Next Gen Assembly

GFA Academy’s Next Gen Assembly convenes talented students and young professionals in an impactful advocacy programme, enabling the next generation to gain access to the industry, have their voices heard and ideas nurtured.

The 2025 Next Gen Assembly is led by Global Fashion Agenda and the Centre for Sustainable Fashion’s Fashion Values programme and supported by Target.

Next Gen Assembly 2025

The Next Gen Assembly members are supported in developing advocacy and communication skills to foster their development as sustainability changemakers. This is achieved through a year-long collaborative programme with a series of online workshops, courses, and by playing an integral role at the Global Fashion Summit: Copenhagen Edition 2025.

Nature is the life force that provides us with the air, water, soil, and all other life forms that, together, make up the elements in the garments we’re all clothed in. The relationship between fashion and nature is dependent on how these elements are valued in emotional, cultural, political, social, and economic, as well as aesthetic and technical, ways. This year’s Assembly will advocate for the ways in which fashion can be transformed to protect, restore, and regenerate natural life on our planet under this year’s focus: How Can Fashion Value the Rights of Nature?

 

Meet The Next Gen Assembly 2025 Members

    Sanya Singh

    Creative Strategist at Schbang, Bachelor of Mass Communication & Media Studies, Symbiosis Centre for Media & Communication (SCMC)

    Sanya Singh

    Creative Strategist at Schbang, Bachelor of Mass Communication & Media Studies, Symbiosis Centre for Media & Communication (SCMC)

     

    Sanya Singh has always believed in the power of a well-told story. She first witnessed its impact in second grade, when a classmate shared that he prevented workers from cutting down a century-old banyan tree—by quoting words from a speech Singh had delivered. That moment shaped everything that followed. As a Creative Strategist with a strong background in mass communication, Singh uses storytelling to drive change. She’s explored how advertising influences behavior, from environmental campaigns to branding strategies. Her heart lies in fashion—not just as an industry but as a narrative woven through culture, identity, and sustainability. Singh has traveled across India, tracing the journey of textiles from artisan workshops to factory floors, seeing the beauty and the consequences of fashion's footprint. She wants to reshape these stories, creating campaigns that shift mindsets, inspire action, and make sustainability more than a buzzword. Because if words can save one tree, imagine what they can do for an entire industry.

    Mel Corchado

    Designer, Artist, & Founder, Master of Fashion Design and Society, Parsons University

    Mel Corchado

    Designer, Artist, & Founder, Master of Fashion Design and Society, Parsons University

     

    Mel Corchado started designing clothes before she could even string together a full sentence. But as she pursued a career in fashion, she wrestled with how to reconcile her artistic and professional ambitions with an industry built on exploitation. A Brooklyn-based Boricua fashion designer, Corchado explores how fashion can challenge dominant narratives and shift consciousness in service of decolonization. Her research-driven practice builds alternatives to the fashion industrial complex through participatory methods like upcycling, skill-sharing, and relationship-building. Rooted in collaboration, care, and transformation, Corchado uses fashion as a vehicle for political education and social connection. She debuted her graduate thesis, Everything for Everybody, during NYFW SS24 at the Brooklyn Museum. A Parsons MFA Fashion Design and Society alumna, CFDA scholar, Teen Vogue Generation Next Designer, and Open Call 2025 Artist at The Shed, Corchado continues to shape fashion’s future from the inside out.

    Thu Le

    Creative Director, XAVAN Inc.

    Thu Le

    Creative Director, XAVAN Inc.

     

    Thu Le is an expert, public speaker, and educator of sustainable fashion, and the Vietnamese representative of Redress – an environmental NGO on a mission to accelerate the transition to a circular fashion industry. From 2021 to 2024, Le founded and operated her sustainable menswear label, and showcased her collections in Hong Kong FW and Shenzhen FW. Her scope of work extends beyond sustainable fashion: in 2024, Le cofounded XAVAN Inc. - a design & communication consulting firm focusing on Vietnamese local systems and resources. Heading for lasting changes, XAVAN Inc. explores, connects, and facilitates Vietnam’s incredible wealth in culture and people.

    Bronte Contador-Kelsall

    Strategic Designer & Graduate, MA, Design, University of New South Wales

    Bronte Contador-Kelsall

    Strategic Designer & Graduate, MA, Design, University of New South Wales

     

    Bronte Contador-Kelsall is an interdisciplinary designer and strategist dedicated to driving positive social change. With a background in political science and design, she combines curiosity, analytical rigor, and creative problem-solving to investigate complex, interconnected challenges. Contador-Kelsall views design as a powerful tool for systemic transformation and is passionate about fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to tackle pressing issues - particularly within the fashion industry. She values building meaningful relationships and embraces learning and experimental approaches to drive innovation. Her experience spans the not-for-profit, education, private, and public sectors. Most recently, Contador-Kelsall has worked as a consultant, using co-design, strategic communication, and collaborative practices to drive transformation in the public sector.

