The inaugural AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event will be a showcase of the most diverse and impactful young professionals in various fields of work across the Philadelphia region.

At the virtual event, taking place August 20, 2020, Nasheli Ortiz-Gonzalez, 38, will be one of the 40 honorees. She is a Fashion Designer and Chair & Associate Professor of the Fashion Design Department at Moore College of Art & Design. 

As part of the lead-up to the event, AL DÍA asked each of the 40 honorees the same three questions and collected their responses. 

Here are Nasheli Ortiz-Gonzalez’s responses:

I have many achievements that make me proud: the opportunity to present in Paris and London Fashion Weeks; my master’s degree in Savannah College of Art and Design; to have dressed multiple amazing artists; being published in Vogue and Forbes magazines; being selected for 40 under 40 for Al Día !!!   Last but not least, having a full time position as an associate professor and being the first Puerto Rican chair in a fashion design department under the age of 40, with the understanding that academia is a wonderful place but also a place where you encounter social issues such as racism, sexism and classism.

A profound change in culture and power structures. There are a set of actions we can all be part of, no effort is in vain.  We must acknowledge the years of injustice against black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) to heal collectively. We should strengthen economic and political infrastructures to support education, health and good living environments within our communities. Runways, university programs, streets and government should align values and strategies. We must all stay informed and change with the times in meaningful ways, not just on the surface.

To register for the upcoming AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event, click here. 

For more information about the event, reach out to [email protected].

For sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected].