Our Advisory Board
Nancy Gale, Designer/Owner of JAMAH, In True Fashion Creator & Founder
Celebs are now turning to Los Angeles designer/owner and L’Oréal’s 2011 Women of Worth nominee, Nancy Gale, for JAMAH’s gorgeous Italian leather totes.
Nancy Gale is the creative whirlwind behind luxury handbag line JAMAH. A Los Angeles-based entrepreneur, designer/owner, Gale is a leader in the emerging trend of exclusive, yet accessible authorities.
Taking trendsetting to another level she recognizes that there is always more than meets the eye and states that fashion must consider more than external beauty. According to Gale, the trend of today and the wave of the future is timeless design that combines style, the knowledge that true fashion lies within and product that is “Made in the USA.” Gale says, “What is most important is to be who you are and embrace the beauty within. Personal style and comfort embody confidence and make the ultimate fashion statement whether you’re comfortably sleek, or sleekly comfortable
Gale’s commitment to a brand that stands for something propelled her mission to give and inspired her strong philosophy to connect cause within JAMAH so intrinsically that one cannot function without the other. Concerned that underprivileged youth lack the support and resources necessary to provide consistent mentorship and exposure to real-world business experience, Nancy started In True Fashion. Gale’s continued dedication is fueled by her determination to make In True Fashion a tribute to those who have invested time and resources in her journey.
Having spent her teenage years in Detroit, Nancy Gale saw firsthand the benefits of manufacturing in the USA and the unfortunate demise. Inspired by a rich history of American craftsmanship, sadness from what appeared to be a lack of consciousness and a concern for low self-esteem in today’s youth, she was determined to bridge the gap. With a strong belief that the spirit of the American Dream is vital to self-respect, Nancy advocates that when we respect ourselves only then will we respect our own backyards and communities. Confident that hands-on participation and the journey of the process directly impacts self-esteem and pride, Nancy spearheaded In True Fashion to shape a generation.
An advocate of entrepreneurship, Nancy believes small business is vital to our economy. Recognizing through personal experience the challenges of owning a business, she is dedicated to bringing to light the human experience of the impassioned endeavor. Nancy strives to inspire business owners to keep pursuing the road to prosperity and to keep the dream alive. Nancy’s speaking engagements at universities and organizations allow her to impart her experience to inspire and motivate the entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow.
Contact Nancy at nancy@intruefashion.org
Rosalind Ross, Writer, Equestrian Vaulter, Rosalind Ruth Ross, In True Fashion Executive Director & Mentor
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Rosalind or “Rosey” Ross has enjoyed a highly successful career as an athlete in the combined sport and art of equestrian vaulting. She holds four FEI World Championship medals and five National Champion titles, making her the most decorated U.S. team vaulter to date. She holds the current World Champion title after the U.S. team’s historic gold-medal win at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
Inspired by her early successes in athletics and the arts, Rosalind is passionate about the importance of instilling a strong work ethic in young adults. Diligence, she believes, is an invaluable trait in its universal applicability.
Rosalind took her interests of writing and reading to Emerson College where she studied writing, literature and publishing. She currently works as a freelance writer and editor in Los Angeles.
Crystal Kung Minkoff, In True Fashion President & Mentor
“Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.”
Crystal Kung Minkoff started her international brand development company, CK Productions in 2007.
After spending four years running a multi-line showroom in downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District, she ventured out on her own and began bringing American clothing brands to Asia. In early 2007, she and her husband moved to Beijing for 9 months for his work. Recognizing the speed of the world’s fastest growing economy, Crystal wanted to capitalize on China’s expanding middle-class market. She successfully partnered Christine Alexander, a 30-million dollar missy line with one of the largest distribution companies in China and since has opened multiple stores throughout Mainland China. Since then, Crystal has expanded into food and domestic products.
Crystal has both a Bachelor of Science in Biology and History from University of California at Irvine. She also received her culinary degree in 2009 from the New School of Cooking in Los Angeles. Her passions are traveling, cooking, and yoga and is also the 76th-generation descendent of Confucius. Crystal lives in Beverly Hills with her husband, Rob Minkoff.
Barbara Bishop, President/Founder of BBPR Inc., In True Fashion Public Relations Advisor & Mentor
“Love and gratitude are the true keys to success.”
Barbara Bishop is president and founder of BBPR, Inc., an award-winning public relations firm, specializing in the non-profit, medical, public education, consumer product, food and wine industries.
Barbara has been the architect and key strategist behind the many successful marketing/communications and media relations campaigns for her clients. In addition to creating general awareness for her clients, she has effectively use marketing/communications and media relations to help raise millions of dollars on behalf of her clients.
