President + CEO
California Retailers Association
Rachel Michelin is President and CEO of the California Retailers Association, the most significant voice representing the retail industry in California’s public policy arena, at the State Capitol, in City Halls and with regulatory bodies across the state.
Rachel relationships with the State Legislature and Governor’s office resulted in ensuring California’s Organized Retail Crime Taskforces remained operational. In addition, she negotiated $300 million in the State Budget to expand the taskforces and spearheaded the most comprehensive retail theft bill package in modern California history.
Rachel serves on the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Advisory Board, providing retailers with a critical voice in the regulatory/rulemaking process for implementing SB 54. She also serves as Chair of the CA Policy Center for Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and was previously on the Board of Directors for the LA County Business Federation.
Rachel received several recognitions throughout her tenure. Rachel was honored by the Sacramento Business Journal with the prestigious “Women Who Mean Business” award. She is also a recipient of the LA County Business Federation’s “Makes LA County Work Award” and “Getting it Done Award”. Rachel received the Advocacy All-Star Award from the Coalition of Law Enforcement and Retail and was recognized by the California Legislature as a “Woman of the Year”. Rachel was also recognized by Capitol Weekly as a “Top 100 Most Influential Player in California Politics and Policy.”
Rachel is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton where she majored in Communications, minor in Political Science, and was recently inducted into the School of Communications Hall of Fame.
Rachel is also a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum - Mountain Valley Chapter.
Monday Jan 12
8:45am - 9:15am
The shift toward circular textile is accelerating, driven by a powerful combination of tightening regulations and rising consumer expectations. In this session, industry leaders will unpack how evolving policies — such as extended producer responsibility laws and digital product passports — are reshaping the fashion landscape, while conscious consumers demand more sustainable and transparent practices. Learn how brands are responding with innovative circular models from resale and rental to repair and recycling –that meet both compliance standards and market demand. Gain insight into how aligning regulatory readiness with customer values can unlock new growth opportunities and future-proof your fashion business.