AFWMN’s Workshop Instructors

AFWMN Design Track Lead Instructor

Kwame Boateng

Kwame Boateng has spent eight years building his own label while helping emerging designers turn raw talent into a real business. A graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (B.F.A., Fashion Design), he started as a junior designer and quickly became the production lead at a North Loop atelier before launching his own line, Boateng & Co., in 2018.

  • B.F.A. in Fashion Design, Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)
  • 8 years running his own fashion label, Boateng & Co.
  • Former production lead, North Loop Atelier — sourcing, pattern-making & small-batch manufacturing
  • Made custom pieces for several African Fashion Week Minnesota editorial photoshoots

At AFWMN, Kwame teaches designers to stop pricing their work like a favor and start running it like a label.

AFWMN Model Track Lead Instructor

Adaeze Obi

Adaeze Obi spent a decade on runways before she started building them for others. Trained at Vantage Model Group in Minneapolis, she walked for regional and national shows before transitioning into coaching, where she’s spent the last four years preparing new models for their first professional bookings.

  • 10 years as a professional runway and print model
  • Trained at Vantage Model Group, Minneapolis
  • Runway credits across regional and national shows
  • 4 years coaching new models into their first bookings

At AFWMN, Adaeze brings that same runway-ready standard to every cohort — technique, presence, and the professionalism that gets you booked again.

AFWMN Model Workshop Instructor

Brittney Kline

Brittney Kline’s journey from aspiring fashion model to CEO of BossLadyShoetique LLC is a testament to her unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. Raised with a deep love for fashion, Brittney recognized early on that her dreams were not limited to the runway but extended far beyond, into the realm of business ownership and empowerment.

In 2019, Brittney’s vision came to fruition with the founding of BossLadyShoetique. Fueled by her desire to offer high-quality, affordable footwear to women who embody strength and resilience, she set out to redefine the concept of luxury, making it accessible to all. In 2022, Brittney achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Black woman to open a shoe store in a mall in a predominantly white area. Through her brand, she not only provides stylish and comfortable shoes and clothing but also fosters a community where women can feel empowered and confident, walking tall and proud in their BossLady styles.

Brittney’s robust background in fashion production is marked by the successful execution of three independent fashion shows, each showcasing her ability to manage all aspects from concept to execution. She has also contributed her skills to the prestigious New York Fashion Week (NYFW) as a member of the production team, where she honed her expertise in high-stakes, large-scale event coordination. Beyond these experiences, Brittney has been an integral part of the production teams for five other fashion shows, gaining extensive hands-on experience in various roles and responsibilities.

Brittney Kline is not just a businesswoman; she is a visionary leader who continues to inspire and empower women through fashion. Her journey from the runway to the boardroom is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to uplifting others.

Promoting African culture, arts, and traditions