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"Success comes to the underdog who doesn't let sleeping dogs lie...
Workforce Development: Stitching Together A Brighter Future
Empowering Communities Through Sewing, Infrastructure Building, and Workforce Development
(DE-FI) Global INC is reshaping the economic and creative landscape of Southwest Ohio by building the infrastructure needed to power the next generation of fashion professionals. With the $2 trillion global fashion industry as our launchpad, our workforce development initiative focuses on sewing, skill-building, and cross-sector collaboration that creates pathways to economic mobility and career growth. (DE-FI) has been a pioneer in sewing workforce development, laying the groundwork for Dayton’s return to garment-related industry growth through our strategic vision and partnerships.
(DE-FI)’s early initiatives were instrumental in launching the region’s first industrial sewing workforce development program, laying the foundation for what became the Dayton Sewing Collaborative. From 2014 to 2018, we led the charge building the infrastructure, forming partnerships, and creating the momentum for this work to take root. However, as has often happened throughout history the foundational contributions of those who first did the work were gradually minimized, rewritten, or excluded altogether once others gained interest and influence they needed. Despite (DE-FI) being the party that chose to step away due to unmet commitments and misaligned values, alternative narratives were pushed leaning heavily on stereotypes leveraging historical power dynamics to obscure the truth and distance (DE-FI)'s name from the movement that we started.
While disappointing, this experience did not defeat us, it refined us. It revealed the need for smarter alignment, stronger documentation, and a more intentional approach to partnerships. Today, with the lessons of the past and the resources of the present, (DE-FI) continues this work, not for credit, but for the communities we serve and the future we’re building. Our work continues to center on equitable access, professional development, and connecting the dots between fashion and opportunity.
We are not a garment manufacturing facility; however, we proudly support and collaborate with credible regional partners who lead small-batch and garment production efforts aligned with our values. At the same time, our long-term goal remains to attract full-scale garment manufacturing to Dayton and Southwest Ohio. By preparing a trained workforce and building the foundational infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for these opportunities to take root and grow.
Our vision has always been clear: bring garment-related opportunities to Dayton and the Miami Valley by preparing the workforce to meet rising industry demand. With global reshoring efforts and tariffs shifting focus back to domestic production, the U.S. is seeing increased investment in textile and apparel manufacturing. In 2019 alone, U.S. textile manufacturing contributed $18.79 billion to the economy and employed more than 144,000 people.
Integrating STEM and Agriculture into Fashion Workforce Development
As part of our evolving Workforce Development strategy, (DE-FI) Global INC has expanded its programming to include two transformative initiatives: the Farm to Fashion Initiative and the STEM Atelier both of which are now core to our educational and workforce training pipeline.
The Farm to Fashion Initiative connects local agriculture to the fashion industry through fiber crop development, natural dye sourcing, and sustainable material innovation. By working with farmers, material scientists, and regional textile experts, we are preparing a new generation of fashion professionals equipped to lead in ethical and sustainable production. This includes training in fiber processing, eco-friendly dyeing, and circular design methods that strengthen both our regional economy and supply chain.
The STEM Atelier, our workforce development educational initiative, bridges fashion with science, technology, engineering, and math. Designed for junior high, high school, and college students, the Atelier focuses on interdisciplinary learning introducing participants to career paths that blend textile engineering, wearable tech, material science, and innovative design. Students and adult learners alike gain exposure to future-focused industries through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and project-based learning.
Together, these initiatives:
- Advance regional job creation in both traditional and emerging fashion sectors.
- Cultivate talent for textile innovation, garment production, and sustainable manufacturing.
- Provide accessible entry points for underrepresented populations in STEM and design.
- Position Southwest Ohio as a national model for fashion innovation and industrial reinvestment.
These programs not only meet the growing demand for skilled talent in fashion-adjacent industries, they also reflect (DE-FI)’s commitment to developing an inclusive and future-ready fashion infrastructure.
Skilled professionals are needed now more than ever, especially in fields like:
- Industrial sewing and garment construction
- Material science and sustainable fiber production
- Protective gear assembly for companies like Dayton based Lions and Honeywell
- Computer-aided garment manufacturing, with annual earnings averaging $67,110
- Pattern making and technical design, with average salaries of $53,800
(DE-FI)’s workforce development programs connect participants to legitimate opportunities while meeting local industry standards. Participants receive foundational sewing and industry training and must pass a rigorous certification process to ensure readiness for fashion and non-fashion-related production roles.
Through these efforts, we are supporting Dayton’s long-term transformation into a center of fashion infrastructure not just for designers and models, but for engineers, technicians, textile makers, and farmers. This vision is reinforced by our Farm to Fashion initiative, which bridges agriculture and apparel production through partnerships that promote natural fibers, innovation, and sustainable sourcing.
We’re also working to lay the foundation for the first fashion design school in Dayton empowering young creatives, creating access to technical training, and supporting the workforce behind the runways. As major cities like New York and L.A. become cost-prohibitive, Southwest Ohio’s strategic location, affordability, and growing talent pool make it a natural home for this next chapter in fashion.
(DE-FI) Global INC will continue to empower individuals and communities, championing financial independence, professional skill development, and dignity in work. With each stitch, partnership, and initiative, we are building the infrastructure for tomorrow’s fashion stars and reclaiming our rightful place in shaping the future of the fashion industry.
Click HERE to Apply For Workforce Development!