Circularity Advocate & Visionary | Partnerships @ Archive

As a community-centered visionary, I’m guided by a deep passion for circular fashion, sustainability, and equal access to the outdoors. I see every experience as a chance to learn, grow, and share knowledge whether through conversation, collaboration, or quiet observation.My work is rooted in sustainable education, textile and garment circulation, and both social and environmental advocacy. At the heart of it all is a desire to create meaningful, lasting impact and connection between the natural world and the individuals who inhabit it now, as well as those who will have the joy of experiencing it in the future.A lifelong learner by nature, I follow curiosity and challenge into new perspectives, cultures, and uncomfortable &amp; exceptional adventures. Travel, connection, and shared storytelling are how I gather and return inspiration, with the hope of sparking it in others too.I love to chat passions and learn from others across all disciplines and walks. Feel free to reach out if you do too.

Partner with apparel brands to operationalize circular resale systems that extend product lifecycles and reduce waste. Lead cross-functional strategy, data analysis, and enablement to scale frameworks aligning sustainability and business goals. Integrate AI tools to improve research and outreach efficiency.

Circular Business Development Representative

Founder and producer of untraditional fashion shows and fashion related events. Giving young creatives the opportunity to work with a diverse set of individuals and showcase their work in a professional setting.

Fashion Show Producer

Assisted Zoo Troop educators in facilitating lessons on animal welfare and environmental sustainability for students from preschool through eighth grade. Designed and led an original lesson on sustainable fashion and textile pollution, promoting awareness of clothing's environmental impact.

Sustainable Education Intern

Researched secondhand textile flows and trade data to inform Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy. Translated global waste analysis into actionable insights for circular design and sustainable education. Collaborated with nonprofits to advance textile circularity and material reuse initiatives.

Textile Circularity & Policy Research Fellow

Spearheaded several different research projects including the imports and exports of second-hand goods as well as research regarding sales tax differentiations on garments nationally and internationally. This research supported work towards Extended Producer Responsibility policy.

Research Apprentice

Participated in a series called Collectofus 3.0 that allowed a select group of designers to create both a garment and adjacent learning plan for an individual to aid in communicating the labor that goes into artisan made garments. 

I focused on a general understanding of circular design, waste and pollution in the textile industry, working conditions and living wages in the educational resources.

Collectofus 3.0 Research Fellow

The Sustainable Fashion Initiative is an organization in Cincinnati that focuses on the education and application of ethical and zero-waste practices around the fashion and textile industries.

Executive Team Member

Product Development Intern

Spearheaded outreach to the local community to gain more upcycling and sustainable fashion education project opportunities.

Director of Community Outreach

Apparel Design & Material Development Intern

Design Assistant

Production Assistant

Ran all communication outlets between clients and individuals interested in the work and mission of SFI.

Director of Communications

Patternmaking & Material Development Intern

Design and Sustainability Research Intern

Market Research Intern

Find out detailed information about Katharine Coleman, Circularity Advocate & Visionary | Partnerships @ Archive in Portland, OR

Katharine Coleman: Circularity Advocate & Visionary | Partnerships @ Archive in Portland, OR

Katharine Coleman

University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati

London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London

Walnut Hills High School