Biography

Dr. Elaine Grullón graduated with a Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Organization Development in May of 2025 from Johnson & Wales University. Her dissertation topic was “Redefining Female Leadership in the Fashion and Apparel Industry: Equity and Equality”. Her research goal was to emphasize awareness of the need to enhance equitable practices within the fashion and apparel industry while providing innovative and practical strategies for organizational success and growth. In 2013, Elaine Grullón graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Merchandising from the Academy of Art University, focusing on diverse topics related to the industry, including business planning, branding, design, and production.

Before joining the TMD Department at the College of Business in 2019, she taught at the Arts Institute, focusing on areas such as Fashion History, E-Commerce, merchandising and buying, Fashion Styling, Visual Merchandising, Brand Development, and Marketing. Bridging theory with industry practice is vital to Elaine, and as such, as has over 18 years of professional experience in the fashion industry, including owning and operating several brick-and-mortar retail locations in Rhode Island and Florida. She also operated an e-commerce retail business focusing on children’s wear. In addition, since 2013, Elaine has created and showcased several women’s wear fashion collections on the runway throughout the US under the clothing label “EJ Designs,” including participation in StyleWeek RI in February of 2019.