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Lori McColl

Chief Digital Officer | Driving ROI-Focused Innovation & Transformation | Customer & Employee Experience Design | Former Big 4 Director | Founder & CEO

Lori McColl is the founder and CEO of WHIM, a Detroit-based business specializing in technology solutions, as well as the creator of the Detroit Fashion + Tech Hackathon (DF+TH).12

Background and Initiatives

Lori McColl launched the Detroit Fashion + Tech Hackathon in 2017 with the vision of combining two seemingly disparate industries: technology and fashion.1 The DF+TH is a 36-hour innovation challenge that brings together diverse teams to create new tech solutions for problems facing the fashion and retail industries.23

Achievements

Under McColl's leadership, the DF+TH has grown significantly:

  • The event has been successfully hosted for four consecutive years1
  • It has tripled in size each year since its inception in 20171
  • In 2020, when the event went virtual due to the pandemic, it attracted participants from 11 countries and 11 states, marking its most successful year1

Vision and Impact

McColl's work with WHIM and the DF+TH aims to:

  • Redefine how technology and business work together1
  • Enhance customer experience through innovative technology solutions1
  • Spark new technology solutions by bringing together diverse experts1
  • Attract investment and create jobs for Detroit2
  • Diversify trades and manufacturing in the region2

Collaboration with MEDC

Lori McColl has worked closely with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and its Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) initiative:

  • MEDC was the first to support the DF+TH event1
  • PMBC continues to provide resources for the hackathon1
  • The collaboration helps identify opportunities to expand small businesses to international markets1

McColl's efforts align with MEDC's mission to grow Michigan businesses and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.1

Highlights

Three Takeaways: WHIM | Michigan Business
Three Takeaways: WHIM | Michigan Business
Woke fashion: Environment and the industry - Downtown newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield
Sep 25 · hourdetroit.com
Detroit Fashion + Tech Hackathon Is On This Weekend
Detroit Fashion + Tech Hackathon Is On This Weekend - Hour Detroit Magazine
Sep 22 · forbes.com
The Detroit Fashion + Tech Hackathon Looks To Bring New ... - Forbes
Mar 11 · giftshopmag.com
Detroit Fashion + Tech Hackathon brings together creativity ...

Related Questions

What inspired Lori McColl to combine fashion and technology?
How has the Detroit Fashion + Tech Hackathon evolved over the years?
What are some notable success stories from the hackathon?
How does WHIM support local businesses through the hackathon?
What role does the MEDC play in the success of the hackathon?
Lori McColl
Lori McColl, photo 1
Lori McColl, photo 2
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Location

Detroit, Michigan, United States