From Fast Fashion to a Brighter Future
The fashion industry is responsible for nearly 10% of global emissions. But new trends are on the horizon as companies work to incorporate more sustainable practices to meet consumers where they are. This panel will shine a light on the innovations taking place in the fashion world.
Moderator: Barbara M. Porco, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Fordham University Gabelli School of Business, and Managing Director of Responsible Business Center
Barbara M. Porco, Ph.D., associate dean of graduate studies at the Gabelli School of Business and managing director of the Responsible Business Coalition, has been a member of the accounting faculty for more than 25 years and holds a certification in corporate sustainability and innovation and a master’s degree in sustainability and environmental management from Harvard University, along with an ESG executive senior leadership certificate from The Wharton School. She serves on the American Institute of CPAs’ Sustainability Assurance and Advisory Task Force and has received a number of national awards, including the NACE Excellence in Teaching Award.
Stacey Ferrara, GABELLI '10, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations, The Estée Lauder Companies
Stacey Ferrara serves as the director of strategic initiatives and operations overseeing The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) Charitable Foundation and other social impact initiatives. Since joining the company in 2015, she has advanced into various positions within the global citizenship and sustainability team, where she has worked for the past four years. As an ardent advocate of women’s advancement, she also serves as the global advisor for ELC’s Women’s Leadership Network employee resource group. She earned a master of business administration and bachelor of science from Fordham University and a business sustainability management certificate from the University of Cambridge.
Claudia Rondinelli, FCLC '91, Head of Global Materials, Leather & Trims, Ralph Lauren
Claudia Rondinelli, head of global raw materials, footwear and accessories, leather and trims at Ralph Lauren, is a 1991 graduate of Fordham. She joined the company in 2017 with more than 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, including raw material sourcing with a focus on leather, in both Italy and the U.S. Her experiences in Italy led to the start of her education in regenerative farming practices, soil health, cultural appropriation, and community involvement. She previously worked at Cole Haan and Marc Jacobs, focusing on responsible sourcing practices, chemical management requirements, and supplier engagement strategies.
Georgeanne Siller, GABELLI '17, Assistant Buyer, Women's Apparel, Macy's Inc.
Georgeanne Siller is an assistant buyer for women’s apparel at Macy’s Inc., where she is responsible for the development of strategic pricing, product assortment, and digital initiatives. She earned a bachelor of science in marketing from the Gabelli School of Business in 2017 and was a student-athlete on the track and field team. She earned a master of professional studies in global fashion management from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she received the Bob Fisch Scholarship Award. She recently was accepted to present at the 2023 Crossing Boundaries: Business and Modern Slavery Research Conference in Bath, England.