Meet the Staff

Joanne Ross
Founder and Chair
narrowspt@harbornet.com

Joanne Ross made her dream of having a comprehensive consumer education trade show for the sewing industry a reality nearly 25 years ago. At that time, and for more than thirty years, she was a faculty member of the Washington State University Extension and chair of Pierce County Extension. Today Joanne serves as Program Chair of the Sewing and Stitchery Expo overseeing all aspects of the Expo to ensure that the quality is top notch. Joanne has a BS in Home Economics Education from Washington State University and a MA in Clothing and Textiles from Michigan State University.

Ann Sagawa
Speaker Coordinator
asagawa@wsu.edu

Ann wears many hats of responsibility including the Speaker Coordinator for the Sewing and Stitchery Expo. She is Extension Coordinator for Family Living Programs in Pierce County facilitating the training for the Clothing and Textile Advisors Program and serving as site coordinator for the annual 4-H Summer Sewing School. Ann has a BA in Textiles from the University of Puget Sound and a MA in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix Online.

Janet York
Show Manager
jyork@wsu.edu

Janet is the Show Manager overseeing the facilities, budgets and smooth operation of the Expo. As a Conference Manager for WSU's Center for Distance Learning and Professional Programs in Puyallup, Washington, the Sewing and Stitchery Expo is just one of numerous conferences she expertly manages each year. Janet has a BA from Tufts University, Boston, MA.

The Sewing and Stitchery Expo Volunteers

Sewing and Stitchery Expo is successful for many reasons. One of the biggest is the legion of hard working volunteers. Along with Expo management and a small staff, more than 200 volunteers dedicate time and energy throughout the year to create the highly successful Expo. It is their customer service ethic that provides a wonderful experience for all who attend.

The Washington State University Clothing and
Textile Advisors (CTA's)

Among the Sewing and Stitchery Expo volunteers are the Washington State University Clothing and Textile Advisors (CTA's). These are the smiling faces wearing blue ribbons, standing on their feet all day, selling tickets, hosting seminars, giving directions and answering questions. They are behind the scenes, dressing the style show models, providing stage decorations and coordinating every detail.