we’re creating a nationwide network that supports innovation, cultivates talent, and champions inclusivity. We are committed to turning dreams into reality and shaping a more inclusive, vibrant future for the fashion industry.
Fashion Talks Foundation is dedicated to empowering diverse and emerging talent as well as students in the fashion and creative industries. By providing opportunities through initiatives like The Runway, our Internship Cohort, and The Forum, we are creating platforms for collaboration, professional growth, and innovation. We foster inclusivity by connecting underrepresented voices with industry leaders, offering mentorship, and facilitating real-world experiences to drive lasting change. Our goal is to uplift the next generation of entrepreneurs, designers, and creatives, creating a more equitable and dynamic industry for all.
Internship Cohort
Our initiatives
the runway
the forum
A structured program providing hands-on experience in fashion production, event management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. In partnership with Kent State University and local institutions, our interns gain real-world industry exposure, including exclusive opportunities to attend New York Fashion Week (NYFW), preparing them for successful careers in the creative sector.
A series of national panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, bringing together industry experts, thought leaders, and creatives to discuss key topics in fashion, business, and innovation. After hosting successful events in Cleveland and New York City, The Forum continues to expand its reach, fostering learning, collaboration, and the exchange of transformative ideas across the country.
A premier annual fashion event that serves as a platform for emerging designers, models, and industry professionals. The Runway not only showcases innovative fashion but also drives economic impact, fosters inclusivity, and creates opportunities for underrepresented talent.
our network
21K
social presence
30+
700+
200+
models
designers
audience
Arian May
Nike Olabisi
Green
Aimon ali
board of directors
Mariam
Tabrez
Strategic Advisor
Founder & Executive Director
Board Chair
Secretary & Legal Advisor
Meet the powerhouse women who steer the direction of the Fashion Talks Foundation! Our board is made up of incredible leaders dedicated to shaping the future of the Foundation. With their guidance, we’re tackling big goals and making an impact.
Arian May
Arian May is a dedicated leader in the nonprofit sector, currently serving as the Vice President of Development with Athletes and Causes. With over 15 years of experience in fundraising and advancement, she has been instrumental in supporting impactful initiatives that create meaningful change. As the Board Chair of the Fashion Talks Foundation, Arian is deeply passionate about its mission to empower creatives, foster inclusivity, and elevate the fashion industry. She believes in the power of philanthropy to transform lives and is committed to driving positive change through strategic development and advocacy. Above all, Arian is a proud mom to two gorgeous girls (and future world-changers), who inspire her every day.
board of directors
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Board Chair
Nike Olabisi Green
Nike Olabisi-Green shares her contagious energy for movement and wellness with everyone she meets. As the Creator and Chief Movement Leader at Nola Movement, she believes that when women are well from the inside out, it causes a chain reaction of transformation - in the family, in the community and in the world.
Nola Movement provides movement classes, coaching, workshops and retreats to move this mission forward.Nike specializes in wellness coaching for high achieving, busy women in leadership roles and entrepreneurship. Her intuitive approach provides the space for women to prioritize themselves and create lives they truly love living.
board of directors
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Strategic Advisor
Aimon ali
With a rich background as a fashion entrepreneur, Fashion Runway Show Producer, Stylist, and Creative Director hailing from Toronto, Canada, Aimon has now found her home base in Cleveland, Ohio. Her 8+ years of experience in the Canadian Fashion Industry have taken her to various cities like Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver, leaving a trail of successful events in her wake.
Through her passion for inclusivity and diversity, Aimon is dedicated to curating events that transcend boundaries, celebrating the unique perspectives of creatives from all backgrounds. With a focus on uniting both the Cleveland and New York fashion communities, she aspires to build bridges that empower and elevate the fashion landscape, fostering connections that enrich the industry on a national level.
board of directors
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Founder & Executive Director
Mariam Tabrez
Mariam Tabrez is an attorney with years of experience in reviewing and negotiating contracts for a diverse range of clients, including content creators, A-list television and film actors, theater stars, producers, production companies, fashion brands, non-profits, and growing small businesses. She is very passionate about the fashion industry and how it is envolving with emerging technology and with an increase in diversity. As a Muslim Pakistani American she is inspired by Fashion Talks Foundation’s mission and is committed to furthering it.
board of directors
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Secretary & Legal Advisor
Hillary M. Stone
Jen Valencic
Kaiya Williams
global advisory council
Keisha González Robert
Our Global Advisory Council is a group of influential professionals who support and guide the Foundation with their vast experience and global perspectives. They help connect us with the right opportunities and bring fresh insights to the table.
CEO and Executive Director of KAW Management Group
Associate Professor (NTT) & Industry Liaison at Kent State
Vice President, Destination Engagement at Destination Cleveland
Senior Director, Social Impact Investing and Economic & Community Development at Cleveland Foundation
global advisory council
hilary m. stone
As a member of the Fashion Talks Foundation Global Advisory Council, Hillary M. Stone brings a wealth of experience in education, industry relations, and professional development. Serving as The Fashion School’s Industry Liaison & Internship Director, she is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and the professional world, guiding students through internships and professional practice. With a B.A. in Interior Design from Ursuline College and an M.S. in Historic Preservation from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Hillary has built a career centered on student success. Her leadership as a department chair and faculty member underscores her commitment to higher education, mentorship, and career development. Drawing from her corporate experience, she understands the skills and standards necessary for professional growth. Through her work, she has strengthened industry partnerships, created new opportunities for students and faculty, and is actively developing learning tools and workshops to support international students and those pursuing global career experiences.
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Associate Professor (NTT) & Industry Liaison at Kent State
global advisory council
Jen Valencic
Jen Valencic, who joined Destination Cleveland in 2013, develops and fosters connections with the local
hospitality and business community. She oversees the team that manages the organization’s partner
network and builds relationships with and engages the region’s hospitality and tourism businesses,
attractions and service providers.
Jen holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Ohio University and, in 2014, was
selected as one of Destination Marketing Association International’s “30 Under 30.” She is passionate
about supporting Cleveland’s nonprofits and gives back to the community through her support of the
local Make-A-Wish Walk for Wishes, Fashion Talks Foundation and various annual volunteer events
throughout the region.
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Vice President, Destination Engagement at Destination Cleveland
global advisory council
Kaiya Williams
Kaiya Williams, a native New Yorker, is the award winning CEO and Executive Director of KAW Management Group. Leveraging her innate ability to drive results. Specializing in crafting "Gravitational Brands," she guides thought leaders to boost their influence and income. Committed to elevating others, she established The Kitchen, a platform empowering Gen Z/Millennial women in business, fostering access and community for aspiring founders & corporate climbers.
Her personal business focus is to amplify voices that deserve to be heard. Which she achieves through her brand architecture work, with expertise lying in strategic partnership and brand curation/amplification. Her passion is in lifting while I climb, helping others achieve their goals while making her corner of the world a better place.
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CEO and Executive Director of KAW Management Group
global advisory council
Keisha M. González Robert, MAHP//EDFP
Keisha González is a community development professional with robust place-keeping tools. She has experience in stabilizing communities while preparing them to capture wealth introduced by market pressures. Her work is grounded in the truth that communities cannot be curated into a state of thriving, but instead, they can be resourced to reclaim autonomy from the systems that have made them vulnerable. Keisha is part of the Cleveland Foundation's Grantmaking and Community Impact team directing its annual $10 MM grantmaking portfolio in Neighborhood Revitalization & Economic Development. Additionally, she leads in partnership with the Department the foundation’s $700MM Social Impact Investment goal.
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Senior Director, Social Impact Investing and Economic & Community Development at Cleveland Foundation
