AOSM Team
Dirty Soles Foundation proudly supports Dirty Soles Academy’s "Art of Shoe Making” programming. This footwear design and manufacturing program provides an in-depth, hands on experience for enrollees and has recently been included in the educational offerings at the new Newark School of Fashion & Design powered by Parson’s School of Design.
CORY:
Genius, Lead Instructor
A true footwear enthusiast, for as long as he can remember, Cory made his own way in the industry. Starting out as the assistant manager of a nationally known sneaker store, then as an independent sales rep in the 90’s, he relentlessly found ways to expand his knowledge into the field of footwear production. Cory hangs his reputation on innovative thinking and an uncanny ability to genuinely connect with the streets gaining a true understanding of what consumers want. As destined, he eventually became a manufacturer for both trendy and classic brands.
“My first dream sneaker was Kangaroos. The first pair I bought with my own money was Gucci and probably the best pair currently in my closet are LeBron XV because it’s an ill design to me. And they’re comfortable.
T. STRONG:
The Mrs., Mastermind
Also known as the “StyleMayvin”. A connoisseur of fashion and footwear since the age of 8, there was no doubt that she would have a successful career in this lane. As a dedicated student of her craft she found her way into in the New York fashion and entertainment industries. An expansive career with lucrative positions as a corporate retail buyer, product developer, merchandise manager, style blogger, red carpet reporter, fashion journalist and on-air style correspondent for a tv news station followed.
“I love shoes! Always have. My “must have” kicks were 5411’s in the 80’s, all colors. I have a lime green pair in the closet right now. The Hubs brought me a luxurious pair of leather and velvet knee boots with a 5” heel from Italy. They. Are. Fly. I mostly sit down in them these days but I do enjoy switching effortlessly into my snakeskin adidas Top Ten hi-tops. They are literally my definition of comfort and dopeness.”
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Gregg Woodcock
LEAD PROFESSOR
From the Bronx, NY and he’s a PRATT Institute grad with a degree in Industrial Design and a minor in Transportation Design. As a professionally trained designer with a unique imagination, he is masterful at utilizing technical strategies to continually generate popular footwear styles. As an adjunct professor at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) Gregg enlightens students on the subject of “Sneakerology”, the development of sneakers from sketch to actual product in hand. His goal is to help his students engage in their individuality, “channeling what is great in them and how it applies to the course they are enduring.”
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Kevin Cristancho
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
From Student to Teacher. ✨
We welcome Dirty Soles Art of Shoe Making Alumni and newly appointed Assistant Professor Kevin, to the team. A Rutgers University graduate and accomplished artist, Kevin is a true example of our “each one teach one” motto. His goal is to share his knowledge and skill of sneaker customization with students enrolled in the AOSM program in hopes of inspiring them to continue creating masterpieces of their own.
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Mike Sala
DIRTY SOLES PARTNER
FOUNDER of SolePak
Mike Sala, an esteemed Dirty Soles family member came from NY to share his entrepreneurial expertise during yesterday’s class. Our students got the opportunity to engage with Mike and learn about how he was able to secure a license deal with the NBA for his collection of bags that includes pockets uniquely designed to store sneakers. AND...students were gifted with their very own Sole Pack drawstring bag! We are screaming thank you to Mike for all you do and for making the trip to Weequahic High School! Be sure to check out his line of products at thesolepack.com!