SHOP OUR WARM WEATHER COLLECTION '21: REBIRTH

Our Team

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Kimberly McGlonn, Ph.D. 
Founder & CEO

I've always been a defender of civil & human rights, probably because activism and advocacy lived in the actions of my parents. But beyond that, growing up Black in Milwaukee, a girl raised Muslim on the northside- I had plenty of exposure to the realities of poverty and marginalization. No doubt, my love for diversity and story and tradition, my affection for humanity, has also been nurtured by my travels around the world. These collective experiences color everything about my sense of fashion. I was inspired to launch Grant Blvd because I was determined to be of service to not only marginalized people, but also to the planet. This is why our launch collection uses no new fabric and no new water. Ultimately, this is the mission of Grant Blvd- to make clothes that are undeniably and reliably stylish, but to also center an approach to design within the fight for justice and reform. For me, sustainability also means hiring womxn, particularly those that are returning citizens, immigrants, & those working through homelessness. I believe that we if demand more, if we think differently about not only what we buy, but who we buy from, we have the power to challenge not only the social issues exacerbated by mass incarceration, but to more meaningfully address climate change. 

Vada Gray
Director of Design & Production

I've been working as a seamstress & designer for over 10 years. My passion for fashion design first emerged when I was a young girl and that love led me into the production of one-of-a-kind, couture evening gowns.  As a production seamstress, sample maker, and patternmaker, I really love the satisfaction our customers experience when they see the quality of our team's work. I'm absolutely thrilled when they recognize the personal care we put into each and every one of our garments. 

  

Madelynne Juenger
Graphic Design Leader

Hi everyone! I'm a graduate of Drexel University with a major in Graphic Design and a minor in Fine Art. My interest in fashion was sparked when I began to view clothing as “wearable art” and then grew when I learned about the importance of sustainability in the industry. I am so excited to use design as a platform to spread positivity and awareness around the things I'm incredibly passionate about, especially the mission behind Grant Blvd. Above all, I hope that my visual designs will bring about the same sense of encouragement and empowerment that the clothing of Grant Blvd provides to its wearers. 

Emma Dietz
Lead Design & Production Assistant

Who me? I am a design student at Drexel University, who never stops making things. Ever since my first real sewing project, creating my own prom dress, I have fallen in love with the ability to create something of so much value with my own hands. I want to take my value as a designer and use it for good, changing and growing in my own processes throughout my journey. I believe design can be a catalyst for change, it can challenge inherited assumptions and behaviors. Through GB I believe we are doing just that, reframing the status quo of the fashion industry in a beautiful and exciting way.

Lisa Rubin
Director of Finance

I'm energized by Grant Blvd's mission of prioritizing sustainability and social justice through fashion and community engagement.  The fast fashion industry is very harmful to its workers and our planet, and I am passionate about working to replace fast fashion with ethical, sustainable business practices that produce high-quality, stylish garments.  In college, I studied both math and art, and I have always incorporated both in my life. Professionally, I've been working in accounting and finance for ten years, in sectors spanning primary healthcare, non-profit, and retail.  More recently I've become an avid sewist, and find so much value in making my own clothes, and anything else I can make myself.

Cassandra Lopez

As an undergraduate Gen Z woman, I have been fortunate enough to grow alongside unprecedented advancements in technology and benefit from the unapologetic voices that have never hesitated to take advantage of them. I have been influenced by images, art, people, making it difficult to find a “perfect fit” passion that satisfies my career aspirations and all their purposes. At Grant BLVD, I have the space to play around while I figure it out. As a social content intern, I am graced with the opportunity to utilize my love for writing and be inventive in the ways I push forward the ideals that both the brand and I see immense value in - fashion, sustainability, community reform.