This week's feature is a special spotlight on an organization that every Fashionista/o must know about. I met up with Meredith Wing, Marketing Coordinator of YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund, to chat more about the power of this organization and what opportunities she has received from working there. Enjoy our Q&A!
CollegeFashionista: Explain to readers what the purpose of The YMA FSF is.
Meredith Wing: The mission of The YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) is to promote education of the fashion arts and fashion business by granting scholarships to talented students and facilitating internships, mentorships and career programs.
CF: What is the most rewarding part of working with such an empowering organization like FSF?
MW: It is so gratifying to hear how excited scholars are to be pursuing internships and networking with industry icons. The success of past scholars who are now head designers, merchants and business leaders at companies like Alexander Wang, The Row, Ralph Lauren & Macy’s says a lot about how effective our organization is in giving a boost to such talented youth.
CF: Tell us about some of the people you have met through FSF?
MW: Our organization is directed by a Board that consists of the most powerful and inspirational members of the fashion industry. I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with Jim Rosenfeld, President of Fishman & Tobin & the YMA FSF, Ken Wyse, President of Licensing & Public Relations at Phillips-Van Heusen (PVH), and Tom Hutton, Trustee & CEO of Geoffrey Beene Foundation, among others. As a 2007 YMA FSF scholar myself, I remember excitedly meeting Tim Gunn at the Awards Dinner. The annual dinner is also attended by icons such as Zac Posen and Diane Von Furstenberg, so I am hoping to meet such notables this year!
CF: What does The YMA FSF have in store [for the rest of the summer]?
MW: Our “Breakfast with the Boss” series, in which interns are offered the opportunity to “pick the brain” of an industry CEO or President, continues to be a highlight of the summer. Upcoming Breakfasts with the President of VF Sportswear and the CEO of Macy’s.com, among others, promise to be engaging. A tour of the Polo Ralph Lauren headquarters by its head designers and merchants has had many sign ups as well. The culmination of the summer will be an opportunity for scholars interning in NYC to meet Board members at the Intern Social & Panel discussion. The Panel will be moderated by fashion writer Lisa Marsh and will include icons such as the designers of NAHM, Nary Manivong and Ally Hilfiger.
CF: How can students get involved?
MW: Students at our 35 member schools across the country are encouraged to get in contact with their Career Services office and complete a case study proposal. This year we will give out nearly 125 scholarships at the $5,000 level, $10,000 to 4 Geoffrey Beene Scholarship finalists, and $30,000 to 4 Geoffrey Beene Scholarship winners! More information is available on our website www.fashionscholarshipfund.org.
For scholar profiles and upcoming events, be sure to check out our blog, “The Future of Fashion”.