Ilse Metchek

President, California Fashion Association

Ilse Metchek, president of the California Fashion Association, created the organization in 1994 with assistance from the major financial and manufacturing participants of the region’s apparel industry. She served as executive director of the California Market Center, and before that was president of White Stag, a division of Warnaco Industries. She is a member of the boards of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp., Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and Woodbury University, and is president of Image Makers L.A.

Enjoy most: Meeting with the specialists in every aspect that is relevant to my industry, and embracing the amazing, almost daily, changes.

Toughest challenge: Keeping up with the technology that is changing the way we do business.

Most excited: The speed of change makes everything exciting, albeit dangerous for some.

Beverage: Lillet.

Alma Mater: BS, New York University.

Fun fact: My alter-ego dances all the time.

Bucket list: The Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

Car you drive: Lexus.

Hobby/passion: Salsa dancing.

Favorite destination: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.