Fashioning Equity: A Conversation with Ngozi Okaro

NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris is joined by Ngozi Okaro, founder and CEO of Custom Collaborative, for a conversation that threads together personal journey, workforce innovation, and a vision for a fairer fashion economy. From a childhood decision to practice law to a purpose-driven pivot into nonprofits (and the late-night sewing sessions that sparked a social enterprise) Ngozi unpacks how values, craft, and systems thinking led to a decade of training and dignified work for New Yorkers.Grounded in real talk (Niagara Falls, corn mazes, and Anchor Bar wings make cameos), Greg and Ngozi dig into what it takes to help people thrive and advance. They cover Custom Collaborative’s model (a free, stipend-supported 15-week training; an incubator for jobs, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship; and worker-owned co-ops), why childcare is workforce infrastructure, and how wellness and belonging drive outcomes. The pair also look ahead to upskilling for the fashion jobs of tomorrow, from computerized machinery and 3D tools to circularity practices like felting and weaving, and connect the dots between city and state policy, affordability, and employer investment in talent.Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood NetworkTopics: ethical and sustainable fashion; stipend-supported training and completion; incubators and worker co-ops; childcare as workforce infrastructure; wellness and retention; upskilling (advanced machinery, 3D tools, circularity); immigrant and women’s economic mobility; NYC–NYS policy alignment; affordability, wages, and wealth building.