Letter from our new Director, ShapingEDU Stephanie Pierotti
— May 27, 2021
I, like you, am a dreamer, doer and driver. In the most recent chapter of my career, I focused my “pandemic year” time on my personal and professional development, as well as non-profit work. I recently served as the interim executive director (read: connector and changemaker) for The Fashionomic Collective, a workforce development and local manufacturing advocacy group. Concurrently, I earned a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification, and completed a myriad of online classes covering topics ranging from non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to hydroponic tomato gardening.
I continue to serve my global and local communities by volunteering as a mentor and board member for Moonshot at NACET (Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology), an advisor for BANE (Business Assistance for Navajo Entrepreneurs) and a licensing advisor for global supply chain innovators REFASHIOND Ventures.
My pre-pandemic focus was developing creative brand licensing, strategic partnership and brand extension programs in the home goods, entertainment, fashion and publishing industries. As the VP of Licensing at The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, I managed a global network of 49 licensees and developed revenue generating opportunities utilizing Wright’s vast portfolio of work. In this position, I was the recipient of the 2019 Eide Bailly ResourceFULLness Award for innovative sustainable revenue generation for non-profits.
Prior to joining the Foundation, I worked with Scott Brothers Global as their VP of Marketing, managing all elements of brand extension initiatives for Drew and Jonathan Scott (of HGTV’s Property Brothers). I focused on private label and licensed product development, brand management, contract negotiation, wholesale and retail distribution, publishing, advertising, endorsements, influencer collaborations and social media management, and grew the Scott Living brand from concept to $500 million in retail sales in five years. During this time, I also served as an adjunct instructor at The Art Institute, teaching business classes to future creative professionals.
I live in Scottsdale, Arizona with my husband, Michael, and French Bulldog, Fabric. As a 12th-generation New Orleanian, I enjoy researching my trailblazing ancestors and supporting The Historic New Orleans Collection. I also welcome any opportunity to put my sommelier certification to good use!
As the Director of ShapingEDU, I’m looking forward to evolving this amazing, innovative global community of dreamers, doers and drivers to shape the future of learner-centric, collaborative and inclusive education. With a strong focus on the Doing and the Driving, we’re planning some inspiring events and amazing projects that we’re excited to share with you!
I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn or say hello on Slack (@spierott), and look forward to meeting you all in person (hopefully) soon!
Stephanie Pierotti
Director, ShapingEDU