    Vibhuti Amin

    Student, Master of Material Futures, Central Saint Martins

    Vibhuti Amin

    Student, Master of Material Futures, Central Saint Martins

     

    Vibhuti Amin is an MA Material Futures student at Central Saint Martins, where she explores material innovation and biodesign for a sustainable future. In 2024, she graduated from Boston University as a Trustee Scholar with a Bachelor's in Chemistry with Honors and a minor in Visual Arts. With her interdisciplinary background in science and design, Amin explores how innovative materials and technologies can drive regenerative solutions for fashion. Through the Women@Dior and UNESCO program, her initiative, Recycle Rani, aims to combat climate change colonialism by improving recycling infrastructure and empowering female workers in Panipat, India. Her current work focuses on climate adaptation, exploring biomaterials that support resilient futures in disproportionately affected communities. Amin is passionate about bridging grassroots action with systemic change and is committed to challenging extractive practices, drawing from nature’s cyclical systems to foster a circular, equitable fashion ecosystem.

    Rory Frost

    Student, Master of International Relations, King’s College London / Sciences Po Paris

    Rory Frost

    Student, Master of International Relations, King’s College London / Sciences Po Paris

     

    Rory Frost is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations at both King's College London and Sciences Po Paris. His research focuses on Environmental Policy and Global Governance, with a keen insight for exploring the links between political behaviour and climate change. Alongside his background in international affairs, Frost is an active sustainability advocate within the fashion industry. Falling in love with fashion through modelling and professional experience in the UK and abroad, he is especially interested in how nature inspires all forms of fashion from couture shows to our everyday wear. Frost has gained valuable experience within key aspects of the industry including communications and project management. He is determined to amplify his voice and platform to inspire real change in an industry that he is truly passionate about.

    Maya Caine

    Student, Master of Environmental Management, Yale School of the Environment

    Maya Caine

    Student, Master of Environmental Management, Yale School of the Environment

     

    Maya Caine is a Master of Environmental Science candidate at the Yale School of the Environment, specializing in Industrial Ecology and Green Chemistry. With a background in corporate strategy, she has spent the past seven years building slow and circular fashion solutions. Caine co-founded Mive, a made-to-measure slow fashion marketplace, which later evolved into Mive Labs, a design consultancy advancing the circular fashion economy in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Currently, she is developing Helix, a circular fashion marketplace that traces the human memories and movement of garments with the mission of extending the life of pre-owned clothing.

    Elise Giselle Dauterive

    Student, Master of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara

    Elise Giselle Dauterive

    Student, Master of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara

     

    Elise Giselle Dauterive is a Master's Student in Environmental Science and Management specialising in Business and Sustainability. She has a background in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a focus on plant sciences, and worked in native California plant protection for almost 2 years. Combining her scientific expertise with her life-long interest in fashion, Dauterive is focused on tackling textile waste through corporate sustainability initiatives and environmental policy. Her work explores circular economy solutions, material innovation, and waste management strategies to reduce the industry's environmental impact.

In Partnership With

Meet our 2025 Ambassador

Aditi Mayer is an interdisciplinary thought leader working at the nexus of social and environmental justice. As a journalist, photographer, and public speaker, her work examines inequities within global supply chains—particularly in the fashion industry—while amplifying narratives of resilience, heritage, and cultural preservation. She is the founder of The Artisan Archive, a storytelling and social impact agency weaving narratives of craft, climate, and culture.
Mayer’s advocacy began in 2014 while organizing within Los Angeles’ garment industry, inspired to mobilize for labor justice following the 2013 Rana Plaza Factory Collapse in Bangladesh. In 2020, she was awarded the National Geographic Fulbright Digital Storytelling Fellowship, during which she researched India’s farming and artisan textile industries, investigating their socio-economic and environmental dimensions. She has collaborated with institutions such as the United Nations, Fashion Revolution, and various academic and cultural organizations to advance critical conversations on equitable sustainability.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Mayer serves on the boards of the Garment Worker Center and Governance for Tomorrow, further cementing her commitment to systemic change. From features in Vogue to National Geographic, Aditi is known for marrying the worlds of art, industry, and education— all with a socially conscious slant.
Aditi Mayer Climate Activist and Storyteller
"I'm honored to join as the Ambassador for the Next Gen Assembly once more, helping mentor the next generation of thought leaders, visionaries, and changemakers at the intersection of fashion and climate. More than ever, we need to reconnect with ways of making that revive fashion's intimate connection to nature- from how we grow raw materials, to how products can return back to Earth. To center nature in fashion is to understand the circularity in its trust, most authentic form."

