How do you transform a 100-year-old institution into a modern hub for innovation and technology while staying true to its legacy?

 In today’s episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Dr. Joyce Brown, the first woman and first African American president of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). With 26 years of leadership, Dr. Brown has revolutionized this globally renowned institution, blending technology and creativity to shape the future of fashion education.

Dr. Brown shares how she took over an antiquated institution in 1998 and brought it into the modern era, quadrupling the use of technology in teaching and making FIT a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. At the heart of this transformation is the DTech Lab, FIT’s on-campus innovation hub, where students collaborate with brands like Adidas, Netflix, and Girl Scouts to solve real-world challenges. From redesigning Girl Scouts uniforms to using IBM Watson for brand DNA analysis with Tommy Hilfiger, these projects highlight how FIT bridges the gap between education and industry.

We also explore FIT’s emphasis on sustainability and bio-design, where students work with materials like mycelium and kombucha to create sustainable fibers, and even maintain a natural dye garden for eco-friendly fabric coloring. Dr. Brown discusses how FIT has adapted to major global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements, by creating safe spaces for dialogue and encouraging students to express their concerns through their creative work.

This episode offers a fascinating inside look at how FIT prepares the next generation of fashion professionals by integrating technology, sustainability, and innovation into its curriculum. Whether you're interested in the intersection of fashion and technology or the future of education, this conversation with Dr. Joyce Brown will leave you inspired.

How do you see technology shaping the future of education and creative industries? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!