ABOUT
The BROOKLYN Fashion Incubator, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization focusing on diversifying talent in the fashion industry by mentoring U.S. emerging fashion entrepreneurs. The BFI assists each Fashion Entrepreneur in Residence, very individually, to achieve their next individual level of growth and their overall business development.
In 2017 the BFI added a Remote Program for Fashion and Lifestyle businesses located outside of the Brooklyn metro area around the country and the world. BFI is assisting businesses from Florida, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Massachusetts, Texas, and more!
These benefits mirror the Designer in Residence program with the exception that the businesses are not housed at the Brooklyn Fashion Incubator.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Executive Director
Maria Barraza
Ms. Barraza is founder and Executive Director of this fashion business incubator created to mentor and help grow successful businesses in the U.S. fashion industry. This 501(c)(3) not-for-profit contributes to the strength and vibrancy of the U.S. fashion industry by identifying and then guiding the growth of these emerging fashion businesses.
Maria is founder, president and chief designer of BARRAZA Associates, Ltd. - a NYC based, launched in 1988, manufacturing, and wholesale apparel firm with a retail
division - BARRAZAStyle.
Partnerships Director
Rafael Romero
Rafael Romero is the founder of TheROMEROgroup, a cause related media firm. Mr. Romero worked with early pioneers of Latino-focused national media platforms, including HISPANIC Magazine, VISTA Magazine, LATINO Magazine, and LATINOMetro.com.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gustavo Carvajal
Gustavo is the International Cultural Ambassador for Patronato Ruta de la Amistad (Mexico68.org) - 2012 World Monuments Watch, and Board Member of BFI. Gustavo holds degrees in Hotel & Tourism Business Management and Marketing.
Tatiana Whytelord
Tatiana is an Intellectual Property, Branding & Advertising Law Expert with over 25 years of experience gained at top tier law firms and multinationals in Canada, USA, France, Monaco, Italy, Mexico, UK and Australia.
Felipe Vasconcelos
Felipe Vasconcelos is a serial entrepreneur based in New York City. He started his first business at the age of 9, building and selling kites to neighborhood kids in Brazil. Felipe has owned successful businesses in a diversity of fields, including information technology, manufacturing, fashion, and cosmetics.
Tim Ceci
A senior retail executive with extensive leadership experience with; Saks Fifth Avenue, Banana
Republic, Gap International, Pier 1, Nike, Barneys New York and most recently VP North America
Retail for Celine/LVMH.