WOMEN LEAD THE WAY

摘要

Innovation and creativity in the world of textiles are always worthy of attention. But because the textile industry-like so many others-has been dominated by men, the contributions of women have often gone unnoticed. Women have always participated in and led the textile world in meaningful ways; however, often the spotlight has not landed on them. Here, we're highlighting three women who have established themselves as innovative leaders. In 1984, as a full-ride freshman majoring in chemistry at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, Stephanie Rodgers planned to pursue a career in dentistry. But a visit to a friend at Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science set her on a different path. "After watching the shuttle cross the loom and the pattern wheels and punch card create intricate designs in flexible, durable fabrics, I was hooked," Rodgers says. "I transferred immediately and the rest is history."