Barbara is also an Emmy-nominated television producer, receiving this nomination for a fundraising video she produced for Saint John’s Health Center, featuring the voices of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. In addition, she created the television show “Secret Family Recipes,” which made its Southern California debut on CityTV 36. The first show to air won a regional programming award.
Barbara also wrote and produced the award-winning show Healthy Living TV, a ½ hour, weekly field-produced series that aired on local CBS affiliate Channel 2 in the Coachella Valley, right before national program “60 Minutes.” The show was made for Eisenhower Medical Center.
In addition, Barbara and her team produced “Coffee Break,” a weekly, live, in-studio show that ran for 5 years, airing on CityTV Santa Monica. The show was made for Saint John’s Health Center.
Her latest television project is co-hosting and co-producing “Santa Monica Plus” with Boyd Flinders, M.D., airing on City TV Santa Monica.
Barbara is a member of the Radio and Television Academy and the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. She was a board member for Meals on Wheels West for 8 years, and member of the Santa Monica Rotary Club for 4 years. She also served on the Board of Wise and Healthy Aging.
Barbara is an accomplished cook, and regularly runs, hikes and cycles. She also practices yoga and meditates on a daily basis.
Brandie Cobb, Teacher, Economics & Government at Environmental Charter High School, In True Fashion Education Advisor
“Living and dying is not the big issue. The big issue is what you’re doing with your time while you’re here.”
A graduate of Hampton University, Brandie Cobb has always been interested in education and helping others achieve their full potential. She knew since the second grade that she wanted to be a teacher. Growing up in Rancho Penasquitos, a suburb of San Diego, she realized her passion for history and began her journey down the road of education.
Brandie Cobb is a veteran teacher who has been in education for 10 years. Brandie began her teaching career in San Diego in the Poway Unified School district, but has spent the last 8 years of her career at Environmental Charter High School (ECHS). While at ECHS, Brandie has established the AVID and Softball programs as well as created partnerships with EmpowHer, NFTE and In True Fashion. As an Economics and Government teacher, Brandie has always enjoyed working with teenagers in order to help them discover their passions and follow them as they continue their quest in college. Brandie believes in empowering students with the skills needed to become entrepreneurs so that no matter where they land in life, they can always rely on themselves to be successful.
Brent Freeman, Founder & CEO of Roozt, In True Fashion Curriculum Advisor & Mentor
“Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and get to work.”
Brent Freeman graduated from the University of Southern California in 2006. He launched Roozt, an online marketplace for socially conscious consumers, in the fall of 2010. Brent represents the new standard of social entrepreneurship, where the business model is cause-oriented from the start. Roozt was listed on Forbes 2011 “Names You Need to Know” list. Brent has also developed a pilot social entrepreneurship program of his own for NFTE.
Porter Gale, Author, Former Vice President, Marketing of Virgin America, In True Fashion Marketing Advisor
“There is perfection in timing.”
Porter Gale has over 20 years of experience working in marketing, advertising and independent filmmaking. Porter joined Virgin America in October 2007 and she currently manages the Brand and Online Marketing, In-flight Content and Loyalty teams.
Porter is an innovative marketing strategist and out-of-the-box thinker that believes in pushing creative boundaries. She has extensive experience in partnership marketing, branded content development, social media and more.
Porter is a Co-Executive Producer of Fly Girls, a reality docu-series that follows the lives of five in-flight teammates from Virgin America. The series will air on The CW Network in March 2010. In addition, Porter sits on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau (SFCVB).
Porter is a frequent guest lecturer, panelist and public speaker. She has presented at organizations or events including Harvard Business School, #140 Conference, American Marketing Association, TechCrunch, NFFTY, BizTech, The Economist Forum, The CMO Club, The Argyle Forum and more.
Prior to Virgin America, Porter was a consultant with a diverse array of clients including Country Music Television, Blue Shield of California and Delta Dental.
She also held the post of General Manager at Kirshenbaum Bond + Partners where she worked with companies such as Vegas.com, Coach, Snapple Natural Beverages, Van Cleef & Arpels, Judith Leiber and Grand Marnier. In the independent film world, Porter has produced or directed documentaries that have aired on Lifetime, PBS, Channel 4/England and in film festivals around the globe.
The project that launched Porter’s filmmaking career was “2Chicks, 2Bikes, 1Cause” (1998) a multi-media campaign that included a 5,000 bicycle trek that was documented and turned into a 66-minute documentary to educate young women about breast health. The successful outreach effort raised over $100,000 for breast cancer organizations and taught many young women about breast health. Porter’s film work was honored by the Directors Guild of America, The Academy of Motion Pictures & Sciences and Filmmaker Magazine.
