...AND INSTEAD SHAKES UP THE MARKET BY DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY" ~Sir Richard Branson #BeDisruptive #RockTheBoat #BeDEFIant
Led by open, honesty, and transparency, (DE-FI) Global INC is driving economic growth, workforce development, and fusing fashion with STEM and Agriculture. (DE-FI) is where dreams take flight. We Provide the skills, support, access, opportunity, and power to build fashion careers. #WhatDoYouDEFI #FirstFlightNowFashion
Runways to Revolution: Dive into the story of (DE-FI) Global INC, starting with Caressa’s personal journey as a model and caregiver, and how it inspired the creation of a life support system for emerging talent. Learn about our success stories, the evolution of our mission, and our drive to position Southwest Ohio as an industry fashion hub and powerhouse. By fusing agriculture, garment manufacturing, and innovative solutions, we're leading the shift, creating economic impact and opportunities.
Group Shot of the 2025 (DE-FI)ance Magazine Cover Model Finalists.
Where can you find(DE-FI) alums now? The answer is simple: everywhere. We took talent from the shadows, nurtured their potential, and launched them to heights they didn’t even know were possible.
Here’s a shortlist of where our alums have landed:
But trust us, that's just scratching the surface. Want a more detailed list? We got you:
Started from the bottom, now we're here!
And that's just to name a few...
Our alumni are living proof that when you work with (DE-FI), you don’t just rise, you soar. So go ahead, keep an eye out for the names we told you to remember. We said they’d change the game and they did.
This isn’t luck. It’s not coincidence. It’s (DE-FI).
#TheEvolutionOfDEFI has always been unapologetic. Building on the legacy of the (DE-FI) brand’s crown jewel, the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator, we have long been recognized for our unwavering commitment to the growth and development of fashion-based talent and for fostering a viable, nurturing, independent, and self-sustaining fashion community. We don’t just grow talent—we create an ecosystem where it thrives.
It’s never business as usual for us. Every event, every program, every experience is a custom-crafted masterpiece designed to captivate, inspire, and push boundaries. At (DE-FI) Global INC, you’ll never have the same experience twice.
Our events and programming aren’t just about fashion, they’re about creating moments and connections that (DE-FI)ne careers. We don’t showcase stars we create them. We give participants, contributors, and patrons the unparalleled chance to witness tomorrow’s icons at the birth of their journey.
Follow their rise, take in the process, and when they dominate the industry, you’ll proudly have the opportunity to say, “I knew them when...” When we tell you to #RememberTheirName, believe us...write it down. Sit back, take notes, and just watch.
No other regional fashion organization can hold a candle to what (DE-FI) Global INC has built. The proof is in the success stories. Over the years, we’ve made Southwest Ohio the undeniable fashion capital for developing world-class talent across every discipline from designers, models, creators, business professionals, sewists, innovators, and more.
Others talk about success. We deliver it. That’s (DE-FI). That’s the standard. Watch closely, or get left behind.
At (DE-FI), giving back to our community isn’t a campaign or an attention grab; it’s a cornerstone. From the moment we opened our doors, we’ve stood on one unwavering belief: fashion is more than an art form or industry. It’s a powerful platform for human connection, restoration, and real impact. That belief lives at the heart of (DE-FI) Gives Back, our community engagement initiative dedicated to building lives, strengthening families, and serving those too often left behind.
As a volunteer-based organization, we’ve never required payment to access our programs. Instead, we ask our models, designers, and creatives to join us in service volunteering a minimum of 40 hours each year within their own communities. This shared commitment turns fashion into a force for good, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the runway.
Through our broader outreach arm, (DE-FI) Gives Back with the support of Our Village has:
But our work doesn’t end there.
Through mentorship, community dialogue, and hands-on outreach, we’ve helped instill self-worth, purpose, and resilience in youth. We’ve fed and clothed thousands, raised funds for families battling illness, and extended hope without ever seeking the spotlight.
Our outreach is not performative. It’s personal. We don’t give for applause. We give because it’s what love does.
As we look toward the future, (DE-FI) Gives Back will remain a driving force behind everything we do, a living, breathing promise that wherever fashion lives, so does community.
Because at (DE-FI), we’re not just building careers. We’re building something far more powerful: a village rooted in compassion, purpose, and collective strength. We are (DE-FI) Global INC, we are the village, and we will always give back.
Models, Designers, supporters and (DE-FI) leaders participate in a Habitat For Humanity Build.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.
We’re currently refreshing and updating our website including important forms and features to better serve you! Some areas may be temporarily unavailable as we work behind the scenes. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Our goal is to have everything updated and ready by Saturday, July 5th.In the meantime, be on the lookout for invitations and RSVP links for Dayton Fashion Week. Emails will come from:info@defiglobalinc.com with a sender name: (DE-FI) Global INC. Make sure to check your inbox and spam folders deadlines are approaching!