Shawny Burns has over 25 years experience in Public Relations and Special Events in the Retail and Fashion Industry. Ms. Burns has planned major designer fashion shows and was responsible for several large fundraisers including the Super Sale to benefit the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at the Lombardi Center and the African Odyssey Fashion Show at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Ms. Burns also created fund-raising events for Whitman Walker Clinic, Dress for Success, Knock Out Abuse Against Women and the Katherine B. Thomas School for Learning. Ms. Burns was the Fashion Director of Stores for Bloomingdale’s responsible for all trend direction, special events and fashion public relations and fashion media. At Saks Fifth Avenue, both in the early 90s and again in 2000, Ms. Burns was Director of Special Events and Public Relations. She oversaw the addition of the new men’s store in Mazza Galleria as well as major renovations in the Chevy Chase and Tysons Galleria stores and planned the opening and re-launch events for these stores. Ms. Burns has produced major fashion shows for Donna Karan, Louis Dell’Olio for Anne Klein, Zandra Rhodes, Badgley Mishcka, Oscar de la Renta and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. Ms. Burns was named the 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year by Fashion Group International.
Yony McCloskey has over 20 years Sales and Marketing experience in the computer industry. As Vice President of International Sales and Marketing for Sysgen Incorporated, Ms. McCloskey was responsible for all international markets, including the Pacific Rim, Europe and the United Kingdom. In 1994, Ms. McCloskey returned to Washington, DC and utilizing her marketing skills began working as an independent consultant concentrating on special events and marketing. During this time she was hired by the Kennedy Center to handle the Event Management for their Spring Gala (1999-2003) and The National Symphony Ball (2000-2002). Working with the Kennedy Center, Ms. McCloskey also managed several private dinners with the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation. Additionally, she spent 5 years in the Social Office of the White House, as part of a volunteer corps involved in planning and executing all events held at the White House. Through these high profile events, Ms. McCloskey has worked with Heads of State, Cabinet members, Congressional leaders, diplomats, world-renowned artists and celebrities.