CEO and Founder
Neel Elsherif

With extensive experience as a fashion industry executive, Neel is well-versed in material science and product development, mass volume manufacturing, management, and global negotiations. She has successfully overseen a 50MM brand portfolio, catering to retail giants such as Sam’s Club, Walmart, Macy’s, and Nordstrom. Neel’s influence extends to her role as a senior advisor to the Egyptian Textiles and Exports Council.

Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 and LA Wire’s 40 Under 40 Alum, Neel has made significant contributions to both fashion and philanthropy. Her leadership in fashion sustainability has been featured in Vogue, and she was honored with Marie Claire’s 2023 Sustainability Award, solidifying Mela as one of the top 100 vegan brands worldwide. Neel’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent is evident in her role as a mentor for startups 

through Ballard Spahr’s BASE program and as an adjunct professor for fashion graduate studies at Moore College of Art and Design. In 2018, Neel founded Nile Hudson in New York City, later expanding its operations to Cairo, Hong Kong, and Italy. She possesses an extensive intellectual property portfolio within the material science and textiles sectors.Neel holds a BFA in Fashion Design and Business Entrepreneurship from Moore College of Art & Design and has completed the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program, focusing on global business and macroeconomics.

Currently serving as CEO at Mela, a New York City-based brand, Neel takes pride in crafting high-quality accessories made in Italy using next-gen bio-based materials. In addition, Neel currently serves as an advisor on Google Female Startup Council “ The collective”.

CEO and Founder
Neel Elsherif

With extensive experience as a fashion industry executive, Neel is well-versed in material science and product development, mass volume manufacturing, management, and global negotiations. She has successfully overseen a 50MM brand portfolio, catering to retail giants such as Sam’s Club, Walmart, Macy’s, and Nordstrom. Neel’s influence extends to her role as a senior advisor to the Egyptian Textiles and Exports Council.

Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 and LA Wire’s 40 Under 40 Alum, Neel has made significant contributions to both fashion and philanthropy. Her leadership in fashion sustainability has been featured in Vogue, and she was honored with Marie Claire’s 2023 Sustainability Award, solidifying Mela as one of the top 100 vegan brands worldwide. Neel’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent is evident in her role as a mentor for startups through Ballard Spahr’s BASE program and as an adjunct professor for fashion graduate studies at Moore College of Art and Design.In 2018, Neel founded Nile Hudson in New York City, later expanding its operations to Cairo, Hong Kong, and Italy. She possesses an extensive intellectual property portfolio within the material science and textiles sectors.Neel holds a BFA in Fashion Design and Business Entrepreneurship from Moore College of Art & Design and has completed the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program, focusing on global business and macroeconomics.

Currently serving as CEO at Mela, a New York City-based brand, Neel takes pride in crafting high-quality accessories made in Italy using next-gen bio-based materials. 

In addition, Neel currently serves as an advisor on Google Female Startup Council “ The collective”.

Manufacturing Director
Pauline Lee

Pauline Lee is an innovative young entrepreneur and the visionary founder of AMP Vietnam – Phong Dien Garment Company Limited, an exquisite manufacturing facility nestled in Central Vietnam. Drawing on a commitment to sustainability and excellence, she has transformed AMP Vietnam into a premier producer of cutting-edge woven outerwear and high-performance knitwear. 

By prioritizing environmental stewardship and top-tier product innovation, the company has emerged as the preferred partner for discerning customers in pursuit of superior apparel. Through her dedication to a sustainable future, Pauline has cultivated a dynamic workspace that places a premium on innovation and quality.

Executive Director
Teresa Sapienza

Teresa launched her illustrious career at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she focused on Fashion Merchandising Management. Building upon this foundation, she honed her skills by contributing to renowned fashion events like the Oscar de la Renta bridal show and undertaking internships at various wholesale companies. With over a decade of experience, Teresa has cultivated relationships with more than 40 prominent national and international accounts, demonstrating expertise across the entire supply chain. Throughout her career, she has overseen accounts generating sales exceeding $100 million, showcasing proficiency in sales, production, vendor relations, and item set-ups. 

Teresa’s impressive portfolio includes collaborations with industry giants such as Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, TJX, Ross, Burlington, Macy’s, Belk, and Kohl’s, showcasing her comprehensive understanding of both brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce operations.

Client Relations Director
Kevin Brennan

With over 12 years of experience serving entrepreneurs across both the non-profit and tech sectors, Kevin Brennan has worked with over 800 business entities, delivering tailored business growth initiatives to founders, regardless of business stage. 

With a robust background in managing entrepreneurship programs supported by federal funding, Kevin possesses an innate ability to identify client pain points from the onset of the engagement.  Whether it is unlocking operational efficiencies in a business audit or acclimating a founder to the rigorous fundraise landscape, Kevin has helped his clients collectively access over $145 million in operating capital, advising on branding, business strategy, and network enhancement.