Advisory Committee
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the Fashion Design department is to provide premier courses and degree plans that give students the practical, theoretical, and technical knowledge needed to be successful in the field of Fashion Design. Our curriculum provides students with first-rate professional and workforce programs that result in employment in the public and private sectors. It is based on identified competencies, has a capstone experience, and strives to be socially responsible as well as addressing employer needs. We are committed to:
- Providing students in the Fashion Design degree plans the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their design abilities that will enable them to seek employment in a fashion industry position.
- Providing students in the transfer degree plan the knowledge and skills necessary for transfer and success at a baccalaureate degree granting institution.
- Providing students in the workforce areas the knowledge and skills necessary for job enhancement.
- Providing employers in our community a trained, technically competent, and diverse workforce.
- Providing all students advising from a qualified, dedicated, and accessible faculty.
Our overall departmental mission is threefold: 1) to prepare students for entry-level employment in the rapidly expanding Fashion industry, 2) to enable students to improve their job skills to promote career advancement and development 3) provide undergraduate courses to individuals who wish to transfer to complete a four year degree.
The department hires highly qualified professionals within our field of study and provides them the support they need. The department has relevant, up-to-date course materials and keeps textbooks current. Course content complies with federal and state laws and regulations and local industry standards and includes recommendations from the Advisory Committee. SCANS competencies along with Master Syllabi are posted on the departmental website.
The Fashion Design Advisory Board is composed of recognized leaders in the field in ACC’s service area. Members convene regularly to offer their combined expertise to influence the curriculum structure and instructional methods of the program.
Committee Members
Janie Chang
Department Chair and Professor
With more than 30 years in the fashion and apparel industry, Janie Chang has honed her expertise in design, technical design, and production through leadership roles at renowned brands like Liz Claiborne, Kenneth Cole, Perry Ellis, and Fila, as well as global retailers Sears, Kmart, and C&A Europe. Janie believes strongly in furthering sustainable practices, preserving design craftsmanship and leveraging technology in the creative process. Janie graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor in Apparel & Textile Design and recently returned to Austin with her family in 2022. In her spare time, she continues to consult and mentor others in the apparel industry. She is thrilled to be part of the vibrant learning community at Austin Community College.
Kristi Carlson
Advisory Committee Chairperson & V.P. of Digital Technology, Kendra Scott
Kristi is a seasoned digital technology executive with over 15 years of experience driving innovation across fashion, jewelry, and grocery retail. Currently serving as Vice President of Digital Technology at Kendra Scott, she oversees digital commerce, marketing technology, AI strategy, and business intelligence. Her work has transformed how customers engage with retail brands—delivering elevated digital experiences, expanding omnichannel capabilities, and integrating next-generation technologies across physical and digital touchpoints.
A passionate advocate for creativity and innovation, Kristi has led initiatives that blend technology with storytelling and brand identity. She believes that the future of fashion lies in the seamless integration of creativity, technology, and responsibility—where design innovation is matched by environmental and social awareness.
As an advisory board member, Kristi offers strategic insight into retail transformation, customer experience, and sustainable innovation—supporting the next generation of designers in creating a more thoughtful and tech-forward fashion industry.
Erica Lindy
Adjunct Professor & Controller, HR Manager, ByGeorge
Erica K. Lindy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising from Texas Women’s University. Upon graduating TWU, Erica was awarded a much coveted design scholarship to the Paris Fashion Institute in France. While there, she continued her studies under the tutelage of world renowned instructors and ateliers becoming a couture trained seamstress. Her career has been in all facets of the fashion industry including retail management, production and sales management, and commercial wholesale design. She also runs her own bespoke design and alterations business creating beautiful couture pieces.
Molly Nutter
President, ByGeorge
Molly Nutter is the President of ByGeorge, a luxury fashion and lifestyle retailer based in Austin. She is a fashion industry veteran with a reputation for an impeccable editorial eye. Nutter joined the company in 2019 to lead its creative and operational direction. She is responsible for maintaining the boutique’s status as a fashion institution while guiding its evolution in the modern retail landscape.
Before her move to Austin, Nutter spent nearly two decades at Barneys New York, where she rose from assistant buyer to Vice President. Following her time at Barneys, she served as the Vice President of Retail Merchandising for Céline, overseeing buying strategy for the North American market.
Molly has been instrumental in the development of our Fashion Design students, providing them with expert feedback and industry insight during their capstone collection presentations.
Lisa Valente
Denim Expert, Raymond Uco
With over a decade of experience in denim development, Lisa Valente is a seasoned industry leader recognized for bridging the gap between technical precision and creative innovation. Specializing in fabric sourcing, sustainable finishing, and fit, Lisa has shaped iconic denim collections for global brands while championing responsible production practices.
Her expertise spans the entire product lifecycle—from mill partnerships and fabric innovation to wash development and final garment execution. Rooted in hands-on craftsmanship and deep technical knowledge, Lisa is a trusted partner for brands seeking to elevate their denim offerings in a competitive marketplace.
Tricia Langman
Managing Partner & Leader of Ed-Tech, Sustainability Strategist, Hecho Por Nosotros (HxN)
Committed sustainability leader and Managing Partner at Hecho por Nosotros (NGO with consultative status at the United Nations), with over 15 years of experience advancing climate action, equity-centered design, and cross-sector partnerships. Experienced moderator and speaker at UN High-Level Political Forums and the G20 Changemaker Conferences.Brings over a decade of expertise as a social and climate impact advisor, driving nature-based solutions for NGOs and corporations, alongside 18 years in global fashion and textiles with brands such as Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Founder of a successful international textile print studio and advisor to the Board of Fashion Ghana, with projects featured at The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Dedicated educator, teaching sustainability and design as Adjunct Professor at Portland State University and Portland Fashion Institute.
Vanessa Villalva
Professional Designer, Seamstress and Instructor
Vanessa Villalva is a professional designer, seamstress and instructor with over 20 years of experience in marketing, animal welfare, teaching and creative roles. She founded Ronkita Design, based in Austin, TX, that provides design, consulting, manufacturing and educational services. Vanessa teaches beginner to advanced sewing lessons, including as an instructor at Austin Community College, and collaborates with clients on product development and other custom sewing projects.
Victoria Broussard
Print and Product Design Manager at Katie Kime
Victoria Broussard, also known by her brand/illustrator pseudonym Cora Fox, was a student of ACC fashion design in the early years of the program. After finishing her curriculum, she went on to become an illustration instructor at the Austin School of Fashion Design and a live fashion illustrator with Vogue Vignettes. She kicked off her apparel design career in 2019 at Grace and Lace as a designer for cut and sew knits, prints and graphics. She also had the opportunity to gain knowledge in many areas of the industry including jewelry and accessory design, technical design, sourcing, pattern making, product development and production coordinating. She was known by the brands loyal fans for her colorful graphics and intricate floral prints. She then went on to lead the lifestyle side of the house at Chubbies Shorts, designing for all casual categories of the brand. She is currently the Print and Product Design Manager at Katie Kime, spearheading the design of the growing brands iconic prints, apparel and hard good categories.