Climate Week NYC 2025: GFA Policy Masterclass
GFA presented the latest edition of the Policy Masterclass, diving deeper into fashion’s current regulatory context with a topical focus on ‘The EPR Equation Across Borders’.
Climate Week NYC 2025: GFA Policy Masterclass
GFA presented the latest edition of the Policy Masterclass, diving deeper into fashion’s current regulatory context with a topical focus on ‘The EPR Equation Across Borders’.
Senior Director, Sustainability, American Apparel & Footwear Association
Chelsea Murtha serves as the association’s advocate and spokesperson on matters of sustainability and product safety. She engages with Congress, the Executive Branch, independent agencies, as well as state and local legislatures and agencies and foreign governments on sustainability, product safety, and chemical management issues important to the industry. Murtha is also the staff liaison to AAFA’s Environmental Committee and Product Safety Council. Murtha joined AAFA from Sorini Samet and Associates, a Washington, D.C. government affairs firm where she led advocacy efforts related to international trade and environmental, social, and governance issues in global supply chains for several trade associations and apparel and footwear clients. She has also worked for the U.S. Fashion Industry Association, and The Stern Group, a Washington, D.C. international trade policy consultancy firm. Murtha earned a Master of Science with Distinction from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the George Washington University.
CEO, Syre
Dennis Nobelius, CEO at Syre - a textile impact company on a mission to dewaste and decarbonize the industry through textile-to-textile recycling at hyperscale. Prior to joining Syre, Nobelius was Chief Operations Officer for the premium electric car brand Polestar, CEO of Zenuity, and held several VP positions at Volvo Cars. He holds a PhD in R&D Management, is passionate about AI and high technology environments, sustainability, and leadership.
Founder and CEO, American Circular Textiles
Rachel Kibbe is the founder and CEO of American Circular Textiles, the leading U.S. coalition advancing circularity and sustainability in the textile sector. With a background in entrepreneurship and policy advocacy, Rachel has played a key role in shaping federal and state legislation and building strategic alliances across industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. Her leadership has positioned American Circular Textiles as a trusted partner in driving systemic change, from leading private sector engagement in G7 efforts, shaping extended producer responsibility laws, and supporting domestic manufacturing revitalization. A recognized voice in sustainability, Rachel has been named a 2025 '50 Women in Power ' by WWD x FD x Beauty Inc, and featured in The New York Times, Forbes, The Guardian, and The Business of Fashion. Through American Circular Textiles, she continues to lead collaborative efforts to build a circular economy that strengthens both environmental and economic resilience.
Representative, Washington State
Representative Kristine Reeves is a dedicated public servant, small business consultant, and working mom of two, representing Washington’s 30th Legislative District. Her journey from foster care and periods of homelessness to the state legislature underscores her commitment to public service and her deep understanding of the challenges faced by working families. In 2016, Reeves made history as the first Afro-Latina elected in WA, and the first Black woman elected to the State Legislature in 18 years. She currently serves as Chair of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and holds positions on the Education and Consumer Protection & Business Committees . Her leadership extends to her role as Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, which, under her guidance, has grown to become the largest in the western United States at 14 members. Reeves is a first-generation college graduate, earning her bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington State University and a master’s in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in industrial-organizational psychology, focusing on making political institutions more inclusive workplaces so our democracy represents us all. Her professional background includes serving as a Director of Economic Development at the Washington State Department of Commerce, working on veterans’ & military family issues for U.S. Senator Patty Murray, while serving as her South Sound & Kitsap District Director. As a small business owner, Reeves specializes in community, organizational, and economic development. Reeves’ legislative priorities reflect her lived experiences, focusing on economic equity, educational opportunity, and environmental sustainability. She has championed policies that support working families, veterans, and marginalized communities, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to fighting for a future that includes us all.
VP, Public Affairs
María Luisa Martínez Díez is VP, Public Affairs at Global Fashion Agenda. She is responsible for strengthening, developing, and executing GFA’s Policy Engagement Strategy. Her responsibilities are to ensure strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders and develop partnerships with key organisations. She also leads the partnership with the Policy Hub-Circularity for Apparel and Footwear. Martínez Díez is also a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition´s Strategic Council on Stakeholder Engagement. Martínez Díez joined Global Fashion Agenda as Senior Public Affairs Manager in September 2019. She holds a Master’s degree in EU politics and law from Sciences Po Paris and brings over 10 years of experience in Public Affairs first in Paris. Then in Brussels where she worked at namely the European Commission, the Regional Office of Madrid and the Brussels-based consultancy EURALIA where she was leading the agri-consumers department working in the fields of circular economy and sustainability in the supply chains including the fashion and food industries.
September 23 — The GFA Assembly returned to Climate Week NYC, hosted at Nike NYHQ on Tuesday morning.
September 23 - On the occasion of Climate Week New York 2025, Global Fashion Agenda and RE&UP hosted an intimate networking dinner for its Partners.
September 25 - In collaboration with GFA’s Strategic Partner, Ralph Lauren, Global Fashion Agenda presented a programme of speedy, strategic meetings designed to foster connections between brands, industry financiers, and solution providers.
