2025 Conference
The 2025 Womxn's Empowerment Conference took place March 14, 2025
Fireside Chat with Claudine Joseph
Claudine Joseph in conversation with Melissa C. Potter. A discussion of her journey navigating both the entertainment and fashion industries. Joseph has guided the diversification of the LL COOL J brand more than 20 years, expanding it from musical and acting roots to literature, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy—ultimately becoming one of the most successful and beloved brands in entertainment.
Claudine Joseph, Chief Operating Officer | LL COOL J Inc.
With more than three decades of experience in entertainment, music, and fashion, Claudine Joseph (International Trade and Marketing '98) stands as one of the most respected professionals in the industry. As the Chief Operating
Officer of LL COOL J Inc., she has guided the diversification of the LL COOL J brand
for over 20 years, expanding it from musical and acting roots to literature, entrepreneurship,
and philanthropy, ultimately becoming one of the most successful and beloved brands
in entertainment. Joseph played an important role in the development of Paramount
Network’s Emmy-nominated television series "Lip Sync Battle" where she served as producer
alongside LL COOL J. She also worked side-by-side with LL on his five-year tenure
as GRAMMYs host, as well as executive producing the CBS television special “A Grammy
Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop”, which was nominated for a NAACP Image Award. Joseph
was also instrumental in launching LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells Radio on SiriusXM and
contributing to its branding into a global platform. She also played a key role in
the publication of multiple New York Times best selling LL COOL J books, including
the recent Rizzoli book "LL COOL J Presents The Streets Win: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness”
dedicated to the history of Hip-Hop.
Before her tenure at LL COOL J Inc., Joseph honed her skills at Violator Management/Records, where she rose through the ranks to Vice President while managing the day-to-day careers of iconic artists such as Missy Elliott, LL COOL J, and 50 Cent, among others. Beyond her corporate achievements, Joseph is deeply committed to empowering women through her work with Femme It Forward, a women-led entertainment company dedicated to mentoring future female leaders in the fields of entertainment and media. As an alum of the Fashion Institute of Technology and Harvard Business School (BEMS), Joseph also serves as a Fashion Advisory Board Member for the Black in Fashion Council, further underscoring her commitment to diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry.
Melissa C. Potter, Executive Director of Content for Change | Paramount
No one understands fast-moving pop culture and its potential ability to do good, better
than Melissa C. Potter. Concerned, connected, and committed, Potter’s priority has always been to utilize
entertainment (television, film, and music) to shift hearts and minds. Potter is
a forerunner in creating meaningful social change through her expertise in spearheading
social impact strategies and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. She has
a proven track record with national non-profit organizations, as well as some of the
world’s largest and most influential brands. Throughout her prestigious career, Potter
has established herself as a respected, nationally known thought leader developing
innovative ideas and creative solutions.
Her current role as Executive Director, Content for Change at Paramount enables Potter to supervise each brand’s commitment to the long-term social impact of cultural shifts in society. With expertise including the issues of Race, Identity, Culture, Equity, and Social Justice, she is known for masterfully managing moments of crisis with her unflappable style. Additionally, she is responsible for spearheading the revolutionary MTV Entertainment Group Culture Orientation program in collaboration with the country’s leading racial and social justice organizations. This groundbreaking initiative unites shared values, increases understanding, and amplifies learning to empower the entire creative community to tell stories that reflect the diversity of Paramount viewers. A native of New York, Potter received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Northeastern University and Masters in Corporation Communication and Public Relations from New York University. She serves as Chair of the Board for the National Job Corps Association and is Chair of the Board of Directors of Fostering Change for Children. She was awarded "Change Agent of the Year” in 2018 from the Digital Diversity Network, is a Webby Anthem Awards juror and a Diversity Committee Member for Transform Films. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Women in Media Alumni Panel
Marielle Bobo
Vice President of Content | Shoptalk
Fashion Merchandising Management '01
Tonya Blazio-Licorish
Author, Curator | Fairchild Fashion Museum
Fabric Styling '96, Fashion Design '92
Lara Eurdolian King
Founder, Accessories Line | Pretty Connected
International Trade and Marketing '05
Karin Tracy
Head of Industry: Fashion, Luxury, and Retail | Meta
Fashion Buying and Merchandising '93
The Art of Salary Negotiation: Timing, Tactics, and Confidence
How to strategically approach salary discussions, whether in the midst of a job search or looking to elevate compensation in a current position.