Programme Activities

Next Gen Assembly will complete the Fashion Values: Nature course, participate in a series of online workshops, deliver a Masterclass event, and play an integral role at the Global Fashion Summit. The chosen candidates can expect to interact with content from industry leaders, policymakers, changemakers and thinkers.

  • In the weeks preceding the Summit, the Next Gen Assembly will focus on community building and sharing aspirations, to co-create goals and methodologies for achieving change. This will lead to an exploration of how to be successful advocates for the fashion community and thoroughly prepare them for their roles at Global Fashion Summit 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • At the Summit, each individual will be assigned an on-site industry buddy and be meaningfully involved in activities and networking opportunities throughout the event.
  • Following the Summit, the Next Gen Assembly will continue to work together, advocating for a prosperous fashion system, responding to opportunities to amplify Next Gen voices and contributing to changemaking activities.

Masterclasses

Next Gen Assembly Masterclasses explore urgent sustainability topics in fashion through the lens of emerging changemakers. Each session offers fresh insights and bold ideas to inspire systemic change across the industry.

Testimonials from Previous Members

  • “When you give us the opportunity not just to be observers but to participate actively in the conversations and create something, you are pushing us to develop and evolve as storytellers, creators or speakers, and that is essential.”  Next Gen Assembly Member 2023

  • “Next Gen Assembly was absolutely a life changing event. The entire experience helped in re-shaping my perspective on the fashion industry.”  Next Gen Assembly Member 2023

  • “My biggest highlight of the Next Gen Assembly was the industry roundtable. Before, I couldn’t imagine a place where you had some of the biggest names in the industry sit next to you and think of you as not just someone who’s really young, just starting out, but as someone who’s an equal voice, and who has something to say.”  Next Gen Assembly Member 2024

  • “What I’ve learned through Next Gen Assembly in terms of community has changed my perspective. I want to go back and do that same community for people back home. When we have a space to fully share our ideas and experiences, we have the feeling that we’re not alone on this journey.” Next Gen Assembly Member 2024

Hear From The Next Gen Assembly

    The 2024 Next Gen Assembly: Wellbeing Spiral Playbook

    he 2024 Next Gen Assembly: Wellbeing Spiral Playbook is a resource created by the 2024 Next Gen Assembly cohort. Centred on the theme of ‘Economies of Wellbeing’, it explores alternative models and diverse economic values within the fashion ecosystem

    Next Gen Reflections: Got Resilience? 

    This article is a contribution from Next Gen Assembly 2024 Member, Aerielle Rojas.

    Next Gen Reflections: The Power of Alternative Sustainability Engagement

    This article is a contribution from Next Gen Assembly 2024 Member, Hannah Lauren Riley.

    Next Gen Reflections: Can Social Enterprises Bridge the Sustainable Development Gap?

    This article is a contribution from Next Gen Assembly 2024 Member, Harry Vine.

    Next Gen Reflections: Empathy as a Fundamental Act

    This article is a contribution from Next Gen Assembly 2024 Member Maisie Porter.

    Next Gen Reflections: Centring Indigenous Knowledge - Interconnectedness in Fashion

    This article is a contribution from Next Gen Assembly 2024 Member Ana Sofía Vargas.

    Next Gen Reflections: Rethinking Sustainability Investment

    This article is a contribution from Next Gen Assembly 2024 Member, Tanya Singh.

    Next Gen Reflections: Where Do We Start?

    2024’s Next Gen Assembly ask the question: how do we centre wellbeing into the fashion economy?

Terms & Conditions

Upon successful submission of your application, you acknowledge and accept the requirements associated with participation in the programme. Before applying, please thoroughly review the terms, as they delineate crucial dates that require mandatory attendance and furnish pertinent information regarding your involvement in the programme.

  1. It is required that the Applicant can travel to Copenhagen to take part in Next Gen Assembly related activities during Global Fashion Summit in June 2025. The Applicant commits to be available on all days of 3-6 June 2025. The organisers recommend the participant arrive the day before or at the latest on the morning of 3 June. The organisers recommend the participant leave no earlier than 6 June. GFA’s travel partner will help coordinate the flights. Related mandatory activities include, but are not limited to:
    • Attending Summit briefing and debriefing on 3 and 6 June
    • Attending Global Fashion Summit on 4-5 June

 

  1. GFA commits to provide the Applicant with funding to cover travel and accommodation during the stay of 2-6 June
  2. The agreement does not cover the following expenses, to be covered by the Applicant separately: 1) Food and drink during the stay, 2) transportation to and from the airport and the different venues, and 3) potential visa costs related to travelling to Denmark.
  3. Lunch will be served during Global Fashion Summit on 4-5 June
  4. Applicants must complete the mandatory work prior to the Global Fashion Summit event, such as attending online workshops, reading items on the recommended reading lists, completing the Fashion Values: Nature curriculum, participating in an online masterclass event, and any other assignments given by the organising team.