I believe education is most powerful when it reflects the realities of the industries students hope to enter. My work sits at the intersection of fashion, education, and workforce development—translating real-world industry experience into rigorous, scalable curriculum and career pathways.
I am a curriculum architect, program developer, and fashion industry professional dedicated to bridging the gap between education and the real-world demands of the fashion industry. With over 15 years of combined experience in apparel design, production leadership, and Career & Technical Education (CTE), my work focuses on building scalable, workforce-aligned fashion pathways that prepare students for meaningful, sustainable careers.
My foundation is rooted in the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I earned degrees in Fashion Design and International Trade & Marketing, graduating magna cum laude. I spent nearly a decade in the fashion industry, advancing rapidly from design assistant to Director of Production within New York City–based apparel companies. That experience shaped my deep understanding of how creative talent, technical skill, and business strategy intersect in professional fashion environments.
Over the past seven years, I have applied that industry expertise at the systems level within education—designing district- and board-approved fashion pathways, authoring multi-course curricula, and aligning programs with postsecondary institutions through dual enrollment, articulation agreements, and college-credit opportunities. My work emphasizes industry relevance, technical proficiency, and career readiness, ensuring that students are not only creative but prepared to enter competitive and evolving fields.
Today, my focus extends beyond a single classroom or district. I partner with schools, districts, and educational organizations to consult on curriculum development, program design, and pathway implementation in fashion, design, and creative business disciplines. My goal is to help institutions nationwide build rigorous, relevant programs that reflect current industry practices and open doors for students across diverse communities.
In addition to curriculum and program development, I continue to engage in creative work and authorship, inspired by my role as a mother and educator. These projects reflect my belief that strong educational foundations begin early and are shaped by both creativity and purpose.
I invite you to explore the programs, curriculum work, and student-centered initiatives featured throughout this site, and to connect if you are seeking thoughtful, industry-aligned solutions in fashion and design education.
Sincerest of Gratitude,
ValerieRomano