DFC 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meet our Executive Director, Jaclyn Turner!
Jaclyn Turner is a leader in the beauty industry. With almost 30 years of experience her passion for the best in hair care, beauty, and fashion has propelled her brand to the forefront of the industry. Founder of Luxe the Beauty Escape, her passion was birthed while attending Cass Technical High School in Detroit. This followed with training at Crocett Vocational School. Jaclyn’s career has spanned across the globe with many partnerships and training with global brands such as the Marriott, Kendra Scott, Redken, Kerastase, Philosophy, Lancome and more.
A winner of Hair War’s as newcomer of the year in Detroit circa 1999, this was the beginning of an ambition to continue to create and maintain a spirit of excellence in everything she did. The latest honor and accomplishment for Jaclyn is her appointment by Governor Whitmer to the Board of Cosmetology where she serves as Vice President.
The love for fashion and merchandising in the industry caused her to pursue her degree in Fashion Design and International business merging all her skills and passions. Jaclyn’s brand of all thing’s beauty strives for complete wholeness and self empowerment where every woman leaves her space having an “epiphany of their self worth’. Her future is full of brand expansion and community enhancement while bringing a tapestry of beauty and fashion.
Founder/President
Known as one of the most socially viable fashion stylists in Michigan, Latrice Delgado-Macon is a wife, mother and self-made entrepreneur in the fashion industry. She is known for successfully converting emerging talent into “who’s-who tastemakers” and curating signature looks for some of the most-watched A-listers and influencers alike. As founder/president of the DFC, Latrice is establishing a reputation for herself as a savvy, modern philanthropist and influencer within her community.
Co-Director
Taking on the world of events one day at a time - Evan Hazlett is a cultural entrepreneur creating mesmerizing content and experiences for the music, fashion, hospitality and entertainment industries. His portfolio contains a variety of corporate and non-profit events across the United States. Evan is a passionate board member of nonprofit organizations like Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Detroit Fashion Community.
Director of Sponsorship
International sensation and Detroit native Sabrina Athena shines her bright Goddess energy through any professional barrier she encounters. With over 20 years of entertainment industry experience both in front and behind the camera; her career boasts award winning independent films/series and nationally syndicated commercials for brands such as BMW, Burlington Stores and the Michigan Wildlife Council. Spending much of her early career in New York City, Ms. Athena could be seen on runways in New York Fashion Week and was hand selected for personal coaching from world renowned model, Coco Rocha. As an additional nod to her passion for fashion, she is owner of The Goddess Werkshop (professional talent enrichment and business consulting) and obtained her degree in Marketing and Advertising Communications at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Secretary
Dr. Bridget Leonard, a highly accomplished nursing luminary with 25 years of experience, serves as the bedrock of empowerment for all who cross her path. From her grassroots journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to reaching the esteemed position of Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Dr. Bridget is on a mission to unlock the full potential of individuals in the healthcare profession. Her tailored approach to mentoring and fostering growth has guided countless individuals, extending beyond her roles as a Life Coach, Nursing Professor, and President of ANA-MI. Dr. Bridget's impact spans motivational prowess, team construction, and elevating nursing practice, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to encounter her—a transformative legacy in the nursing community.
Director of Finance
Que Jewelz is a multifaceted serialprenuer. As an eclectic creative, Que is a Fashion Show and Event Producer, Photoshoot Director and Behind-The-Scenes Pictographer, Posing Coach, and a Licensed Business Consultant and Life Coach. Que is also an experienced Wardrobe Stylist, and seasoned Fashion Show/Event Producer operating behind the scenes as a Backstage Manager for countless fashion shows in Michigan and around the country.
Since signing to Wilhelmina Talent Agency at 15 years old, Que has walked in a myriad of runway shows, including Michigan Fashion Week. For 3 years, Que has worked as the lead Wardrobe Stylist, Backstage Coordinator, and Runway Coach for the African American World Festival Fashion Show and is currently the Production Coordinator and Lead Wardrobe Stylist for Walk Fashion Show.
Director of Marketing
Monika Marie is a Fashion Designer, Seamstress, Photographer and Lifestyle Brand Owner. Born and raised in Detroit, she's been sewing and designing for over 10 years, making prom gowns for high school seniors. In 2019, she started her Lifestyle brand "Ms. Monika Marie", which aims to inspire people to be themselves. She started her Photography company in 2021.
