About the speakers
MODERATOR
Deray Mckesson
Executive Director, Campaign Zero
DeRay Mckesson is the executive director of Campaign Zero, a social justice organization leading nationwide structural change to create equity and justice in our criminal legal system. Beginning as a youth organizer in Baltimore as a teenager, he has been an advocate and activist on a range of issues impacting people of color for much of his life. As a key leader in the 2014 Ferguson Uprising and a leading voice in the Black Lives Matter movement, Mckesson remains committed to providing activists, community members, and policymakers with commonsense policies and tools that ensure and scale equity. He has been praised by President Obama for his work as a community organizer, advised officials at all levels of government and internationally, and continues to support and collaborate with activists, organizers, and leaders to make an impact.
Mckesson frequently appears on national and cable television, including The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, NPR, MSNBC, CNN, among others. He has also been featured on the cover of The Advocate, Adweek, and Attitude magazine and has been highlighted in a range of publications, including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Interview magazine, VICE, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Baltimore Sun.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Mckesson earned a BA with honors from Bowdoin College and holds honorary doctorates from The New School, Maryland Institute College of Art, and Bowdoin College. He serves in board and advisory capacities for a number of policy, advocacy, and media organizations including Teach for America, Council on Criminal Justice, Alliance for Justice, Rock the Vote, The Podcast Academy, Robinhood, Index of Impunity, Ameelio, Firework Foundation, Freedom Forum Council of Advisors, and Lemonada Media.
PANELISTS
Jackee de Lagarde
VP, Global Licensing, Kate Spade New York
Jackee de Lagarde is the Vice President of Global Licensing at Kate Spade New York, where she has been since 2014. In her role, she drives strategies to expand the brand’s global licensing program, build brand awareness, attract new customers, and increase revenue. Her responsibilities encompass managing profit and loss, leading cross-functional teams, and collaborating with licensees to deliver best-in-class products and achieve revenue goals. Additionally, de Lagarde has played key roles on Tapestry’s Inclusion Council and multiple other employee business resource groups, and she participates in executive leadership and mentorship programs.
With over 20 years of experience, de Lagarde has built a distinguished career in licensing and partnerships, working with renowned companies like Kenneth Cole Productions, French Connection, and Levi Strauss & Co. She has expertise in business development, partnership management, contract negotiations, financial strategy, and merchandising. Recognized as a Crain’s New York Business Notable Black Leader in 2024, she also serves as a director on the board of the FIT Foundation. A proud FIT graduate, de Lagarde enjoys gardening, entertaining, and cherishing time with her husband, Clarence, and son, Jack.
Malyia McNaughton
Founder + CEO, Made by Malyia
Chair, Black in Jewelry Coalition
Malyia McNaughton is the founder of Made by Malyia, a Brooklyn-based jewelry brand that celebrates individuality through unique designs. A Bronx-born New Yorker of Jamaican descent, McNaughton developed her passion for jewelry in childhood, and eventually she left her fashion- buyer role to pursue her jewelry-making dream full time. Since launching her brand in 2014, she has garnered attention for her distinctive pieces, which have been featured on Lizzo, Issa Rae, and Jazmine Sullivan. Notable collaborations include a capsule collection with Banter by Piercing Pagoda and the Natural Diamond Council’s global campaign with Ana de Armas. Harper’s Bazaar describes her brand as embodying the belief that every piece should be as unique as her clients, who she calls her “Jewels.”
Recognized as a Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award finalist, McNaughton is an emerging leader in the jewelry industry. She co-founded the Black in Jewelry Coalition, serves on the board of the Jewelry Vigilance Committee, and frequently speaks at industry events. A Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Graduate Gemologist with a degree from Florida State University, McNaughton’s commitment to creativity and community is reflected in her work and philanthropy. Her designs empower clients to tell their own stories through meaningful adornment.
Khary Simon
Creative Director + Strategist
Khary Simon is a creative director, strategist, and cultural thinker who is shaping the intersection of media, fashion, and art. As a VP and executive creative director in business and media, he helps to lead design and branding initiatives. With a career spanning luxury goods, publishing, and digital storytelling, Simon is dedicated to reshaping narratives and fostering inclusivity in creative spaces. He is also the founder of CRUSHfanzine, an independent publication that celebrates artistic expression and cultural icons. His work bridges innovation and heritage, ensuring that Black creativity is not only recognized but is also redefined for future generations.