Join Us for the Art of (DE-FI)ance Board Room Call on Nov. 5th during Fashion Week of Cincinnati.

Relaunching in 2025, The Art of (DE-FI)ance is a fashion fund dedicated to investing in the people shaping style across the Midwest, with a focus on designers, makers, and fashion professionals in Dayton and Cincinnati. From grants and scholarships to mentorship and workforce development, we’re building the resources that help local talent rise, thrive, and influence the broader fashion industry. 

The Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund has always been about breaking barriers and supporting talent in ways that re(DE-FI)ne the possibilities of the fashion industry. However, even the most resilient organizations face challenges, and we’ve encountered our share of setbacks.

Over the past 3 years, every single member of our Board of Directors faced significant  personal and medical challenges, whether it was their own health or that of their loved ones. These circumstances required extended absences and made it increasingly difficult for us to operate effectively. Without the ability to maintain day-to-day oversight and meet compliance requirements, we lost our tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status, forcing us to put the Art of (DE-FI)ance on hiatus.

But this isn’t the end of our story. It’s an opportunity to rebuild,  stronger than ever, with passionate leaders who are ready to help us refocus and get back on track.

Why We Need YOU

Supporting  the next generation of designers, artisans, and creatives is no small task. It requires vision, dedication, and a team that’s as bold as the  talent we nurture. As we prepare to relaunch in September 2025 as a part of (DE-FI) Fashion Week, we’re seeking dynamic and committed board members to guide us through this next chapter.

We;re not seeking seat fillers, we're restoring the programs and opportunities that have helped so many build careers, amplify their voices, and ignite change. Your leadership will be instrumental in  helping us:

• Restore our tax-exempt status and strengthen our governance.
• Expand our reach to provide even more scholarships, grants, and workforce development initiatives.
• Ensure that every creative, no matter their background, has access to the resources they need to succeed.

What Happened and What’s Next

The challenges we faced were significant:

• Board members on extended leave: With multiple directors needing time away  for personal and medical reasons, we couldn’t meet the requirements  necessary to maintain our nonprofit status.
• Administrative strain: The absence of key leaders meant a reduced ability to handle  operational needs, from filing tax documents to overseeing programs.
• Temporary suspension of activities: Without the capacity to manage grants, events, and partnerships, our programs were paused, leaving our community without critical support.

But despite these setbacks, our mission remains unchanged. We are ready to rebuild with fresh energy, new ideas, and strong leadership.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking visionary board members who can help us reclaim our position as a driving force in the fashion industry. As a governance board, your role will be to:

• Provide strategic leadership: Set goals and guide the organization toward sustainable growth.
• Ensure financial accountability: Oversee budgets, fundraising, and resource allocation to restore our tax-exempt status.
• Advocate for change: Be a vocal ambassador for The Art of (DE-FI)ance, sharing our mission and building partnerships that fuel our success.

Join Us in the Board Room

This is your chance to be part of something bigger, a chance to help us rewrite the narrative, overcome adversity, and continue making a  profound impact in the community. Together, we can create opportunities that change lives and inspire the world.

If you believe in empowering talent, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change, we invite you to join our Board of Directors.

Apply today and help us rebuild.