Kathleen Borbee – The Crimson Scholar

Kathleen Borbee – The Crimson Scholar

Welcome to Threadlines

Welcome back to Threadlines, our monthly celebration of the extraordinary individuals who bring Mansawear to life. In honor of Women’s History Month and the arrival of spring, we are delighted to spotlight Kathleen—an inspiring educator whose passion for teaching and mentorship radiates in every space she enters.

A Passion for Teaching & Community

Whether guiding higher education students or leading sewing and quilting circles, Kathleen embodies a deep love for learning and sharing knowledge. With the unmistakable warmth and boldness often associated with redheads, she brings energy, clarity, and purpose to her work. Her passion for mentoring—paired with her appreciation for good red wine—reflects just a glimpse of her generous spirit, strong values, and no-nonsense approach to life.

How We Met

Kathleen and I first met in 2019 when I applied to Monroe Community College’s Launch Your Business! competition, a highly competitive pitch program sponsored by the MCC Foundation. As a lead faculty advisor, Kathleen played a pivotal role in guiding participants.

Her dedication was immediately clear. She maintained an open-door policy, offering one-on-one advising sessions and connecting applicants with an expert network of SCORE advisors, accountants, and strategic marketers. Her commitment to student success and community impact left a lasting impression.

A Lasting Connection with Mansawear

Since then, Kathleen has become a devoted supporter of Mansawear. Her son, Greg, has also embraced the brand—most notably walking the runway during Fashion Week of Rochester in July 2021.

In 2024, Kathleen took her support even further by co-hosting a Mansawear Fun Party & Fashion Show, welcoming over 30 guests into an intimate and stylish experience reminiscent of classic home gatherings—with a Mansawear twist.

Family, Creativity & Community Life

At her core, Kathleen is deeply family-oriented, cherishing time spent celebrating everything from Christmas to Halloween—especially alongside her son, Greg.

Creatively, she is an avid knitter and quilter, often spotted at the bi-annual Genesee Valley Quilt Festival. Beyond her craft, Kathleen is actively engaged in Rochester’s vibrant arts and social scene, attending First Fridays, fundraisers, and, of course, Fashion Week of Rochester.

🌸 Here’s to The Crimson Scholar

Please join us in celebrating Women’s History Month and the arrival of spring by honoring Kathleen—our Crimson Scholar. She represents the perfect blend of intellect, creativity, and community spirit.


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Welcome to Threadlines, our monthly reflections dedicated to
celebrating and spotlighting our passionate supporters [spotlighting
extraordinary individuals who inspire our brand

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