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Home · Celebrity

Power Players

Power Players
By · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Bisila Bokoko, 36

Executive director, The Spain–U.S. Chamber of Commerce, New York City

After living in Spain for 25 years and studying law and economics, Bokoko joined the COC. For the past five years she has put her time abroad to good use, serving as the liaison between the U.S. and Spain, monitoring trade policies as well as enhancing and promoting import and export programs.

DRESS CODE: “Keep in mind the occasion and remember, simplicity is always classy.”

Vera Wang Ottoman jacket, $1,995, Saks Fifth Avenue stores.
Donna Karan jersey dress, $1,295, Saks Fifth Avenue stores.
Lane Bryant patent leather belt, $30, lanebryant.com.
BlackBerry Curve 3G, $330, blackberry.com for stores.

02
Nicola Vassell, 32

Director, The Pace Gallery, New York City

This Jamaican-born muse has traded in her runway strut for avant-garde exhibits. Besides managing sales at the gallery, her biggest reward is knowing that the artists and works she champions will leave a lasting impression.

DRESS CODE: “Know who you are and what energy to project at crucial moments.”

Juan Carlos Obando hand-dyed dress, price upon request, Barneys New York stores.
Gara Danielle Druzy ring, $150, garadanielle.com.
Alexis Bittar cuff, $325, alexisbittar.com.
Christian Louboutin platforms, $995, Saks Fifth Avenue stores.
“Dancing Goddesses” painting by Aissata, redbubble.com.

03
Dina A. Griffin, 47

President, Interactive Design | Eight Architects (IDEA), Chicago

Griffin and her dream team are putting an indelible stamp on the Windy City’s landscape. Her company is behind projects at Lincoln Park Zoo, the Art Institute of Chicago and historical landmarks throughout the city, cementing its reputation as the go-to architectural firm.

DRESS CODE: “Find what works for your body type and helps to reinforce your public image.”

Jean Paul Gaultier dress, $725, Bergdorf Goodman, NYC, 800-558-1855. Cara Croninger hand-carved necklace, $2,200, Jenni Kayne, West Hollywood, 310-860-0123.
Apple iPad, $499, and Incase book jacket, $60, apple.com.
Gucci leather briefcase, $1,790, select Gucci stores.

04
Bridgette R.B. Shannon, Ph.D. 30

President, Interactive Design | Eight Architects (IDEA), Chicago

Griffin and her dream team are putting an indelible stamp on the Windy City’s landscape. Her company is behind projects at Lincoln Park Zoo, the Art Institute of Chicago and historical landmarks throughout the city, cementing its reputation as the go-to architectural firm.

DRESS CODE: “Find what works for your body type and helps to reinforce your public image.”

Development scientist, Environment Technologies at Corning, Corning, New York

This award-winning chemist helps clean the air by improving emission control technologies that reduce pollution from moving vehicles.

DRESS CODE: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”

Tracy Reese leather-trimmed jacket, $395, and skirt, $245, Nordstrom Via C, 888-282-6060.
Etro silk blouse, $553, Bergdorf Goodman, NYC, 800-558-1855.
Anya Hindmarch Carker leather bag, $950, Anya Hindmarch, Los Angeles, 310-271-9707.
Bottega Veneta eyewear, $450, Robert Marc, NYC, 212-319-2900.
Earrings and ring, her own.

05
Yvette L. Campbell, 45

President/CEO, The Harlem School of the Arts, New York City

In her new post, Campbell puts her energy into ensuring Harlem’s children reach their fullest creative potential. The vision? The former dancer and adult program director for Alvin Ailey Dance Theater aims to solidify the school as a world-class arts institution that is the cornerstone of the Harlem community.

DRESS CODE: “Classics never go out of style.”

Byron Lars Beauty Mark trench coat, $445, and voile dress, $332, byronlarsbeautymark.com for stores. Burberry python corset belt, $895, burberry.com.
Michael Kors watch, $250, select Bloomingdale’s stores.
MaxMara Olimpia handbag, $1,095, MaxMara, NYC, 212-879-6100.
Manolo Blahnik Dogol heels, $975, Neiman Marcus stores.

06
Corvida Raven, 23

Founder, shegeeks.net and F.A.M. Life podcast, Brooklyn

She’s dubbed the Oprah of the Web by her peers, and her “fluency in geekspeak” makes her one of the leading social media curators. She hips companies such as Chevrolet and Intel to the latest and coolest technology.

DRESS CODE: “Fit the environment you’re in, but make sure your words and deeds speak as loud and clear as your looks.”

Paul Smith blazer, $1,980, Paul Smith, NYC, 646-613-3060.
Sretsis shirt, $248, Nada & Co., Scranton, 570-207-1717.
Piazza Sempione pants, $650, piazzasempione.com for stores.
Disaya ring, $150, revolveclothing.com. Warby Parker eyeglasses, $95, warbyparker.com (for every pair bought, a pair is donated to a person in need). Bloch oxfords, $175, Beyond 7, NYC, 646-619-6857.
Apple MacBook Pro, 15-inch, $1,799, apple.com.
Flip UltraHD video camera, $200, theflip.com.
Socks and earrings, her own.

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