Professor Kathleen Grevers (pictured left) represented Lasell University in a panel with top footwear design educators from around the world. The event, "The Future of Footwear Education in Africa," was organized by Ray of Green: an organization based in Johannesburg, South Africa, that focuses on the future of sustainability in fashion across the globe. The panel of experts dissected what the changing landscape of footwear looks like in terms of education, sustainability, technology, economics, and global connection.  

"Top tier education on the creation of footwear needs to rethink the idea of clothing," said Grevers. "We have to pivot our teaching and how we share these resources through collaboration with private and public institutions." In addition, she says, the more that organizations and educational institutions can allocate and communication with students through those collaborations, the more they can continue to grow.  

The panel addressed ways to change footwear education in developing countries, as well as possible joint efforts to combat the lack of meaningful and change-inspiring footwear education. Overall, the panel hopes to see a global change in the way that clothing, including footwear, is sourced, designed, produced, and consumed - with the goal of it being made in a safe, clean, and fair way. That resounded with Grevers, who, outside of her role at Lasell, is the director of education for Fashion Revolution USA. She also leads international academic programming on footwear, automotive, and fashion design development through her study abroad service consulting company, Seemore Global.  

At Lasell, Grevers  leads the Graduate and Professional Studies certificate program in footwear design and development.  The 13-week program provides students with a comprehensive overview of the footwear industry while developing the necessary skills for successful product design. Industry partners and instructors with extensive experience in design, materials, and production of footwear provide insight from concept to marketing in creating functional and fashionable shoes for contemporary consumers.