SAMUEL BOAKYE '13
Founder, Kwasi Paul | Brand Manager, PROJECT Mens Tradeshow
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Samuel Boakye, a visionary fashion designer, brand manager at PROJECT Mens Tradeshow, and merchandising director for Ruff Ryder, is celebrated for his innovative contributions to the fashion industry, seamlessly blending his Ghanaian heritage with contemporary fashion trends. A proud alumnus of Buffalo State University, Class of 2013, Samuel's journey reflects a deep commitment to exploring cultural identity through design.
Graduating with a degree in Hospitality, Samuel quickly made waves in the global fashion scene with his brand, Kwasi Paul, named after his parents. His designs, fusing traditional African influences with modern aesthetics, have garnered widespread acclaim.
JASMINE TAKANIKOS
Founder, Brand Human | Global Branding Authority | Thought Leader | Educator
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Jasmine Takanikos is a global branding authority renowned for her integrated, inquiry-based approach to personal and brand positioning. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked with diverse clients across industries such as finance, lifestyle, technology, and architecture. In 2010, Jasmine introduced BrandHuman, a methodology exploring the intersection of mind, body, and business. Alongside Chief Strategy Officer Eve Lewis, she provides personalized insight sessions and leadership training for international brands like Soho House & The NoMad. Jasmine's work has been featured by NPR, Forbes, Architectural Digest, and CNN.
MARK MAIDMENT
Senior Vice President, Brand at New Era Cap
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As Senior Vice President of Brand at New Era, Mark Maidment overseas all New Era brand vision and execution. He specializes in the lifestyle, influencer, and collaboration space with a heavy focus on culture and brand relevance. Mark joined New Era in early 2016 and has over 30 years of fashion industry experience. His background includes apparel design roles and holding senior creative positions at various global brands such as Diesel and Caterpillar, as well as Creative Director and for 3 years CEO at British heritage brand Ben Sherman. 
NATALIE ANSPACH
Senior Manager, Apparel, New Era Cap
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Originally from Seattle, Natalie grew up snowboarding, attending concerts, and designing. She then moved to Buffalo over 2 years ago to fulfill an apparel design position at New Era. With over 20+ years of experience in graphic and apparel design, Natalie brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to her role at New Era Cap.
ALICE YUMI SINZATO
Alice Yumi is an educator, visual artist and fashion designer from Brazil. Having studied in Brazil and Japan, one of her main areas of research is on Japanese Fashion. Her approach to fashion is experimental and looks for the space between fashion and art.
AUSTIN GUYETT '19
Founder, By A Guy | Coordinator, Design Operations (Headwear), New Era Cap
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Austin Guyett, Creator and owner of Buffalo-based brand By A Guy. Graduate of Buffalo State University with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion & Textile Technology with a concentration in Apparel Design. Current Coordinator, Design Operations (Headwear) at New Era Cap in Buffalo NY. From streetwear and cut-and-sew, to runway and high fashion - Austin has become a master of machine embroidery, print design, and garment construction.
FRANCISCO J. HERNANDEZ-ILIZALITURRI (PACO)
Founder, Buffalo Art Movement (BAM!)
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What began as a hobby of art collecting soon became a passion that led founder, Dr. Francisco J. Hernandez-Ilizaliturri (better known as Paco), to establish Buffalo Art Movement. Throughout his years of collecting, Paco has been able to curate a vast collection of works that highlight and celebrate the talents of WNY artists. Additionally, his passion for cultivating the arts in our community has led to an invitation of serving at the Burchfield Penney Art Center as a member of the board of trustees. When he is not at BAM! Paco can be found at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, as the Director of the Lymphoma Research Program and Professor of Oncology.
VANESSA MILLER '11 '20 '24
Assistant Technical Designer, New Era Cap | Creative Researcher
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Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Vanessa is an Assistant Technical Designer at New Era Cap. She is a graduate of Buffalo State University, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion &Textile Technology, a Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies & more recently a Master of Science certificate in Creative Studies & Leadership. She has an extensive background in textile design as well as sportswear development. This passion has led her to advance her skills within the 3D product & engineering world as she will be attending Oklahoma State University for Digital Design in the Fall.
EDDIE ANDERS '22
Co-Founder, OM NEW YORK (Octavious Marks)
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A Buffalo, NY native. After graduating from Canisius High-school, attended Buffalo State University for Fashion and Textile Technology with a concentration in Product Development. From there Co-Founded Octavious Marks, with Kenyatta Huston.
KENYATTA HUSTON
Co-Founder, OM NEW YORK (Octavious Marks)
A Buffalo, NY native. Graduated from Canisius High-School and continued a football career at Central Connecticut State University. Studied and graduated with a major in Graphic Design. Co-Founder of Octavious Marks, and founder of Kre8eyedeas.
