Textiles & Apparel Industry Leadership Board
The Textiles and Apparel (TXA) Industry Leadership Board is made up of professionals from fashion, retail, business, media, design, and product development.
Made up of professionals from fashion, retail, business, media, design, and product development, the board advances education, supports professional development, and strengthens UT Austin’s ties to the global fashion community. Members provide strategic insight, mentor students, and guide an industry-relevant curriculum, while promoting innovation, inclusivity, and ethical leadership.
Sammy Feingold, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition Aritzia
Sammy Feingold is a graduate of the Textiles and Apparel program at The University of Texas at Austin and currently serves as Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition at Aritzia. With five years of experience in talent acquisition, growth strategy, and retail operations, she brings expertise in strategic hiring and people development. Sammy is dedicated to supporting young professionals as they launch their careers in the fashion industry.
Sammy Feingold is a graduate of the Textiles and Apparel program at The University of Texas at Austin and currently serves as Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition at Aritzia. With five years of experience in talent acquisition, growth strategy, and retail operations, she brings expertise in strategic hiring and people development. Sammy is dedicated to supporting young professionals as they launch their careers in the fashion industry.
Ashley Gill, Chief Standards and Strategy Officer, Textile Exchange
Ashley Gill grew up on a cotton farm in Texas and served as an agroforestry Peace Corps Volunteer in rural West Africa before joining Textile Exchange in 2010. During her time with the organization, she helped launch the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), and the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), all standards focused on driving sustainability at raw material production. Ashley also spearheaded the initiative that is now the Materials Matter Standard. Today, as Chief Standards and Strategy Officer, Ashley blends her personal background in farming, experience in strategy, and deep knowledge of the standards system to achieve Textile Exchange’s mission: to transform how we produce, choose, and reuse materials to benefit the people and places at the source.
Ashley Gill grew up on a cotton farm in Texas and served as an agroforestry Peace Corps Volunteer in rural West Africa before joining Textile Exchange in 2010. During her time with the organization, she helped launch the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), and the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), all standards focused on driving sustainability at raw material production. Ashley also spearheaded the initiative that is now the Materials Matter Standard. Today, as Chief Standards and Strategy Officer, Ashley blends her personal background in farming, experience in strategy, and deep knowledge of the standards system to achieve Textile Exchange’s mission: to transform how we produce, choose, and reuse materials to benefit the people and places at the source.
Kelsey Hendershot, Associate Director of Global Consumer Revenue, Vogue
Kelsey Hendershot is the Associate Director of Global Consumer Revenue at Vogue, where she drives subscription growth, memberships, and other consumer initiatives across all marketing channels. She brings expertise in digital marketing, paid media, and brand strategy, having previously led multimillion-dollar campaigns across the Condé Nast portfolio. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Marketing and a focus on Textiles & Apparel, she is passionate about the intersection of fashion, technology, and consumer engagement. She has played an active role in producing industry events and community-building initiatives.
Kelsey Hendershot is the Associate Director of Global Consumer Revenue at Vogue, where she drives subscription growth, memberships, and other consumer initiatives across all marketing channels. She brings expertise in digital marketing, paid media, and brand strategy, having previously led multimillion-dollar campaigns across the Condé Nast portfolio. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Marketing and a focus on Textiles & Apparel, she is passionate about the intersection of fashion, technology, and consumer engagement. She has played an active role in producing industry events and community-building initiatives.
Timothy "Tim" Hershey, CEO/ Founder, Centricity Consulting, LLC
Tim Hersey is a transformational leader with over 30 years of executive experience at industry-leading brands, including The Gap, Nike, and Gucci. Tim studied at Arizona State University and Harvard Business School. His career focuses on direct-to-consumer retail (digital and in-store), product management, sales, marketing, and merchandising. Known for creating and leading high-performing teams, developing top talent, and building strong brands, Tim has successfully led businesses across North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe.
Tim Hersey is a transformational leader with over 30 years of executive experience at industry-leading brands, including The Gap, Nike, and Gucci. Tim studied at Arizona State University and Harvard Business School. His career focuses on direct-to-consumer retail (digital and in-store), product management, sales, marketing, and merchandising. Known for creating and leading high-performing teams, developing top talent, and building strong brands, Tim has successfully led businesses across North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe.
Jessica Kohn, Director of Supply Chain, Calvin Klein Sport / PVH
Jessica Kohn is a graduate of the Textiles and Apparel program at The University of Texas at Austin and has nearly 20 years of experience in supply chain management and product development. Her career spans multiple categories, including home textiles, knit apparel, woven apparel, intimates, activewear, and swimwear. She has extensive expertise in manufacturing processes, cost engineering, and brand collaboration. Jessica is committed to operational excellence and advancing strategic sourcing within the global apparel industry.
Jessica Kohn is a graduate of the Textiles and Apparel program at The University of Texas at Austin and has nearly 20 years of experience in supply chain management and product development. Her career spans multiple categories, including home textiles, knit apparel, woven apparel, intimates, activewear, and swimwear. She has extensive expertise in manufacturing processes, cost engineering, and brand collaboration. Jessica is committed to operational excellence and advancing strategic sourcing within the global apparel industry.
Marta Miller, Founder, Lefty Production Co. / Stitch Texas
Marta Miller is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and the owner of Lefty Production Co., a full-service apparel development and manufacturing company based in Los Angeles. In 2022, she expanded operations by acquiring Stitch Texas in Austin, creating a combined enterprise that offers design-to-production services across the U.S. and internationally. Marta is known for her leadership in apparel development, collaboration with emerging designers, and commitment to supporting TXA students.
