Meet Jamileh Kamran Arkansas Fashion School Advisory Board

Frances G. Lopata, BS, MS, Life Teaching Certification Missouri

Lopata is a retired Chemical Physicist who used to work in the ammunition industry. Her work gained her the title of inventor on seven patents. In addition to her work as a Chemical Physicist, Lopata also taught high school.

Jessica Virden Mallett, BA, JD with Highest Honors

Tate is a Managing Partner for the Peter Miller Law Firm, does pro bono work for the Centers of Arkansas Legal Services, and is licensed to practice in all Arkansas State Courts, U.S. District Courts in Arkansas, and the 8th U.S. Court of Appeals.

Justice Annabelle Imber Tuck, JD

Retired Arkansas Supreme Court Judge. Serves on the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement’s Advisory Board, Pulaski County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, and the Jewish Federation of Arkansas Board. Serves as a Public Service Fellow/Jurist-in-Residence at William Bowen School of Law. Is on the Judges and Lawyers Program Foundation Board.

Trudie Kibbe Reed, BA, MSSW, MA, Ed. D

Is a past President of Bethune-Cookman University and of Philander Smith College. Developed and implemented educational programs for eight national agencies and higher educational institutions. Broke 127 years of fundraising records during her tenure as President at Philander Smith College. Is nationally acclaimed as a fundraiser, educator, administrator, visionary, public speaker, and student-centered leader.

Dr. H. Steve Leslie, M.B.A, M.A, M.S

Dr. H. Steve Leslie, is an Assistant Professor of Business Communication and Assistant Director of Assessment at the Neil Griffin College of Business. Dr. Leslie was also a senior manager at NCB Insurance. Dr. Leslie is the former Interim Director of the Arkansas State University Faculty Center. His professional background is in education, banking and financial systems, sales and service management, and as an integrator, trainer and financial analyst. He is married to Dr. Natalie Johnson-Leslie and has two kids, Gabrielle and Daniel.

Senator Joyce Elliott

State Senator Joyce Elliott represents Senate District 31, comprising parts of Little Rock and Pulaski County. She was elected to the Senate in 2008, after having served three terms in the House of Representatives, from 2001 through 2006. She is vice chair of Senate Education for the 93rd General Assembly. Senator Elliott is also a member of Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee, Joint Retirement and Social Security Committee, Joint Budget Committee, Arkansas Legislative Council and Legislative Joint Auditing Committee and serves on several different committees.

Joey Walsh

As a manager at TY Garments USA, an apparel manufacturer for global brands like adidas, reebok, and Fairway & Green, Joey Walsh played an instrumental role since the company's founding in 2017. With extensive experience traveling throughout Asia and the Americas to visit companies within the apparel supply chain, he has a deep understanding of the industry and brings valuable expertise to the table. Additionally, Joey serves as a member of the board of advisors for the Center for Chinese Language and Culture at the University of Central Arkansas.

Shonda Stroud Ali-Shamaa, PMP

Senior Business Consulting Manager at NTT DATA, Owner of Love ROCS fashion brand and
graduate of the Arkansas Fashion School. As well as having her brand named Clothing Line of the Year by Little Rock Fashion Week, her designs have been showcased in numerous runways shows in Arkansas, Dallas, Oklahoma and New York.

Krista Kotoun

Krista Kotoun is Lead Designer for Dillard's best-selling private label brand, Murano. During her 12 years with Dillard's, she has designed Juniors Clothing, CAD Artwork, and Contemporary Menswear. Outside of her professional role, she also designs and produces custom artwork, embroidery, knits, and costumes for commissioned projects.

FASHION STUDY PROGRAM