Company: Elizabeth Lee Bridal

Representative: Wendy Scroggins

Role/Title: Owner & Designer

Wendy, the visionary behind Elizabeth Lee, brings a unique blend of global fashion sourcing expertise and nearly a decade of bridal design experience to her label. Inspired by her own bridal shopping experience, which she found lacking in both excitement and variety, Wendy and her husband, Jared, launched Elizabeth Lee with a mission to transform the way brides engage with the process. Combining their passion for reimagining the wedding industry with years of fashion insight, they set out to offer modern brides the opportunity to design their dream gown from start to finish. Today, Wendy leads her bridal studio with a commitment to refined elegance, fully custom design, and an exceptional client experience, making every bride feel truly seen and celebrated.

Company: Elizabeth Lee Bridal

Representative: Theresa Mendez

Role/Title: Store Manager

With over 4 years in the bridal industry, Theresa brings a warm, personal touch to every bride’s journey. As the manager and lead stylist of the Elizabeth Lee flagship store, she’s known not only for her eye for style and fit, but for creating a welcoming, stress-free experience from the first fitting to the final walk down the aisle. Her signature hospitality and genuine care have made her a trusted name for brides seeking both elegance and ease.

Company: Haggar Clothing Company

Representative: Charlotte Elliott

Role/Title: VP of Merchandising & Design

As a Texas native, I attended The Art Institute of Dallas for my degree in fashion design. From there, I entered the industry with gymnastic cheer uniforms, corporate uniforms, and then my longest tenure at Haggar specializing in men’s career and occasion.

Company: Haggar Clothing Company

Representative: Malaika Iman

Role/Title: Assistant Technical Designer

I graduated from the University of North Texas in 2022 with a degree in Fashion Design. Currently, I am a Technical Designer at Haggar, where I specialize in dress and tailored pants. I began as an intern here and was honored to join the team full-time last July.

Company: Haggar Clothing Company

Representative: Rachel Ross

Role/Title: Production Manager

I graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2022 with a degree in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development. I’ve been with Haggar for the last 3 years, working in Product Development where I managed men’s tops, sweaters, outerwear, and the Kenneth Cole line, and I’m now transitioning into the Sourcing department as a Production Manager.

Company: JCPenney/Catalyst Brands

Representative: Gabriella Corza

Role/Title: Associate Designer, Shaquille O’Neal XLG

4 years with JCPenney
BFA Fashion Design
From San Antonio, TX

Company: JCPenney/Catalyst Brands

Representative: Pamela Velez

Role/Title: Senior Designer, Arizona Young Minded Team

21 Years at JCPenney
BFA in Fashion Design
From Laredo, Texas

Company: JCPenney/Catalyst Brands

Representative:  Kourtney Williams

Role/Title: Technical Designer, a.n.a Women’s Apparel

Class of 2010 University of North Texas

BFA in Fashion Design

Company: Harkensback

Representative: Julie McCullough

Role/Title: Co-Founder, Designer, Curator

A power-house indie designer based in Dallas, Julie McCullough has been active in the Dallas design industry for over 15 years. She founded the Pin Show, an independent fashion show, in 2007 and has offered her energy to the community as CoExecutive producer of Art Conspiracy and Vendor Coordinator at KERA’s Summer Cut Music Festival. Her store, Harkensback, moved from the Bishop Arts district to Oak Cliff in 2022. The store’s collections include vintage apparel and jewelry, western home goods, personalizable leather accessories, earthy apothecary products, and much more.

Company: Starline LA

Representative: Ashley Gilbertson

Role/Title: Production & Design Assistant

Ashley graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BFA in Fashion Design and a Minor in Marketing from the University of North Texas in 2020. Prior to her collegiate experience she had been a self-taught cosplayer/costume maker since 2009. In 2018 she interned at Starline LA in Production Management and was soon hired on as an assistant. After working in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to Starline in 2024 as a Production/Design Assistant

Company: Starline LA

Representative: Jackie Bocanegra

Role/Title: Director of Content

Jackie graduated with a BA in Media Arts and a minor in English from the University of North Texas in 2021. Throughout her college career, she interned at Austin Fit Magazine, Austin Film Festival, and was part of the editorial magazine team at UNT. In 2022 she worked at KBTX as Technical Media Producer, then she moved onto working for a radio company before finding herself at Starline LA as the Director of Content in July of 2025.

Company: Texas Fashion Collection

Representative: Ailie Pankonien

Role/Title: Collection Manager

As collection manager at Texas Fashion Collection (TFC), Ailie Pankonien focuses on internal-facing projects that closely relate to collection care and stewardship, ensuring the longevity and accessibility of TFC holdings. Her intellectual engagement with the TFC’s holdings is informed by her art historical training, first through a B.A. in Art History from UNT and later an M.A. in Art History from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Following this education, Pankonien gained hands-on experience at the Dallas Museum of Art, the Colorado University Art Museum, the Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas. Pankonien’s deep knowledge of collections-based practices is shaped by graduate training in library science at UNT; through that program, Pankonien was first introduced to the TFC, completed a graduate practicum and graduate area assistantship at the TFC, and worked at the UNT Digital Project Lab, part of the UNT Digital Libraries.

Company: Westmoor Manufacturing

Representative: Kathleen Clounch

Role/Title: Human Resources Manager

Kati Clounch is a passionate and seasoned professional with eight years of experience in talent and development. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s in Marketing and Management, her expertise lies in fostering career growth and strategic initiatives. After a time away, she was thrilled to return to Westmoor Mfg. Co. in March 2025, drawn back by her deep admiration for the brand and its collaborative company culture. When she is not at work, you can find her hanging out with her loving family and dog in the backyard.

Company: Westmoor Manufacturing

Representative: Liz Enoch

Role/Title: Technical Design and Production Manager

Technical Design and Production Manager Liz Enoch has had more than 42 years in the apparel industry. Liz started her journey into fashion design with a degree in clothing and textiles. She began career as a pattern maker; however, her career has evolved over time with a strong focus in Technical Design. Liz was a Senior Technical Designer/Women’s Team Lead JCP for 12 years and has spent 6.5 years at Rock & Roll Denim as Technical Design Manager.

She completed MFA in Fashion Design at UNT in 2015.

Company: Westmoor Manufacturing

Representative: Sakshi Vaidya

Role/Title: Director of Design

Design Director at Westmoor Mfg. Co. Managing a team of 15+ designers & leading creative design for Rock & Roll Denim & Panhandle Slim. With over 17+ years of experience in the global fashion industry, my career has taken me across luxury, high-street, and mass-market apparel—developing collections for markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. I specialize in creating designs that balance creativity, quality, and commercial appeal, while ensuring the brand vision is carried through from concept to production.

Company: Westmoor Manufacturing

Representative: Mayra Yanez

Role/Title:  Technical Designer

I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion design from the University of North Texas (2020), then my Master of Fashion Industry Studies (MFIS) from Kent State University (2023).

Throughout my career, I have worn many hats as a designer, college instructor, and pattern maker. Currently, I am a technical designer for Westmoor Manufacturing, maker of Rock & Roll Denim & Panhandle Slim, where I specialize in Ladies outerwear, knit tops, and non-denim bottoms across all our brands.

Company: Varsity Spirit

Representative: Jenna Critchlow

Role/Title: Sublimation Artist

Jenna is a Creative Designer who transforms ideas into reality through art, craft, and design. She currently has two Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees – the first in Drawing and Painting, and the second in Fashion Design. Her work often combines digital and analog technology to create unique mixed media pieces. Jenna specializes in textile art and design which lead to a great fit in the Sublimation field where color and fabric come together in fun and unique ways! As a Sublimation Artist she utilizes a variety of skills to ensure intricate details are properly translated from concept art to production ready garments.

Company: Varsity Spirit

Representative: Shalisa Irby

Role/Title: Dance Designer II

Shalisa is an innovative fashion designer with a B.F.A. from the University of North Texas (Class of 2020). Over the past five years, she has specialized in activewear design and development, creating performance-driven apparel for athletes. She is currently the dance designer for Varsity Spirit Fashion.  Her experience spans concept development, trend forecasting, consumer insights, illustration, merchandising, and strategic category management. Known for blending creativity with analytics, Shalisa is passionate about designing with purpose and making a meaningful impact through her work. She’s excited to return to UNT to share her industry journey and inspire the next generation of designers.