Ashley Adams, PhD | Career Development Mentor and Strategist
Keynote Address
Fallon King and Ava King, Co-Founders | Fallon & Ava King
FIT alums Fallon King (Fashion Design '18) and Ava King (Advertising and Marketing Communications '22) are sisters and co-founders of Fallon & Ava. The womxn individually carved their
own career paths before coming together to create their luxury Italian turtleneck
brand. Fallon majored in Fashion Design, becoming the senior fashion designer at Sachin &
Babi and an embroidery designer for Carolina Herrera. Ava majored in Advertising and
Marketing Communications and built a successful career as a senior event coordinator
in the wedding and events industry.
"Though we pursued different dreams, we always knew we were meant to create something together. Our journey began with a simple idea: the perfect turtleneck. Frustrated by the lack of options, we decided to design it ourselves. We believe a well-fitted turtleneck is more than just a wardrobe staple—it’s a piece that radiates confidence and effortless style. Fallon & Ava was born out of this belief, combining our expertise and passion to create something truly special. Fallon & Ava is the first and only brand that specializes exclusively in sustainable, Italian-made, luxury turtlenecks."
Social Justice Center Presents: Finding Your Voice, Charting Your Path
A panel featuring creative powerhouses across the fashion industry.
Frances Solá-Santiago
Fashion Editor | InStyle
Mimi Plange
Lifestyle Brand and Design Studio
Shelcy Joseph
Brand Consultant and Content Creator; Founder | NYCxClothes
June Ambrose
Creative Director, Costume Designer, and Entrepreneur
Shawuan Johnson
Senior Vice President | Victoria's Secret & Co.
Itaysha Jordan
Visual Artist
CAEG Presents: Financial Wellness
A conversation on personal financial literacy and wellness for young professional womxn.
Pendleton Bogache, Private Wealth Advisor | Morgan Stanley
Pendleton Bogache joined Morgan Stanley as a Private Wealth Advisor in 2022. In 2024,
she was named a member of the Morgan Stanley Pacesetter's Club, a global recognition
program for Next-Gen Financial Advisors. Due to her work with clients who own & operate
family businesses, Pendleton was selected to be a part of Morgan Stanley's Family
Governance & Dynamics Working Group with the goal of driving more meaningful conversations
with clients around family matters.
Conversation on Leadership with Dr. Joyce Brown
Dr. Joyce Brown in conversation with Angela Brown. An inspiring and insightful discussion focusing on experiences, challenges, and successes in leadership roles; fostering meaningful conversations about navigating complex organizational structures, breaking barriers, and driving positive change.
Dr. Joyce Brown, President | Fashion Institute of Technology
Dr. Joyce F. Brown is president of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a specialized college
of art and design, business and technology of the State University of New York (SUNY).
Appointed in 1998, she is the college’s sixth president.
Dr. Brown, a highly regarded educator and academic administrator, has had over 40
years experience in public higher education. She held a number of senior administrative
posts at the City University of New York (CUNY) before arriving at FIT, including
acting president of Bernard Baruch College and vice chancellor of the university.
Prior to her appointment at FIT, she was professor of counseling psychology at the
Graduate School and University Center of CUNY, where she is currently professor emerita.
Dr. Brown also served as a New York City deputy mayor for public and community affairs
during the David Dinkins administration.
Angela Brown, Director of Residential Life | Fashion Institute of Technology
Angela Brown is the Director of Residential Life at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and has
over 15 years experience working in higher education. Angela received both her B.S.
in Fashion and Textile Technology, and M.S. in Student Affairs Administration from
Buffalo State College. She has a passion for personal and professional development,
as well as using intentional restorative practices to support the growth of students
and professionals. Angela also develops customized workshops for higher education
institutions, companies and organizations in addition to being a facilitator for Trill
or Not Trill, a institute specializing in culturally responsive leadership.
From Campus to Career: How FIT Leadership Transforms Your Path
An exciting panel featuring both current student leaders and successful alumni as they share their journeys.
Tara Levy
Account Director | VaynerMedia
Advertising and Marketing Communications '18
Jordyn DeCosta
Merchandise Assistant | TJX Companies, Inc.
Fashion Business Management '24
Rach Brosman
Alumni SRA
Founder | Support Woman DJs
Samantha Barnes
President | FIT Student Government Association
Thursday Abad
Senator for Gender Equity | FIT Student Government Association
Rachel Schleider
Senior Resident Assistant | FIT Residential Life