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Verso University: Sneaker Culture: Careers, Creativity & Industry
Date: Wednesday, September 23
Time: 2-3 pm
Location: Remote (Zoom link will be emailed to registrants.)
Class Details
Go behind the scenes of the sneaker industry with Sean Williams, co-founder of SOLEcial Studies, and Krystal Gonzalez, a footwear industry professional with over 15 years of experience, for a conversation about sneakers, careers, and culture. Learn about the wide range of jobs that bring sneakers from concept to consumer and explore how sneakers became a powerful force in fashion, music, sports, and popular culture.
This class is open to Library patrons and CT State Community College students.
About the Instructors
Sean "Opus 1" Williams (also known as the SneakerVangelisT) is a multi-hyphenate creative born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and co-founder of SOLEcial Studies. Recognized worldwide in the sneaker community as a consultant, teacher, and exhibition curator, he has partnered with organizations including Mana Contemporary in New Jersey, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Congressional Sneaker Caucus on Capitol Hill. Since 2013, Williams has curated or co-curated exhibitions experienced by more than 13 million people worldwide.
Krystal Gonzalez is a multi-disciplined footwear professional whose 15-year career spans design, materials, and brand collaboration at some of the industry's most recognized names. She has designed footwear for Tretorn, led special projects for world-renowned spirit brand The Macallan, and currently serves as Raw Materials Manager at Cole Haan. In 2024, drawing on her own experience of being "the only" in the room, Gonzalez founded Empower Her Sole, a community dedicated to creating equitable pathways for the next generation of footwear professionals through mentorship, resources, and connection.
Sponsored by: The Westport Library in collaboration with CT State Housatonic/Career Services
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The Westport Library is committed to intellectual freedom, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. Our mission is to provide welcoming spaces for the free exchange of ideas. The Library does not endorse or condemn points of view, including any program content or the views expressed by presenters or participants.
