ABOUT us
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower environmental responsibility and creative reuse in the greater Rockford area and beyond through hands-on education.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a thriving, sustainable community where every individual has the skills, knowledge, and opportunity to make conscious choices, craft with purpose, and contribute to a more environmentally responsible and equitable world.
OUR STORY
The Tad More Sustainability Institute (TMSI) was founded in 2023 by Sarene Alsharif, Co-Founder and CEO of Tad More Tailoring and Alterations, to address the growing need for workforce development in the tailoring and alterations industry. Driven by a mission to empower individuals with sustainable skills and meaningful careers, TMSI launched its first apprenticeship program in 2024 with an inaugural cohort of three apprentices.
In 2025, the first cohort achieved a remarkable 100% graduation rate, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness and commitment to student success. That same year, TMSI celebrated a major milestone: securing its own dedicated space to host apprenticeship programs and community workshops, officially marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony in July 2025.
From its founding vision to its early successes, TMSI continues to equip individuals with the skills, tools, and opportunities needed to thrive in a sustainable textile workforce and build stronger, more conscious communities.
OUR TEAM
Sarene Alsharif – Founder and Board President
Annika Olsen – Administrative Assistant
Nameer Mardini – Board Secretary
Rodwan Mardini – Board Treasurer
Tad More Sustainability Institute 