Orlando International Fashion Week appoints new 2026 board and leadership members

Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has announced a series of new appointments and returning leadership for 2026, strengthening its organisational structure across its Advocates, Advisory Board, Production Team and Executive Committee. The expanded leadership reflects OIFW’s ongoing focus on inclusion, education, community engagement and the promotion of fashion as a cultural and economic driver in Central Florida.

Four new members have joined OIFW’s Advisory Board. Chance Gwen, entrepreneur and internationally experienced model, pageant coach and show director, brings expertise in talent development and runway professionalism. Jan Edwards, an advocate and educator, contributes experience in youth-focused education, public speaking and prevention-based initiatives. Tracy Feldman, a textile consultant with more than 30 years of experience, adds industry insight in textile design and production management. Dr. John Payne-Rios, an educational leader and arts advocate, brings experience across K–12 and higher education, with a background in technical theatre, communications and arts integration.

OIFW has also expanded its Production Team with the addition of Travis Young, professionally known as DJ TL Smooth, who brings more than two decades of experience in performance, audio, lighting and event production, and Virgil Aaron, a Central Florida–based creative with formal training in fashion design and costume production.

In addition, Guenet Gittens-Roberts has been appointed to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. A leader in culture, tourism and media, she serves as President of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Publisher of Caribbean American Passport News Magazine, and Founder and CEO of GGR Marketing and PR. She is also the founder of CAP Village, a creative hub and business incubator supporting artists, entrepreneurs and cultural initiatives in Orlando.

Alongside these new appointments, OIFW confirmed the continuation of its core leadership team for 2026. Advocates supporting the organisation’s mission across the arts, business and tourism sectors include Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, Chief Curator of the Orlando Museum of Art; Barbara Hartley, Executive Director of the Downtown Arts District; Terry Olson, arts instigator and development coach; Liz Sheppard, boutique owner and fashion industry figure; and Ted Bogert, community builder, broadcaster and speaker.

Returning members of the Advisory Board include Paula Wyatt, Chief Excitement Officer of Anything is Posh Able; Thali Sugisawa, Director of Cultural Tourism at United Arts of Central Florida; David Wheeler, CEO of the Global Peace Film Festival; and Chalo Garcia, International Liaison for InterModelo Magazine.

The Production Team continues with Special Thompson, J.D., Cristina Medina, Daryl Maeder and Cheryl Thomas, supporting the execution of OIFW’s runway shows and cultural programming.

OIFW’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors also remains in place, including Rob Henlon, M.A., Executive Director and Co-Founder; Jessica Henlon, PhD, Chair and Co-Founder; Starr Dalton, Secretary and Co-Founder; Rosanna Tran, producer and entrepreneur; and Lana Light, CFP, CRPC, Treasurer and certified financial planner. The committee provides governance, fiduciary oversight and long-term strategic direction for the organisation.

OIFW said the combined leadership team positions the organisation to continue expanding its impact at the intersection of fashion, culture, education and tourism as it moves into its 2026 programming year.

OIFW said the new appointments reflect its continued focus on inclusion, education and community engagement, while strengthening the leadership behind its mission to promote fashion as a driver of cultural and economic development in Florida.