I lecture around the world at events, schools, universities, conference, panels, business meetings and expos. I never give the same talk twice because a girl’s got to keep it fresh. Topics range from environmentally-thoughtful design and sustainable development to youth activism and innovative entrepreneurship.
SAMPLE TOPICS
Brand it!
Create strong and effective brands, messages and awareness campaigns that are value-added; Building authentic, environmentally-focused brands (case studies)
Style it!
From trends to trade; sustainable development to design–find out the latest stories from the frontline of environmentally-conscious fashion and beauty; sourcing and supply chain; Ecofashion 101; The Art & Science of Good Design; Source4Style: Search & Source for Sustainable Style
We’re it!Take back our future: How Generation Y is solving today’s environmental dilemmas; paving your own path in business; personal perspectives; youth entrepreneurship & activism.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 9, 2010 - Monterey, CA – Sustainable Brands Conference – Steinbeck Forum – “The New Art & Science of Sustainable Design: Innovations in the Textile and Apparel Industry” – Consumer interest in brands demonstrating a commitment to reduced environmental impact is growing and new developments in metrics, standards and supply chain sourcing are making the design of more sustainable goods faster, easier and more enjoyable. Summer Rayne Oakes, model, Discovery Channel’s Planet Green correspondent, and advisor to such brands as Payless ShoeSource, Portico Home, and others gives a snapshot at the evolving fashion, textiles and interior design marketplace, showcasing the most cutting-edge industry design stories and innovative online tools that are revolutionizing the market for years to come.
July 14, 2010 – New York, NY – TexWorld USA – Jacob Javits Center – 10:30 AM (“HTFSE Series”) “Eco Trends: The Art & Science of Sourcing Sustainably.” A birds eye view on defining sustainability; international industry metrics; latest technologies to help designers and retail sourcing specialists source more sustainably, and what suppliers should be prepared to answer. Talk includes a sneak peak into the private beta testing of website source4style.com and case studies from the frontline.
PAST EVENTS/VENUES
Museums: Cooper Hewitt Design Museum (NY), Aldrich Museum (CT), Corcoran Gallery of Art (DC)
Corporate Headquarters: Collective Brands, Payless ShoeSource, Tommy Hilfiger
Design Conferences: R.I.T.E. Conference (UK), World Trade Organization Fair Trade Expo (Hong Kong), United Nations Council of Trade & Development Biodiversity Conference (Geneva), Intertek Ethical Sourcing Forum (NY), Natural Product Seal Conference (NY), Seattle Green Fashion Week, Ethical Fashion Show (Paris), Teens Turning Green (SF), Made-By (Amsterdam)
Environmental/Social Entrepreneur/Business/Tech Conferences: LOHAS, Sustainable Brands, Mashable Summer of Social Good Conference, The Feast Social Innovation Conference, Green Apple Festival, Green Festival, National PowerShift, PA PowerShift, Race Against Global Warming, Project Greenhouse, NET Impact, Cornell Entrepreneur Network, Vancouver EPIC Event, COP15
Colleges/Universities: Yale University, Cornell University, Columbia University, Penn State University, Northeastern University, Hofstra University, PACE, Fashion Institute of Technology, Parsons School of Design, University of Central Florida, Washington State University, Northern Virginia Community College, Gettysburg College, Binghamton University, Tacoma Community College, Pierpont Community & Technical College, Niagara County Community College, Fairmont State College, Weber State University, Kansas State University, Presidio School of Management
Other: Ojai Resort & Spa, Lakeland High School, Springside Elementary, Udall Environmental Scholar Event
TESTIMONIALS
Michael Travis, Merchandise Manager of Women’s Casuals, Payless ShoeSource
Summer has a powerful platform. She delivers a wake-up call to US ALL regarding the troubles ahead and how quickly they will affect our lives. At the same time, she brings hope and inspiration that we can rally around. She is incredibly authentic, and she’s passionate about doing what’s right by partnering with us to create meaningful change.
Jeni Sweatt, Records Management Coordinator, Collective Brands
Summer Rayne Oakes is extremely articulate and energetic. She delivered just the right mix of humor and information. I found her presentation emotionally moving. It enlightened me and made me want to go out and make an even greater difference for myself and for the world.
Greg Myer, Product Procurement Specialist, Payless ShoeSource
It’s amazing how she took her interest in science and her natural ability and found a way to reach so many people with this important message. She told her story naturally and with passion. She made me feel like I actually am making a difference with the little things I’m doing to help the environment.
Aaron Fischer, Senior Financial Analyst, Collective Brands
She did a thorough job of helping us understand the benefits of sustainability – even the financial advantages. Anyone who hears her speak will be inspired to contribute more to the sustainability effort than they did before. I went to her presentation thinking I would do some work while listening. But she was so engaging that I didn’t touch my work!
Kristin Spurgin, Financial Analyst, Collective Brands
She has such a passion for this topic and truly understands how it relates to business issues. I have been supporting sustainability because I know it’s the right thing to do. After hearing Summer Rayne Oakes speak, I’m more convinced than ever about the impact of our efforts and how critical they are to OUR future and the future of the planet. With her knowledge and enthusiasm, she can inspire people to go out and make a difference.
Charlotte Tritch, Retail Marketing Manager, Zoe & Zac Retail Brand Manager, Payless ShoeSource
I am continually impressed by Summer and her enthusiasm, expertise and influence across the globe. Payless and the Zoe & Zac brand, as well as Collective Brands as a whole, are so lucky to have her as a partner. She pushes us every day to drive innovation in the green-ness of our Zoe & Zac products, and that cascades into other areas of our business and our product set. I am truly proud of the work we are accomplishing together and the positive impact it’s having already on consumers by giving them access to green footwear, as well as in our company overall.
Randall Cook, Director of the Vancouver EPIC Event
Huge “Thanks” to Summer Rayne for coming to EPIC. She’s so dynamic and amazing – the crowd really got into the speech and she was rocking the book signing for hours afterwards!
John C. Bersia, Special Assistant to the President for Global Perspectives, University of Central Florida
Summer Rayne Oakes’ presentations are much more than informative; they are electric, passionate and insightful. Each one is fresh, different and tangible. She has a talent for reaching audiences of all ages, but she unmistakably inspires young people the most. We have already received numerous requests for her to return.
Patricia Jurewicz, Coordinator for the Hong Kong Fair Trade Fair I Former Senior Associate for Trade and Global Governance for IATP
…It’s a breath of fresh air to work with someone who is so versatile, has convictions and really understands the advantages of fair trade.
Ron Gonen, CEO RecycleBank
RecycleBank is proud to partner with Summer Rayne. She and her company possess a tremendous ability to help people make a connection between the fashion they wear and the environment they live in.
Page Neal, Jewelry Designer & Coordinator for Project Emerge at FIT
When Summer Rayne lectured to my group of emerging fashion designers about why it matters to be concerned with where your materials come from and their environmental and social impacts, it was amazing to see and feel the energy shift in the classroom. The group of students walked into the lecture quite indifferent, but towards the end of the presentation they began connecting themselves to larger global issues. I would highly recommend Summer Rayne to any classroom or group who is seeking to expand the minds and talents of their design students.
Summer Rayne Oakes is represented by APB Speakers. For more information on booking and rates, contact APB here.