Manufacturing garments for the likes of Ralph Lauren to the United States Coast Guard, our guest today is also the recipient of the Step Ahead Award from The Manufacturing Institute. Today on the WAM podcast, Fran welcomes Gabrielle Ferrara. Gabrielle is the Chief Operating Officer at Ferrara Manufacturing, a family-owned and operated, American garment manufacturer company founded in 1987. The company is located in Manhattan’s Garment District and specializes in high-end, tailored, goods production. Gabrielle leads the company’s strategic development, integration of new technologies, and day-to-day operations. Her work supports tailored goods production for prestigious organizations such as Ralph Lauren, The Purple Label, and many more. Join us as we dive into a great conversation with Gabrielle about her company, how she stepped into her role and pivoted the company into COVID-related PPE manufacturing. She also shares with us her passion for garment manufacturing in the United States, women in manufacturing and supply chain, and how they’re impacting, engaging, and setting up exposure opportunities in their community. Stay tuned for all this, and more!
Meet Our Guest, Gabrielle Ferrara
Gabrielle Ferrara is the Chief Operating Officer at Ferrara Manufacturing. Ferrara Manufacturing is a family-owned and operated American garment manufacturer. The company, founded in 1987, is located in Manhattan’s Garment District and specializes in high-end tailored goods production. The organization is a recipient of the Crains Family Business Award.
Gabrielle leads the company’s strategic development, integration of new technologies, and day-to-day operations. Her work supports tailored goods production for prestigious organizations such as Ralph Lauren Purple Label, The Durst Organization, United States Olympic Team, United States Airforce, United States Navy, and United States Coast Guard.
During 2019, Gabrielle launched Ferrara Supply, a special business unit within the organization to produce domestic PPE. Both the NYCEDC and the United States Government, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Buy American” initiative, enabled Ferrara Supply to produce over 21 million units of gowns and masks to date, to protect against COVID-19.
Gabrielle and Ferrara Manufacturing has recently acquired 4 adjacent buildings in Long Island City, Queens. Gabrielle’s vision for the facility is a revitalized, 30,000 square foot manufacturing center; providing jobs, engagement, and education for the community. It will also be the primary location for Ferrara Supply, to continue domestic PPE production, and Ferrara Uniform, to launch production for the United States Military.
Gabrielle is a board member of both the NYC Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Council (MAIIC) and the Athena Center at Barnard College (her alma mater). In 2021, Gabrielle was selected as an Emerging Leader by The Manufacturing Institute.