Meet Our Co-Founder

Black and white portrait of a woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing a white blazer over a black top, standing in front of a geometric patterned background.
Neon sign with the text 'Shweta Cricket Green' in cursive lettering

Shweta 'Cricket' Green is a Costume Designer, Educator, and Founder of Sew She Can. Born and raised in Bombay, India, she began her design journey at age six with a bold declaration to become a fashion designer. Her fascination with culture, history, and storytelling through clothing led her from college classrooms to artisan communities—immersing herself in the craft of weavers, dyers, printers, and embroiderers across India.

Shweta’s costume design career began while she was still a student, when a Bollywood designer recognized her experimental sari draping and invited her to collaborate on a feature film. That opportunity launched a decade-long career designing for Indian and international productions. Her work spans independent cinema, commercials, and global features, where she’s collaborated with acclaimed filmmakers to bring characters to life through intentional, culturally grounded design. On set, she often trained local craftspeople—many of whom later launched their own businesses or joined leading design houses. That ripple effect remains one of the most meaningful parts of her journey.

In 2013, Shweta moved to the United States and now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her cinematographer husband, their son, and their beloved fur baby. After relocating to Spokane, she noticed a vibrant and diverse community with few opportunities in textile arts or garment production—particularly for women rebuilding their lives.

This inspired her to launch Sew She Can, a nonprofit that teaches industry-relevant sewing, garment making, and small-batch production skills to women from underserved communities—including immigrants, refugees, domestic abuse survivors, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Through creative training, mentorship, and financial education, Shweta is working to build a more inclusive local economy—one that honors craft, encourages entrepreneurship, and helps women gain both confidence and financial independence.

Whether designing for the screen or building pathways for others, Shweta believes in the power of storytelling, skill-sharing, and stitching new futures—thread by thread.

Meet Our Board

  • Peter Green

    Co-Founder, Sew She Can

    Peter Green is a cinematographer, union leader, and devoted father whose career has been defined by service, mentorship, and steady leadership. With decades of experience in the film industry, Peter has consistently stepped beyond his work behind the lens to strengthen the professional community around him.

    He has served on the National Executive Board of the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) from 2010–2025 and on the Western Region Council during that same period, helping shape national conversations around safety, inclusion, and member engagement. His leadership spans multiple committees, including the ICG Safety Committee (2010–2016), Member Engagement Committee (2016–2022), and Inclusion Committee (2022–2025). He also serves on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of IATSE Local 600 and as an Advisory Board Member for WE F.E.W., supporting women in film and media.

    As Co-Founder of Sew She Can, Peter brings deep experience in workforce development, union structure, and collaborative leadership. He believes creative industries thrive when mentorship, safety, and opportunity are prioritized — and he is committed to building pathways that empower the makers to grow with confidence, skill, and a strong sense of belonging.

  • Tara Mickschl

    Director of Programming & Operations

    Tara brings nearly 25 years of nonprofit board leadership experience to Sew She Can, having served on multiple boards—most of those years as Chair or President. She was a founding member of the Spokane Entertainer’s Guild, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and has served continuously since its inception, including two years as Executive Director.

    Tara’s background reflects a lifelong commitment to community service. She has volunteered with organizations including Girl Scouts of the USA, Boy Scouts of America, the American Red Cross, and rural fire districts as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration, resilience, and service.

    Creativity is central to Tara’s work. As one half of Taralena Creations, she provides costuming, props, and set design for local film and theatrical productions, specializing in historical costuming inspired by decades of involvement in Renaissance faires. Her artistic background also includes contributions to Art Chowder Arts & Culture Magazine and hands-on experience in mixed media, design, and DIY craftsmanship.

    As Director of Operations & Programming, Tara combines strategic nonprofit leadership with practical, creative expertise. She is passionate about building accessible programs that empower individuals through hands-on learning, resourcefulness, and the transformative power of making.

  • A woman with dark wavy hair sitting on a white cushioned bench, writing in a notebook, with a wooden accent wall behind her and a framed abstract art piece next to her, illuminated by sunlight.

    Shaquanna Mcghee

    Director of Community Resources

     • Brings a background in criminal justice with a deep commitment to advocacy, equity, and supporting women through life transitions

     • Founder and Owner of Ridgehouse Academy, a family resource business serving first responders with a focus on stability, resilience, and connection

     • Educated in fashion design, with a lifelong passion for sewing as both a creative outlet and a practical, income-building skill

     • Strong believer in sewing as a pathway to confidence, independence, and economic opportunity for immigrant women

     • Passionate about Sew She Can’s mission to equip women with life skills, mentorship, and the tools needed to build sustainable futures

     • Values hands-on learning, cultural respect, and meeting women where they are

  • A young man in a gray polo shirt and beige pants sitting on a beige cushioned bench against a plain light-colored wall, with soft shadow cast on the wall.

    Emily Cox

    Director of Grants & Funding Strategy

    Her experience includes laboratory research, project management, and technical writing. She assists Sew She Can with grants applications, fundraising, and outreach.