STEPHANY GONCALVES is a strategic advisor, academic lecturer, and social impact voice reimagining (fashion) leadership through mentorship, education, and visibility.
With a decade of experience leading cross-cultural teams across Europe — in cities like Amsterdam, Zurich, Antwerp, Gothenburg, and Stockholm — and working with global brands including H&M, Monki, Zalando, Gucci, Levi’s, and Carhartt WIP.
Her executive background spans roles such as Communications Director at oona agency and Global Media Innovation & Strategy Manager at H&M Group, where she shaped forward-thinking brand strategies across international markets. In 2022, she founded FÉ, a values-driven mentoring platform focused on making mentorship more accessible across industries and career levels.
As an academic, Stephany teaches branding, leadership, and creative research at leading institutions including the University of Amsterdam, AMFI, and Tilburg University with a focus on inclusion, systems thinking, and sustainable change.
In 2024, she was named a UvA Impact Makers For her work at the intersection of education, gender equity, and talent development. Rooted in Rotterdam with Cape Verdean heritage, Stephany is known for her calm presence, cultural fluency, and commitment to mentorship as a tool for visibility and long-term impact. She bridges industries with care, combining strategy with storytelling, and continues to build spaces where leadership is both inclusive and future-facing.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
WORKED FOR
PRESS
University of Amsterdam
University of Tilburg
Artemis Academie
Amsterdam Fashion Academy
Modefabriek
Amsterdam Fashion Week
FÉ x Café Celia
H&M
Monki
Gucci
Zalando
UNIQLO
ON
Levi’s
PVH
ELLE Netherlands
Fashion United
Vogue Netherlands
Brand News
With a decade of experience leading brand, media, and culture strategies across Europe, she advises companies navigating transformation. From H&M Group to Gucci, she helps translate shifting consumer behavior into future-facing brand frameworks — with a focus on cultural innovation, digital ecosystems, and community building. Her work centers on aligning strategy with authenticity.
STRATEGIC ADVISORY
As a lecturer at institutions including AMFI, the University of Amsterdam, and Tilburg University, she brings lived industry experience into the classroom. She designs curricula and research methods that blend critical thinking, cultural intelligence, and inclusive leadership — preparing the next generation of fashion professionals to lead with impact and integrity.
ACADEMIC THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Through FÉ and beyond, she creates spaces where leadership is redefined through access, care, and collaboration. Her mentorship programs and workshops focus on bridging ambition with infrastructure — supporting emerging talent as they navigate their path with purpose, cultural awareness, and long-term vision.
MENTORSHIP
CONTACT
HI@STEPHANYGONCALVES.COM