••• MEET THE 2025 SUMMIT SPEAKERS •••
Turning waste into art
that inspires
AGWUNWA THEOPHILUS
Fiber Artist
As a Nigerian artist, Theophilus approaches his work as a vibrant form of upcycling, transforming both new and old Ankara fabrics into captivating paintings. His distinctive style reflects daily life, love, hope, and the human state of mind, characterized by the intricate patterns and motifs inherent in the Ankara textiles. He chose Ankara as his primary medium for its captivating designs, which perfectly align with the essence of his powerful narratives. The vivid colors within his artwork serve as a profound symbol of hope, consistently reminding viewers that light always prevails.
Quilty, Crafty, Creative Fun: Finding My Place in the Pieces
Stephanie Moss
Quilter
She is a passionate quilter who began her sewing journey at age 10 and started quilting in 2005. Drawn to the bold designs and cultural significance of African wax prints, she found ways to integrate her collection into her quilting and crafting projects, which she now regularly incorporates. Stephanie has exhibited her quilts locally, earning recognition for her artistry, and is an active member of a local quilt guild (serving in various volunteer roles) and the National African American Quilt Guild (NAAQG). Believing in communal creativity, she recently engaged her community to create over 600 mini quilts for angel moms. Stephanie describes her creations as "simply inspiring handcrafted treasures" and aspires to share her love of quilting and create beauty daily.
Creating a Fabrigasmic Life
Lisa Shepard Stewart
Owner / Cultured Expressions
Lisa is a writer and fiber artist, and the owner of
CulturedExpressions.com. She promotes the use of African textiles for culturally relevant DIY, inviting others to create as they learn about the cultures behind the fabrics. After successfully running her business online for 17 years, Lisa opened CE's first studio location in downtown Rahway, NJ in December 2017. Here, she offers a curated selection of fabrics and embellishments, kits and publications, private events and lots of creative inspiration, whether in person, online, or virtually. Lisa also incorporates her love of travel into the CE mix by hosting SewJourns, unique travel experiences centered around African textiles and culture.
Joy In The Journey
YOLANDA COFIELD
Quilter / Fiber Artist
She created her first quilt at the age of 14 under the guidance of her quilting mentor, Ms. Willie Tyler. Traditional quilting serves as the foundation of her artistic expression. Since 2019, her work has increasingly focused on themes rooted in African American history and social justice.
Yolanda draws inspiration from her personal experiences, global events, and the support of family and friends—many of whom are recipients of her quilts. She enjoys working with Ankara fabrics, batiks, and repurposed materials, using them to tell powerful stories of Black ancestry.
Through her art quilts, Yolanda celebrates her heritage and invites viewers into a visual journey of history, learning, and meaningful dialogue around change and growth.
The Art of African Fabric & Raw Edge Appliqué
KENA TANGI DORSEY
Quilter, Teacher, Storyteller
A dynamic quilt artist, teacher, designer, and owner of Kena Quilt Studio. With over two decades of quilting experience, Kena, who began her journey in Harlem, is celebrated for her raw edge appliqué story and art quilts, specializing in powerful portraits reflecting African American people. Deeply influenced by Harlem Renaissance artists, she masterfully infuses African wax prints, kente, and mud cloth textiles into her vibrant creations. Kena offers both in-person and live virtual classes, with popular on-demand courses like "Let's Make a Selfie-Portrait Quilt" and "The Big, The Bold, The Beautiful: Working with African Fabrics in Quilts." Beyond quilting, Kena shares her passion for storytelling by teaching filmmaking and television production.
Playing with Colour & Culture: Sue's Passion for African Textiles
SUE GRIFFITHS
Quilt Teacher/Pattern Designer
SUE has been quilting for over 40 years and loves to teach quilting and other handcrafts.
She's also a quilt pattern designer and long arm quilter. She lives in the north of NSW in Australia and is passionate about the possibilities to experiment, to design, to play with colour and all the elements and principles of design.
'...I love African fabrics because they are so vibrant and challenging. I’m so excited to be here with you playing with fabric'!
AWARD-WINNING
QUILT ARTIST
SURPRISE GUEST
SURPRISE GUEST
My Quilt Journey To Authenticity
CANDACE SALTER
Candice is the third generation of pattern makers/seamstress although it appears she has gone astray! She started off swiping discarded material to make curtains (pleated) and throw pillows for Barbie's Dream house. Candice is a skilled quilter of many years and also makes the most amazing bags!With her grown kids now on the own, she spends her evenings enjoying her passions, creating bags and quilts. She lives in Northern Maryland with my husband and Mother-in-Law.
Threads of Tradition: Decoding African Fabric Patterns and their Cultural Significance
MIRIAM GALADIMA-BENSON
Host
She is a visionary leader and the driving force behind Quilt Africa Fabrics, a pioneering company in the textile industry renowned for its commitment to celebrating African culture through vibrant and innovative designs. With a background in both architecture and business, Miriam has steered Quilt Africa Fabrics to become a trailblazer in promoting African textile heritage globally.
Her leadership philosophy centers around collaboration, innovation, and a profound respect for the rich cultural tapestry of Africa.
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