Explore the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry, including the connection between our wardrobes, soil health, and the value of local, regenerative fiber systems. Join Rachel Higgins and Leslie Davidson, the founders of PA Fibershed, as they share insights on how to rethink your relationship with clothing and make more sustainable, ethical choices that benefit both the planet and your local community.

Image of Flax, courtesy of PA Fibershed

About the speakers:

Rachel Higgins, a passionate advocate for circular fashion, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the sustainable fashion movement. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design & Merchandising from Drexel University and a Master's Degree of Professional Studies in Business of Fashion from LIM, she is well-prepared to drive change in the fashion industry.

In addition to her teaching role in the Design & Merchandising Program at Drexel University, Rachel plays a crucial part in the Philadelphia fashion community. She leads the Sustainability Committee for the Philadelphia Fashion and Garments Task Force, contributing to sustainability initiatives in the local fashion industry. As a co-founder of PA Fibershed, she is instrumental in advancing sustainable and circular fashion practices, making a lasting impact on the industry and the community.

Leslie Davidson, a Fashion Design graduate from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, initially entered the industry with a primary focus on design. However, upon experiencing the realities of the field, her dedication to sustainability and deep concern for the fashion industry's negative environmental impact prompted a transformative shift toward a career aimed at catalyzing systemic change.

Since 2017, she has transformed her passion into impactful action by centering her work around advocating for eco-friendly practices and circular economies spanning agriculture, fiber, and fashion. Her commitment extends to serving on the PA Sustainable Business Network Steering Committee, actively advocating for sustainable manufacturing in Pennsylvania

As the Co-Founder of Pennsylvania Fibershed and the Executive Director of All Together Now PA, Leslie envisions a future where the fashion and textile industries seamlessly integrate with nature, promoting circular economy principles and empowering local communities.