Dawne Hoeg holds an MFA in Textile Design/Fiber from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Prior to founding Stitch Buffalo in 2014, she taught in the Textile and Fiber Arts Design Department at Buffalo State University and served as the handwork teacher at the Aurora Waldorf School. In 2024, she received a citation from Governor Kathy Hochul in honor of Women’s History Month, celebrating “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion." As the Executive Director of Stitch Buffalo, she has guided the organization from its start as a weekly embroidery class, held in borrowed community rooms, to its current form as a comprehensive textile arts center. Along the way, she has provided pathways to success for hundreds of refugee women artisans and established a vibrant community of diverse volunteers, students, and artists.

Michelle Perkins (she/her) is a textile artist and community organizer with a background in project management, marketing, and instructional design. She served for ten years on the planning committee for Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts and is a current board member for Stronger Together WNY. She has a passion for the roles of creativity, sustainability, and communication in building safe, equitable communities.

Linda Crist is a graduate of Marketing and Business Administration at SUNY Fredonia, and comes to Stitch Buffalo from SHECAN! (501c3), where she served as the Director of Membership Development and Operations. Linda has a long tenure in sales, management, and operations for non-profit growth. She describes herself as a heart-centered community and network builder.

Whitney Crispell is a textile artist and owner of Local Color, a quilting studio founded in 2017. She also comes to Stitch Buffalo with a background in program management, government relations, and community organizing. Whitney is passionate about Stitch Buffalo's mission, and thrilled to play a role in making secondhand textile and fiber arts supplies affordable and accessible to the larger community.

Hannah Quaintance is an anthropologist and artist with an interest in the ways that collective memories are passed down through textile traditions. She has been involved with Stitch Buffalo since 2021 as a volunteer and teaching artist and has deeply appreciated being a part of the organization’s creative community. With diverse experience in nonprofits, education, and museum-based project management, Hannah looks forward to helping support Stitch Buffalo’s growing studio programs. 

Rachel Lombardo brings a blend of creativity, business acumen, and community engagement to her role as a retail associate at Stitch Buffalo. With a BS in Business Administration for the music industry from SUNY Fredonia and a background in retail sales, Rachel has honed her skills in creative design, marketing, and customer relations.

Reb Ayse Geduk (she/they) is a multidisciplinary artist and educator whose work with printmaking and natural dyes have led them to the world of textiles. Reb has built their professional career in supporting the arts through grassroots and nonprofit organizations, working in marketing and teaching community-based classes. Inspired by every facet of Stitch Buffalo’s mission, Reb is ecstatic join the team as Marketing Associate.