Winners Announced for Second Edition of ISAIC Honors

Press Release

DETROIT – The Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) has revealed the names of the ISAIC Honors winners in the run-up to the second edition of the event designed to celebrate the fashion industry visionaries helping to shape the future of domestic manufacturing in the textile and apparel industry. The winners will be honored during the event on April 24 at The Madison Loft Auditorium.

ISAIC Honors provides a unique platform to highlight manufacturers, innovators and champions dedicated to propelling the fashion industry towards an ethical, sustainable and responsible future for domestic manufacturing. As the sole national institute for the textile and apparel industry in the United States, ISAIC is committed to elevating these visionaries, ensuring their profound role in shaping the fashion realm receives the recognition it truly deserves.

Speaking about the event, ISAIC CEO Jennifer Guarino said: ‘At ISAIC, we believe that the future of fashion must be built on ethical, responsible and forward-thinking domestic manufacturing. ISAIC Honors celebrate the pioneers who are not only innovating in textiles and apparel but also reshaping the industry to be more sustainable and equitable. This year’s nominees are a testament to the power of craftsmanship, ingenuity and dedication to progress. We are proud to recognize their work and amplify their contributions as they set new standards for what is possible in American manufacturing.”

The Winners

Champion of the Year – Recognizing individuals and organizations using fashion as a force for social impact, ethical labor, and community empowerment

Amy Williams – Citizens of Humanity

Amy Williams has been awarded the Champion of the Year Award for her visionary leadership in advancing sustainability, equity, and collaboration in the apparel industry. As CEO of Citizens of Humanity Group, she has championed regenerative agriculture through the company's Regenerative Cotton Program, ensuring environmentally and socially responsible sourcing while fostering industry-wide collaboration. Her commitment to transparency, inclusion, and sustainable innovation is evident in her advocacy, board service, and numerous speaking engagements on critical industry topics. Williams exemplifies ISAIC’s values by prioritizing collective success over competition and driving transformative change.

Innovator of the year – Honoring pioneers who are driving measurable change through cutting-edge materials, circular economy solutions, and responsible production

Omar Bailey – FCTRY Lab

Omar Bailey has been awarded the Progressive Good Award for his groundbreaking contributions to footwear innovation and industry disruption. As Co-Founder of FCTRY LAb, he has created a cutting-edge design and prototyping studio that empowers creatives to push the boundaries of design and bring innovative footwear to market with unprecedented speed and equity. His pioneering work, including his leadership in Yeezy/Adidas' Innovation Lab, has redefined industry standards while fostering inclusivity and collaboration. Bailey’s commitment to exploration and technological advancement aligns with ISAIC’s mission, positioning him as a true innovator shaping the future of the industry.

Manufacturer of the Year – Celebrating groundbreaking innovation in domestic manufacturing, sustainable textiles, and forward-thinking design solutions

Tameka Peoples – Seed2Shirt

Tameka Peoples has been awarded the Fashioning the Future Award for her pioneering work in sustainable and equitable manufacturing through Seed2Shirt. As one of the only Black woman-owned cotton merchant companies, Seed2Shirt embodies innovation and social responsibility, creating a vertically integrated cotton-to-apparel system that uplifts Black farming communities in the U.S. and Africa. With a commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainable agriculture, and workforce advocacy, Tameka’s leadership demonstrates how manufacturing can be a force for good. Her vision balances profitability with responsibility, setting new industry standards and driving meaningful change in apparel production.

Alumni of the Year Award – Acknowledging an outstanding ISAIC alumni member who has made significant contributions to the future of ethical and sustainable apparel manufacturing

Francesca ‘Frankie’ Tiseo

Frankie Tiseo has been awarded the Alumni of the Year Award for exemplifying the transformative power of education and training in the industry. Transitioning from a service industry career, Frankie found a passion for sewing through ISAIC’s FISP program and continued advancing through ISAIC’s one-year sewing specialist apprenticeship. Embracing every learning opportunity, Frankie’s journey led to a prestigious apprenticeship with Tracy Reese at Hope for Flowers, fulfilling a dream of mastering couture dressmaking. Frankie’s dedication, growth, and commitment to the craft embody ISAIC’s mission, serving as an inspiring testament to the impact of ISAIC’s programs on individuals and the industry.

This press release was shared by eTextileCommunications February 27, 2025. ISAIC is a member of SPESA.

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