Porter has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University and a Masters in Documentary Film and Video from Stanford University. Porter loves gardening, traveling and being outdoors.
Anna Goodman-Herrick, Television Producer, Founder of Anna Goodman-Herrick, In True Fashion Documentary Film Advisor
“Live your life on purpose.”
Anna Goodman-Herrick writes and directs provocative and envelope-pushing stories in both documentary and narrative. Her work includes TV series airing on major networks across the world.
Having begun her career as a playwright, her plays have been produced nationally, including Off-Broadway and at the Telluride Theater Festival. Having completed Playwrights Horizons Professional Playwriting Conservatory in New York City, she was invited to work in the creative department at Broadway Video (SNL, Conan OBrien), Lorne Michaels’ production company. She went on to work on the network side as a writer and creative producer for MTV.
Anna has written, directed, and/or produced some of the most successful TV documentary series including MTV’s My Super Sweet 16 and True Life. She has created and overseen programming for MTV, Bravo, E!, CMT, FOX and A&E. This year on OWN, (The Oprah Winfrey Network), she was proud to air Addicted to Food, a groundbreaking documentary series exploring eight addicts on a moving mission towards recovery.
She takes her passion for merging pop culture and moving stories of the human experience to create memorable and entertaining work that connects with large audiences.
Anna is an active mentor for underserved youth. She has been a guest speaker at Los Angeles high schools.
Star Ladin, Brand Strategist, Founder of Star Marketing Media, In True Fashion Operations Advisor & Mentor
“A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.”
Branding permeates every aspect of your business and Star Ladin knows that the art of branding is crucial for building your bottom line. Star’s expertise for creating powerful and authentic brands has inspired multiple 7-figure businesses and helped entrepreneurs stop struggling, stop choosing between passion and profit and achieve Success On Your Terms™.
As founder of Star-preneurs, Inc., and Art Farm Creative, Star applies her gift of common sense to demystify the art of branding for her clients, breaking it down into simple steps and making it easy for them to grow. Star’s 20 years of focused work with entrepreneurs inspired her signature one-on-one business consulting programs, the creation of the Five Stages of Star-preneurs™, and 6-Figure Brand Secrets™ – a signature process for developing your best success.
Star’s heart-centered approach of rolling up her sleeves and guiding her clients personally has garnered her recognition from around the world. A dedicated mother and wife and a passionate artist, Star is known for her great love of service and gratitude and she continually breaks the mold by generously sharing her knowledge and insight through her consulting, her philanthropic endeavors and her life.
David Lewis, Founder of Law Office of David Lewis, In True Fashion Legal Advisor & Mentor
“Don’t be a pimple on the ass of progress!”
A British educated Barrister, David is a fiery addition to the mentoring team with civil and criminal litigation experience in England, including cases in the High Court and the Old Bailey and civil litigation in the Los Angeles Superior Court. After being a partner with a major Los Angeles based national real estate law firm for many years, David began his own firm. Offering big firm experience at boutique firm rates, he specializes in all aspects of real estate transactional work including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, secured loans and business entity formation.
LeBaron Meyers, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Urban Daddy, In True Fashion Strategic Partnership Advisor
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success!”
LeBaron Meyers has ventured down several different career paths, but her underlying passion for uniting people through communication has remained constant. LeBaron received her bachelor degree in Communications from the University of California, Los Angeles. She went on to became the youngest Vice President of Institutional Sales at Loomis Sayles investment management firm and proudly spearheaded their first annual community service day. LeBaron then ventured into radio as a morning show host with Entercom in San Francisco before stepping away to travel the world to study yoga, meditation and culture. Along the way she met inspiring people, listened to their inspiring stories and learned about what motivates, connects and divides each of us. LeBaron currently works in digital media as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for UrbanDaddy and continues to seek out new and innovative ways for people and causes to collaborate.
Rebecca Reese, Author, Founder of Becky Reese Lifestyle, In True Fashion Health & Wellness Advisor
“All women should feel beautiful.”
Becky Reese is an author, entrepreneur, active philanthropist and all-around lifestyle maven. Her first book, I’m Married to a Millionaire, So Why Am I in Therapy? details her struggles and triumphs with finding inner peace and beauty. She recently launched the Becky Reese Lifestyle, a lifestyle empire website that is also home to her wildly popular Becky Reese Running Club which connects women all over the country through a mutual love of running. Extrapolating on her passion for running, Becky will soon debut an active wear clothing line for women sizes 8 and up.
As the youngest of eight children and a mother of five, Becky values the importance of family above all. Her philanthropic work is dedicated to helping families, especially children, in need throughout her church and community.
Becky lives in Northern Michigan with Mike, her husband of nineteen years and their five children.