Marta Miller is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and the owner of Lefty Production Co., a full-service apparel development and manufacturing company based in Los Angeles. In 2022, she expanded operations by acquiring Stitch Texas in Austin, creating a combined enterprise that offers design-to-production services across the U.S. and internationally. Marta is known for her leadership in apparel development, collaboration with emerging designers, and commitment to supporting TXA students.
Liv Pederson, Senior Design Director – Women’s Footwear, Handbags, & Non-Apparel, J.Crew
Liv Pederson is Senior Design Director at J. Crew, where she has spent 19 years shaping the accessories department. A graduate of The University of Texas with a BFA in Design and a postgraduate degree in Fashion from Parsons School of Design, she has been instrumental in elevating style and driving visionary design. Her work blends creativity with commercial strategy, ensuring growth and relevance in the global market. Liv is also passionate about mentoring emerging designers and fostering innovation in the fashion industry.
Liv Pederson is Senior Design Director at J. Crew, where she has spent 19 years shaping the accessories department. A graduate of The University of Texas with a BFA in Design and a postgraduate degree in Fashion from Parsons School of Design, she has been instrumental in elevating style and driving visionary design. Her work blends creativity with commercial strategy, ensuring growth and relevance in the global market. Liv is also passionate about mentoring emerging designers and fostering innovation in the fashion industry.
Christopher Pham, Expert Apparel Designer – Kids Lifestyle, Nike
Christopher Pham is an Expert Apparel Designer at Nike, where he leads design for Kids Lifestyle. He has more than a decade of experience with Nike, Under Armour, Vineyard Vines, and Prabal Gurung, contributing to major initiatives including the 2026 Men’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics. His expertise spans performance apparel, uniform design, textiles, and the integration of 3D and AI design tools. Christopher also holds a Certificate in Sustainable Design Entrepreneurship from FIT and a Master’s in Design Management and Communications from Georgetown University.
Christopher Pham is an Expert Apparel Designer at Nike, where he leads design for Kids Lifestyle. He has more than a decade of experience with Nike, Under Armour, Vineyard Vines, and Prabal Gurung, contributing to major initiatives including the 2026 Men’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics. His expertise spans performance apparel, uniform design, textiles, and the integration of 3D and AI design tools. Christopher also holds a Certificate in Sustainable Design Entrepreneurship from FIT and a Master’s in Design Management and Communications from Georgetown University.
Marissa Reale, Senior Global Talent Acquisition Director, Ralph Lauren
Marissa Reale is Senior Global Talent Acquisition Director at Ralph Lauren, leading executive recruitment and talent strategy across North America. With 20+ years of experience at companies including Lululemon, Luxottica, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Abercrombie & Fitch, she specializes in organizational development, executive search, and digital transformation in talent management. Recognized for fostering inclusive cultures and building high-performing teams worldwide, Marissa brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership. She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin.
Marissa Reale is Senior Global Talent Acquisition Director at Ralph Lauren, leading executive recruitment and talent strategy across North America. With 20+ years of experience at companies including Lululemon, Luxottica, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Abercrombie & Fitch, she specializes in organizational development, executive search, and digital transformation in talent management. Recognized for fostering inclusive cultures and building high-performing teams worldwide, Marissa brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership. She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin.
Michael X. Sanchez, Fashion Director, Michael Kors
Michael Sanchez is a New York-based fashion stylist with over 15 years of experience in leading creative direction, styling, and production for global campaigns and editorial content. He has built his career at Michael Kors, where he advanced from Creative Marketing Assistant to Fashion Director of Global Creative, overseeing styling strategy, global advertising campaigns, and cross-functional brand initiatives. Earlier in his career, he collaborated with renowned fashion editors and publications, contributing to high-profile editorial, runway, and commercial projects. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Textiles & Apparel with concentrations in Apparel Design and Business Management from the University of Texas at Austin.
Michael Sanchez is a New York-based fashion stylist with over 15 years of experience in leading creative direction, styling, and production for global campaigns and editorial content. He has built his career at Michael Kors, where he advanced from Creative Marketing Assistant to Fashion Director of Global Creative, overseeing styling strategy, global advertising campaigns, and cross-functional brand initiatives. Earlier in his career, he collaborated with renowned fashion editors and publications, contributing to high-profile editorial, runway, and commercial projects. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Textiles & Apparel with concentrations in Apparel Design and Business Management from the University of Texas at Austin.
Samara Bartoluchi, TXA Student Representative
Samara Bartoluchi is a senior in Textiles and Apparel at The University of Texas at Austin, concentrating in Merchandising and Consumer Sciences with a minor in Business and Sports Analytics. She is pursuing a certificate in Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship and completing an Honors Thesis on circular business models in fashion. Samara has gained experience through internships at UNIQLO, where she worked on brand strategy, and Ralph Lauren, where she supported apparel development for the 2028 LA Olympics as an Innovation Intern. On campus, she served in leadership roles with University Fashion Group and the National Retail Federation Student Association, and she is the student representative for the TXA Industry Board.
Samara Bartoluchi is a senior in Textiles and Apparel at The University of Texas at Austin, concentrating in Merchandising and Consumer Sciences with a minor in Business and Sports Analytics. She is pursuing a certificate in Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship and completing an Honors Thesis on circular business models in fashion. Samara has gained experience through internships at UNIQLO, where she worked on brand strategy, and Ralph Lauren, where she supported apparel development for the 2028 LA Olympics as an Innovation Intern. On campus, she served in leadership roles with University Fashion Group and the National Retail Federation Student Association, and she is the student representative for the TXA Industry Board.