ISAIC, the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center, is a fundamental new approach to talent force development and economic stimulus. A Detroit-based 501c3 nonprofit, ISAIC is a national resource for those committed to positive impact through responsible production of high-quality garments and provides solutions centered around people, education, advanced manufacturing and upward mobility for workers. ISAIC’s proprietary training curriculum is being used in multiple states across the country. Its learning and contract manufacturing factory is located in mid-town Detroit, above Carhartt’s flagship store.
Designers provide inspiration, not only visually and functionally, but they also have the power to be leaders in sustainability. From choices in material and shapes to decisions in assembly, designers have the power to influence effects on carbon emissions, waste production, end-of-life processes, chemical usage, and more across a garment’s lifecycle. Join ISAIC CEO Jen Guarino as we bring together industry experts Dana Davis, VP of Sustainability, Product & Business Strategy at Mara Hoffman, Inc.; Colleen Hau, Director of Global Product Innovation at Carhartt; and Christian Birky, Founder of Lazlo, for a discussion on designing with sustainability in mind. The talk and reception will take place in Carhartt Workshop’s new community space, followed by a tour of ISAIC’s factory.