Fashion Group International is a global non-profit organization with 26 chapters led by a volunteer Board of Directors and 5000+ members. Its purpose is to provide value to its members through innovative programming, initiatives, mentorship programs, and immersive networking opportunities for fashion industry professionals.

Meet our 2023 Board of Directors

Daphne Benzaquen - Regional Director. Designer, Consultant, and Entrepreneur Daphne Benzaquen has gained many new experiences and skills while growing her businesses. During her MBA career Daphne launched sustainable fashion lifestyle brand, daph., a

Daphne Benzaquen - Regional Director. Designer, Consultant, and Entrepreneur Daphne Benzaquen has gained many new experiences and skills while growing her businesses. During her MBA career Daphne launched sustainable fashion lifestyle brand, daph., a brand that bonds her unique style with her Peruvian roots showcasing Peruvian craftsmanship and sustainable resources through timeless handbags, accessories, and apparel. In 2019 Daphne was named one of St. Louis Business Journal’s ’30 under 30’. Most recently, Daphne has been featured in Women’s Wear Daily, MSN.com, The Skimm’ and was a Fashion Group International Rising Star Finalist in the Accessory and Sustainability categories. From her work in the fashion world and business knowledge, in 2019 Daphne launched Daphne Benzaquen Consulting focusing on working with designers launching a brand and advising them on the manufacturing, creation and supply chain process. shopdaph.com daphnebenzaquen.com

Michelle Kidwell - Secretary. Michelle is the Director of Design for Girl’s fashion footwear at Eastman Group. She leads her department in trend forecasting, market research and customer specific product development. She is excellent at translating

Michelle Kidwell - Secretary. Michelle is the Director of Design for Girl’s fashion footwear at Eastman Group. She leads her department in trend forecasting, market research and customer specific product development. She is excellent at translating high fashion trends to the mass-market consumer. She is a graduate of Washington University in Saint Louis and a volunteer sewing instructor at the City Sewing Room.

Annie Cohen - Treasurer. Annie is an apparel design and development professional with a focus on unique design, impeccable fit, creative development, global and domestic sourcing, and manufacturing efficiencies. Annie has traveled the world to source

Annie Cohen - Treasurer. Annie is an apparel design and development professional with a focus on unique design, impeccable fit, creative development, global and domestic sourcing, and manufacturing efficiencies. Annie has traveled the world to source raw materials and labor, ensuring ethical practices and quality products. Being both a right and a left brained thinker, she proves you can apply artistic innovation to solve any problem. Because of Annie’s extensive hands on experience designing, CAD patterning and grading, product development, manufacturing, and leadership, she has achieved notoriety in the industry as a valuable resource.

Dwight Carter - Programming Co-Chair. Dwight Carter is the Founder and Creative Director of Brainchild in St. Louis, where he is an experienced marketer, producer and planner. Over the years, Dwight has created and produced successful marketing camp

Dwight Carter - Programming Co-Chair. Dwight Carter is the Founder and Creative Director of Brainchild in St. Louis, where he is an experienced marketer, producer and planner. Over the years, Dwight has created and produced successful marketing campaigns and events for numerous organizations, including charitable foundations, retailers, restaurants and small businesses. He is also credited with his contributions to the local fashion industry through his work on runway shows as a fashion promotion and production instructor at Stevens—the Institute of Business and Arts. He is also part of Black In STL Fashion and Lindenwood’s Fashion Advisory Board.

Dianne Isbell - Sponsorship Co-Chair. Featured Kentucky Derby milliner and 2022 St. Louis Visionary Arts Awardee: "Outstanding Working Artist" , Dianne Isbell (HATS by DI-Anne) has not only created hat and fascinator designs for Lady Gaga and the P

Dianne Isbell - Sponsorship Co-Chair. Featured Kentucky Derby milliner and 2022 St. Louis Visionary Arts Awardee: "Outstanding Working Artist" , Dianne Isbell (HATS by DI-Anne) has not only created hat and fascinator designs for Lady Gaga and the President George H. W. Bush family, but her haute-couture, custom-designs have been worn for special events all over the world. Whether a New York Fashion Week design winner to "Best of Show" Hat design at the Botanical Gardens Hat Luncheon in Naples, Florida, and consecutive hat winner at the St. Louis Forest Park Forever Hat Luncheons, she creates the perfect design to make every customer feel totally beautiful. @hats_by_dianne www.hatsbydianne.com

Jaclyn Wolverton - Membership Co-Chair. Licensed Realtor® and Independent Arbonne Consultant. Jackie is a licensed full-time Realtor® connecting buyers and sellers to trusted agents across the U.S. She is a major investor in RPAC, the political acti

Jaclyn Wolverton - Membership Co-Chair. Licensed Realtor® and Independent Arbonne Consultant. Jackie is a licensed full-time Realtor® connecting buyers and sellers to trusted agents across the U.S. She is a major investor in RPAC, the political action committee that fights for homeownership rights. www.soldbyJackieW.com, www.jaclynwolverton.arbonne.com

Jessica Conick - Marketing Chair. Jessica is a consultant, maker and marketer with 15 years of experience in brand marketing, retail, growth strategy and events for the fashion, beauty, home and non-profit industries. She’s worked with hundreds of sm

Jessica Conick - Marketing Chair. Jessica is a consultant, maker and marketer with 15 years of experience in brand marketing, retail, growth strategy and events for the fashion, beauty, home and non-profit industries. She’s worked with hundreds of small to large businesses and is passionate about supporting other startups to help them scale through wholesale, marketing and ecommerce. Hosting educational (but always fun!) workshops and discussions with other business owners is her favorite way to connect with and support other small creative startups which is why she loves being a part of FGI.

Rogene Nelsen - Historian. Rogene Nelsen’s career as a teaching professor of fashion merchandising at Fontbonne University spanned more than four decades. Her teaching, mentoring, advising, and collaborating with professionals all played a part in h

Rogene Nelsen - Historian. Rogene Nelsen’s career as a teaching professor of fashion merchandising at Fontbonne University spanned more than four decades. Her teaching, mentoring, advising, and collaborating with professionals all played a part in helping students reach their potential. After retiring in 2018, she stays active and involved in local fashion, art, and creative endeavors.