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Holly Han
Vice President, Board of Directors at CHAMPS Charter High School of the Arts
Professional Background
Holly Han is a dynamic entrepreneur and accomplished business strategist with over twenty years of diverse experience in media, technology, consumer products, and fashion. Her career has been characterized by her passion for innovation and growth, as she has successfully founded and led multiple businesses to achieve remarkable recognition and success in competitive markets.
Ms. Han began her illustrious career at Vera Wang, where she honed her skills in product development for prestigious retail giants such as Bloomingdale’s and Anthropologie. With a keen understanding of the fashion industry, she authored the esteemed "Vault Career Guide to the Fashion Industry," serving as a valuable resource for those looking to enter or advance in this vibrant field.
Her entrepreneurial journey has been marked by noteworthy accomplishments, including her role as a co-founder of MyShape, a groundbreaking online retailer catering to over 700,000 members. Together with her visionary team, she propelled the brand into the spotlight, receiving accolades in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Additionally, through the founding of Dahlia, Holly introduced a transformative business model to the pearl industry, disrupting the longstanding dominance of the Tahitian market.
As Chief Operating Officer at SmartWear, Ms. Han took innovation to new heights by creating a revolutionary line of energy-generating textiles. This initiative was realized through partnerships with renowned organizations, including DuPont, Nike, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and NASA. Her strategic leadership and expertise in operations were also vital in restructuring John Kelly Chocolates, focusing on profitability and targeted expansion that revitalized the luxury chocolatier's market presence.
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Ms. Han has made significant contributions to the nonprofit sector. Serving as a founding Account Director for the Taproot Foundation in Los Angeles, she provided invaluable pro bono consulting for deserving nonprofits, demonstrating her commitment to social responsibility and impact.
Currently, as the Managing Director of 64North, a distinguished agency, Ms. Han oversees business strategy, branding, and digital media for a wide array of clients, including industry giants such as Adobe, MIT, Target, and Yves Saint Laurent. Her vibrant leadership and innovative approach have solidified 64North's reputation as a leader in its domain. Furthermore, Holly holds the position of Director of Special Projects at the Price Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UCLA Anderson, where she is responsible for leading various initiatives and conferences, including the Knapp Innovation, Creativity, & Knowledge Conference for Women and the Entrepreneurs Conference.
Education and Achievements
Holly Han's educational background reflects her commitment to excellence and a broad understanding of the various fields in which she operates.
She pursued her MBA at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where her exceptional contributions earned her fellowships from prestigious organizations, including the Young President’s Organization and the Asian Business League. Holly also holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and an AAS in Buying and Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology. In addition to her formal education, she has expanded her expertise through studies at Caltech and the Parsons School of Design, showcasing her dedication to lifelong learning.
In addition to her achievements in business and education, Ms. Han has taken on robust leadership roles within various organizations. She currently serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for CHAMPS Charter High School of the Arts, where she contributes to shaping the next generation of creative minds. Her previous roles have included Senior Admissions Consultant at The MBA Exchange, where she guided prospective students in navigating their educational journeys, as well as her role as a professor at Marylhurst University where she imparted her knowledge to aspiring business professionals.
Notable Achievements
- Co-Founder of MyShape: Holly played an integral role in co-founding this innovative online retail platform that captured the attention of thousands, highlighted by features in major publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
- Founder of Dahlia: Under her leadership, Dahlia established a new paradigm in the pearl industry, emphasizing quality and innovation, effectively disrupting existing market structures.
- Patented Textiles Development: As COO of SmartWear, Ms. Han was instrumental in developing a new class of patented energy-generating textiles, which was groundbreaking in their design and application.
- Leadership in Nonprofit Consulting: With her experience as a founding Account Director for the Taproot Foundation, Ms. Han has contributed her expertise in pro bono consulting, ensuring that nonprofit organizations receive the best possible strategies for impact.
- Directorship at UCLA Anderson: In her role as Director of Special Projects at the Price Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UCLA Anderson, she has led a slate of prestigious conferences, enhancing entrepreneurial education.
Holly Han's impressive career trajectory showcases her entrepreneurial spirit, strategic acumen, and commitment to excellence in various fields. Her impactful contributions continue to resonate within the industries she touches, making her a prominent figure in the realms of business strategy and innovation.
