Fatou Alhya Diagne is the heart and soul of FAD. A McGill University alumna, she studied International Development Studies & African Studies (BA). Her education provided her with invaluable knowledge of global affairs. She also gained extensive work experience with NGOs such as UNDP, UNIDO, AFDB, MSKF, and FTDES, where she is actively involved in the development of African-based cultural and creative industries. This commitment to improving socioeconomic structures in developing countries motivated her to pursue a graduate degree in International Arts Management (MA) from HEC Montreal. She used this opportunity to deepen her understanding of the business of arts with well-respected management programs at Southern Methodist University (Dallas) and SDA Bocconi (Milan). Furthermore, she progressively built a reputation in the fashion industry by collaborating with established and emerging creatives. With roots in West Africa and North America, she has a natural tendency for interdisciplinary work. This inclination gives her the ability to see from a multiplicity of perspectives while studying distinct subjects. Throughout her academic and professional careers, she consistently applies a reflective thought process to all her endeavors: “How can I combine the finest elements of my different passions to create and innovate expansively?” This reflection led to the birth of FAD; a clever wordplay between her initials and Fashion, Art & Development; to present engaging cultural experiences from all corners of the world.