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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
Director of 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 4 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.
Leighton Jones '22
Communications Director, Our City Action Buffalo
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Leighton is a Jamaican migrant, activist, and grassroots organizer who came to the U.S. in search of liberation—freedom denied back home, where living authentically was illegal. Today, they channel that pursuit into impactful work at the intersection of education, activism, and creative expression.
As a lead communications coordinator and political organizer with OCAB, Leighton ensures Black, queer, and immigrant voices are heard and valued. Their advocacy spans immigrant rights, anti-policing efforts, and uplifting marginalized communities.
A proud Buffalo State alum, Leighton believes liberation is both personal and collective. Through organizing, they create spaces where education becomes resistance and creativity leads the way to freedom.
Phylicia Robinson Dove, MS
Fashion Activist | Entrepreneur | Visionary
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Phylicia Robinson Dove is a fashion activist and founder of IamPhyNomenal LLC, a creative agency using storytelling, strategy, and style to elevate brands and creatives.
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A Brooklyn native now based in Buffalo, she launched Black Monarchy LLC in 2015—an Afro-futuristic brand honoring the African diaspora. Her boutique operated for six years and gained national recognition from Facebook and The Washington Post.
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A 43North and Ignite Buffalo winner, Phylicia recently earned an Artie nomination for her costume design debut at Shea’s 710 Theater. She uses fashion to champion culture, connection, and inclusivity.
Dr. Juliana Guglilmi-Derosa
Assistant professor of Fashion Merchandising & Management at Thomas Jefferson University​
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With over a decade of teaching experience and a background as a buyer for Calvin Klein Global and Lane Bryant Outlet, she brings both academic expertise and real-world industry knowledge into the classroom.
Her research focuses on social justice and fashion.
Dr. Guglielmi-DeRosa encourages students to challenge norms, think critically, and explore the intersection of fashion, culture, and identity to create more inclusive futures in fashion.
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.
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