For over 26 years, Dr. Joyce F. Brown has been a transformative leader at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), shaping the future of fashion education and the industry itself. As the first Black woman to lead FIT, she broke ground and redefined the institution's role in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Brown reflects on her journey, from her early career to her vision for FIT, and the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way. She discusses the crucial impact of technology, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and FIT's innovative programs that are preparing the next generation of creative leaders.br br Dr. Brown also shares insights into FIT's unique collaborations with industry, including the DTech Lab, where students tackle real-world challenges for major brands. From reimagining Girl Scout uniforms to exploring the potential of AI in design, FIT is at the forefront of innovation.br br 00:00 – Intro: Dr. Joyce Brown's Transformative Leadershipbr 00:27 – Breaking Ground at FIT: A Historic Appointmentbr 00:49 – From Psychology PhD to Education Leadershipbr 02:07 – The Role of Psychology in Leading Creativesbr 03:30 – Navigating Change: Technology and a Post-COVID Worldbr 05:46 – AI, 3D, and the Evolution of Designbr 08:35 – FIT: Beyond Fashion Designbr 11:39 – Guiding Students to Their Creative Nichebr 12:44 – FIT's Responsiveness to Real-World Challengesbr 14:22 – FIT Alumni: Shaping the Industrybr 16:07 – The DTech Lab: A Hub for Creative Solutionsbr 20:07 – FIT's Expanding Influence in Consumer Retailbr 21:34 – The Social Justice Center: Creating Opportunity and Accessbr 25:14 – Dr. Brown's Reflections and Future Plansbr br Subscribe to FORBES: br Fuel your success with Forbes. Gain unlimited access to premium journalism, including breaking news, groundbreaking in-depth reported stories, daily digests and more. Plus, members get a front-row seat at members-only events with leading thinkers and doers, access to premium video that can help you get ahead, an ad-light experience, early access to select products including NFT drops and more:br br br Stay Connectedbr Forbes newsletters: Forbes on Facebook: Forbes Video on Twitter: Forbes Video on Instagram: More From Forbes: br Forbes covers the intersection of entrepreneurship, wealth, technology, business and lifestyle with a focus on people and success.