For over 26 years, Dr. Joyce F. Brown has been a transformative leader at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), shaping the future of fashion education and the industry itself. As the first Black woman to lead FIT, she broke ground and redefined the institution’s role in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Brown reflects on her journey, from her early career to her vision for FIT, and the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way. She discusses the crucial impact of technology, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and FIT’s innovative programs that are preparing the next generation of creative leaders.
Dr. Brown also shares insights into FIT’s unique collaborations with industry, including the DTech Lab, where students tackle real-world challenges for major brands. From reimagining Girl Scout uniforms to exploring the potential of AI in design, FIT is at the forefront of innovation.
00:00 – Intro: Dr. Joyce Brown’s Transformative Leadership
00:27 – Breaking Ground at FIT: A Historic Appointment
00:49 – From Psychology PhD to Education Leadership
02:07 – The Role of Psychology in Leading Creatives
03:30 – Navigating Change: Technology and a Post-COVID World
05:46 – AI, 3D, and the Evolution of Design
08:35 – FIT: Beyond Fashion Design
11:39 – Guiding Students to Their Creative Niche
12:44 – FIT’s Responsiveness to Real-World Challenges
14:22 – FIT Alumni: Shaping the Industry
16:07 – The DTech Lab: A Hub for Creative Solutions
20:07 – FIT’s Expanding Influence in Consumer Retail
21:34 – The Social Justice Center: Creating Opportunity and Access
25:14 – Dr. Brown’s Reflections and Future Plans
Subscribe to FORBES: https://www.youtube.com/user/Forbes?sub_confirmation=1
Fuel your success with Forbes. Gain unlimited access to premium journalism, including breaking news, groundbreaking in-depth reported stories, daily digests and more. Plus, members get a front-row seat at members-only events with leading thinkers and doers, access to premium video that can help you get ahead, an ad-light experience, early access to select products including NFT drops and more:
https://account.forbes.com/membership/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=growth_non-sub_paid_subscribe_ytdescript
Stay Connected
Forbes newsletters: https://newsletters.editorial.forbes.com
Forbes on Facebook: http://fb.com/forbes
Forbes Video on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/forbes
Forbes Video on Instagram: http://instagram.com/forbes
More From Forbes: http://forbes.com
Forbes covers the intersection of entrepreneurship, wealth, technology, business and lifestyle with a focus on people and success.