Hi, and thank you for visiting my page!My name is Katie O’Connor, and I am a multi-skilled individual whose goal is always to continue to uplift and bring organization to the American textiles and apparel industry, and those within it. I have worked in training & development, product development, project management, sales, and of course, industrial sewing. I am currently open for work and am available for freelance consulting, writing projects, training development and execution, and product development projects. I have worked in multiple roles associated with bringing products to market. From 2013-2018, I was a member of the Shinola Detroit leather studio. There, I specialized in working with leather products, including handbags and small leather goods. I was responsible for making, adjusting, and digitizing patterns as well as managing the workflow of other projects, inventory for the studio, and creating processes. I have also spent extensive time in the theatre, where I specialized in historical costuming.I have been in training and development for many years in various capacities. Developing people and teams is a huge passion of mine, and I always want to know what people are learning, and where they're headed. I worked with Lush Cosmetics for several years as a product knowledge trainer and senior keyholder. More recently, my time at the Industrial Sewing & Innovation Center (ISAIC) was spent managing training both internally and externally, as well as developing new training materials. During my time, 94 students completed the nationally-recognized, DOL-approved Industrial Sewing curriculum, Fundamentals of Industrial Sewing & Production. Many of my students have now moved into other industry jobs, including advanced apprenticeship programs, creating their own products, and finding work with external partners.I am a huge supporter of the incredible organizations I work with. I am the Chair of the Apprenticeship Subcommittee for Closely Crafted. Based out of NYC, and with backing from the CFDA, they aim to preserve American craft in the fashion industry. I assist as needed, which includes planning for and supporting the creation and processes for their first apprenticeship program. (Find more about Closely Crafted at www.closelycrafted.org!) I am also a supporter of the Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA) and The Century Foundation (TCF) - I was lucky enough to sit in on their recent convening, and will be sharing an article about the event soon.Reach out, let's work together to build something better.