Workshop Presenter Bios (more coming soon!)
Astrid Vidalon-Shields, Associate Professor, Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising, Central Washington University
Astrid Vidalon is a professor in the Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising program at Central Washington University. Professor Vidalon has a master’s degree in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles from Washington State University and a B.A. in Communication and Advertising. She teaches the classes Basic Sewing Techniques, Advanced Sewing Techniques, Sustainability & Us, Buying and Merchandising Math, Apparel Manufacturing, Digital Presentation Techniques, Styles Principles: Body to Store, and Merchandising Buying and Planning.
Native from Peru, she worked as Marketing and Press Director, Sales Executive and Project Coordinator, and Graphic Designer for the Peruvian branch of the world’s top-selling Spanish-speaking publishing firm. In this company, she oversaw textiles and handicraft publishing projects that triggered her passion for textiles and ethnic dress. Astrid’s creative endeavors and research interests include ethnic art, handmade textiles, and sustainability. Vidalon believes that design that values traditional art can be an excellent tool for sustainable development and social empowerment.
​
Zihui Zhao, Assistant Professor, Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles, Washington State University
I am a passionate fashion illustrator and educator. Throughout my career, I have taught aspiring designers the art of creating stunning fashion croquis and illustrations. My workshops blend theory with hands-on practice, helping students grasp the intricacies of fashion sketching. Whether you're a beginner or an enthusiast, I'm here to guide you on your journey to becoming a proficient fashion illustrator.
​
Jackson Berhow, Lecturer, Theatre Department, Central Washington University
Jackson is a theatrical costumer with 10+ years of experience in sewing. He is also a passionate educator and strives to be a lifelong student of his craft, as he believes that you never stop learning. Currently, Jackson is a resident lecturer, costume designer, and shop manager at Central Washington University.
​​​
Yini Chen, Assistant Professor, Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles, Washington State University
Dr. Yini Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles at Washington State University. Her teaching and research focus on fashion retailing, consumer behavior, and emerging technologies, including AI-driven trend analysis, virtual reality retail experiences, and omnichannel strategy. She actively collaborates with industry partners and local businesses to translate analytics into actionable insights for product development, merchandising, and marketing. Dr. Chen also directs WSU’s annual AMDT Fashion Show, where she mentors students in forecasting, marketing, and event planning. In this workshop, she will share practical tools for using social media analytics, runway and street-style scans, and generative AI to identify micro-trends and build compelling, consumer-centered forecasts that inspire.
​
Cynthia Douglas, Student, Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising, Central Washington University
Cynthia Douglas is an Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising major at Central Washington University and an active member of student government. After serving as the design coordinator for last year’s annual fashion show, they will step into a new role this year as a designer, presenting their work alongside fellow artists. With an artistic background shaped by both personal and academic experiences, and as a second-year student at Central, Cynthia brings a growing depth of skill and perspective to their work. They have been sewing for many years and have developed a strong passion for draping, with aspirations to pursue a career as a professional fashion designer.
​
​​​
​
Conference planning committee Bios
​
Andrea Eklund, Professor and Program Director, Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising, Central Washington University
Andrea Eklund is a Professor of the Apparel, Textiles and Merchandising program at Central Washington University. She has been at CWU for 18 years and has updated the program to assure students learn a well-rounded base of knowledge about textile and apparel products, merchandising strategies, product development, production processes, trends, consumers and sustainability in smaller classes that focus on hands-on learning. Graduates work for companies such as Nordstrom, Tommy Bahama, zulily, Volcom, and Boeing, among many others.
Andrea has 20 years of apparel industry experience from retail management to design to quality assurance that she applies to the classroom. Professor Eklund’s research interests include apparel design, textiles, body image, and her present project is designing a garment that integrates leather, silk and couture pleating. She is the Student Fashion Association advisor at CWU!
​
Michelle Spenser, Family and Consumer Sciences Program Supervisor, Career & Technical Education, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Michelle Spenser serves as the Family and Consumer Sciences Program Supervisor within the Career & Technical Education division at Washington state's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). In this role, she oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of Family and Consumer Sciences programs across Washington's public schools, ensuring they meet both state standards and the evolving needs of students.
Drawing on her expertise in CTE and Family and Consumer Sciences education, Ms. Spenser works closely with educators and administrators to strengthen curriculum development, provide professional development opportunities, and foster programs that prepare students for both higher education and career success in fields such as human services, hospitality, education, and consumer services.​
​
Kelli Gardner-Schrand, Academic Advisor, Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles, Washington State University
Bio Coming Soon