Director of Engagement
Known for her professionalism and unmistakable presence, April Elle is the Chief Operating Officer of a local non-profit specializing in juvenile reform and case management. April is also the owner of Cover the Chaos Beauty, a makeup artist, and fashion image consultant. April provides children, women and men of all backgrounds an exceptional overall beauty and image consulting experience. She has trained with industry professionals and is efficient in fashion styling, pageant preparation, beauty makeup looks, red carpet looks, airbrush make-up application and male grooming.
Director of Education
With over a decade in the fashion industry, Alyse Brown is a seasoned Designer, Product Developer, and Manufacturing partner for nationwide clothing, accessory, and home brands. She has designed for major companies such as Nike, Adidas|Ivy Park, and Johnny Was. Alyse's early career success spans Chicago, New York, London, and LA, driven by her love for both design and manufacturing. After earning her Fashion Studies BA, pivotal roles in Visual Merchandising, Fashion Show Production, and more fueled her entrepreneurial journey. As a self-taught designer, Alyse's dedication and creative vision shine through her contributions, awards, and accolades. In 2019, she founded a Design Consulting Agency in LA, now a thriving Full Package Manufacturing facility. Alyse is passionate about education and expanding into her hometown of Detroit, where she serves as the Director of Education with the Detroit Fashion Community, committed to making a positive impact.
Our Committee Members:
Editor-In Chief of The DFC Blog
Ayana Bryant-Weekes, professionally known as ‘The Language Artist’, is an eloquent communicator and a fan of fashionable experiences. The native Detroiter harnesses journalism and the fashionably distinct to reflect the culture and climate of Detroit as a creative oasis and fashion capital. Ayana earned her B.S. in Advertising and Marketing Communications from The Fashion Institute of Technology (NY) while minoring in English writing. After graduating from FIT, a creative renaissance in Detroit became the catalyst for her career as a freelance writer. In 2015 Ayana Co-Founded, Advance Magazine— a Detroit-based lifestyle publication for “The Ambitious Woman”—interviewing and profiling prominent women whose causes and contributions embodied the publication’s motto of advancement. Ayana’s professional encounters with other creatives and her interest in the hidden gems and moving forces of emerging creative hubs streamlined her goals into her career as a fashion writer. Ayana’s goal is to help develop an understanding of the fashion industry and an appreciation for the city of Detroit as a fashion hub. Her articles on fashion, culture, history, feminism and faith have been featured in various online publications. As a career passion, Ayana specializes in writing and editing biographies, blog posts, product reviews and descriptions, essays, resumes, cover letters and other documents for creative professionals.
Content Curator
Kat, professionally known as Kat Toria on all social medias is a lover of content creation, beauty and all things fashion. As a Wayne State university graduate who majored in Media Arts and Studies. She continued her craft in media which featured livestream camera operation and freelance content creation. This is where she learned the importance of media and self promotion. Kat’s online presence caught the eye of Seen Magazine.com where she was featured in article SEEN Street style: Favorite Looks from MARCH 2023.
As a freelance content creator, she leveraged the latest technology and trends in visual content to tell stories, connect with audiences and become an ambassador for fashion at any size. Now, she collaborates with influential fashion shows such as A Plus Size Only fashion 2023, and Rags 2 Riches Fashion show 2024. Kat’s aspiration is to shine a light on the Detroit’s Fashion Scene.
Content Curator
Daisha, a Detroit native, possesses an innate appreciation, knack, and execution of fashion, style, creative small business support, and customer service. With a classical education in the business of fashion from Eastern Michigan University, Daisha embarked on her career as a retail buyer and visual merchandiser for 7 years, followed by 10 years in retail management. During this time, she collaborated with prominent businesses such as Puffer Reds, Sneaker Villa, White House | Black Market, The Peacock Room, and Détroit Is The New Black. Pooling together her extensive experience, Daisha ventured into creating her own style brands. Trinkets and Such showcases her talent in designing and curating jewelry and gifts, while August Ave. features collections of curvy statement pieces. Driven by her passion for small business support, Daisha and her husband opened By Popular Demand The Collective in 2020. The collective hosts over 40 product-based brands in an elevated and premier brick-and-mortar space, providing a platform to showcase, sell, and create awareness for their products and collections. Currently, Daisha is channeling her skill set and creative eye towards supporting the Detroit City Council and DFC (Detroit Future City) with engaging content and effective communications, aiming to make a significant impact on the city.