Lori McColl

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