meet the team
The fashion minds behind the mission...

Board of Directors
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Tricee Thomas
Founder & CEO
Tricee Thomas is the Founder and President of The Garment League who is a graduate of the well-known Fashion Institute of New York City as well as Designer and Professional Wardrobe Stylist.
Her love for fashion and the desire to make a difference in the industry is what drives her.
Tricee Thomas has created and branded several fashionable businesses where she is able to use her fashion expertise and fashion knowledge.
It's been over 30 years of passion poured into her trade. With her credentials and expertise, she's sure to make a mark in the City bringing fashion programs and fashion education for the City, while giving back to the Community.

Jillian Donegan
Vice President
Jillian Donegan known as “Jilliee” has developed a deep passion for charitable work many years ago. Within the last 5 years, she has developed a strong sense of devotion to the nonprofit sector in Phoenix, Arizona.
She is multifaceted and truly dedicated to being an advocate for all art forms although she has a career in government with a B.S in Public Administration from Northern Arizona University.
Jilliee is a creative in every sense of the word as she enjoys cooking, modeling, dancing and music. She applies herself to understanding the various levels of the fashion industry through event planning, production and creative direction with the intention to be a valuable asset to the organizations she’s a part of and her community as a leader/mentor.

Giles Taylor
Director of Operations
A former International Runway Model for 20 years. Giles Taylor now focuses on behind the scenes in the fashion industry and is the owner of BlackCat Productions, which started in 2005. A company that produces, directs and coordinates fashion shows in Phoenix, Arizona.
He brings to The Garment League experience as a Casting Director, Creative Director of Photo Shoots , Wardrobe Stylist Model Development and Runway Coach.

Lakeshia Lane
Chief Financial Officer
Lakeshia has a background in the financial industry including banking and insurance.
She developed a love for visual arts and giving back to the community at a young age. Her education, experiences, and love for the arts combined with the passion and drive The Garment League has for all mediums of art and giving back to the community is a great blend.
She brings vital skills to the organization including organizing and communicating. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and has her MBA with a concentration in Management.

Renee' Hall
Director of Volunteer Services
Renee is the Director of Volunteer Services and developed a love for volunteering to serve the fashion community through being a volunteer herself as a creative director.
Renee has been involved with art and fashion since her youth and also brings phenomenal organization and directive skills.

Jose Luis
Board Member
Jose Luis started his career while in the service (US Army) as a photographer of German Landscapes and animals. Jose continued his passion for photography by diversifying his portfolio with photography capturing music events and fashion shows as well as fashion model portfolios. As a former Music Entertainment Director for Seattle Fashion Week, Jose has worked with multiple celebrities, artists, and DJs.
Jose has built a reputation for operational excellence, innovative strategic thinking, working with the highest level of integrity and a passionate commitment to supporting communities in need of essential resources and producing charitable events and fashion shows.

Marty J. Bertone
Board Member
Marty Bertone is a specialist in hotel/resort sales and marketing with a focus on leading exceptional teams and driving overall top line revenues in complex operations. A 33-year veteran in the industry, Bertone boasts exceptional leadership, motivational and team development skills that have garnered him numerous awards and recognition from some of the most respected hostel brands in the world.
Marty holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality from Niagara University in Niagara Falls New York. He is a lover and advocate for the art’s community. It is an honor to have him part of The Garment League family.

Aalim Hughey
Director of Talent Relations
From Phoenix, Arizona, Aalim began his journey as a student and volunteer to The Garment League. Through the exceptional education provided by TGL, he has established his own brand and strives to help others grow and develop as well. While being both a model and designer, he seeks out other talent and creatives to provide support and allow their vision to come true. As an Arizonian, Aalim loves to help his home community expand.

Roxane Kyte
Board Member
Designer and Founder of Couture Aprons
Roxane started sewing at 9 years old and as a youth began sewing ski wear and swim wear.
At 21 she opened a boutique where she sold her designs and was quickly noticed and recognized on prestigious runways.
Today, she has been designing, sewing and creating a new business concept in addition to Couture Aprons. She has the support of her creative and talented daughters, The Garment League and a lot of fans.
Her mission is to empower her clients to feel confident and beautiful when they put on a Couture Apron. Her passion and drive is impeccable and will help grow the Arizona fashion industry.