Christine Brooks-Cropper

In her role as President, CEO, and Founder of the DC Fashion Foundation, Christine Brooks-Cropper supports new and established designers, fashion retailers, fashion industry professionals, and design students transitioning from school to the professional world.

Brooks-Cropper is a well-established change agent and innovative strategist for the Washington, DC creative economy. In 2007, she launched The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC). Through this Washington, DC-based trade association for the fashion industry, Brooks-Cropper established arts education programs for youths and young adults. She also spearheaded multiple efforts to influence legislation. In 2010, Brooks-Cropper formed the first Congressional Apparel Manufacturing and Fashion Business Caucus on Capitol Hill. She also served on the Creative Economy Transition Team for Mayor Vincent Gray, whose efforts ultimately led the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to launch a Creative Economy Strategy in 2013. Brooks-Cropper additionally held the Chairmanship of the DC Government Commission on Fashion Arts and Events until 2017.

In 2009 – amidst her broad efforts to develop the Washington, DC creative economy – Brooks-Cropper founded the DC Fashion Foundation (DCFF). The Foundation aims to support the fashion business community in the Washington, DC area through educational programs, workforce training initiatives, and networking and mentoring opportunities. In 2015, Brooks-Cropper collaborated with Macy’s Holdings Inc. and the U.S. Small Business Administration to expand the Foundation’s programming through the new DC Fashion Incubator at Macy’s Metro Center. In a glass-enclosed design and learning space at Macy’s Metro Center, Incubator designers participate in trainings and organize fashion showcases.

National publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Women’s Wear Daily, Business Journal, Voices of America, and Uptown Magazine have highlighted Brooks-Cropper’s work advocating for job creation through the fashion industry. Brooks-Cropper holds a Master’s in Public Administration from University of Delaware and received a Bachelor of Arts-Sociology degree from Delaware State University.