2015-2017 News Items
2017
Posted December 2017: In Memory of our Beloved Professor Melinda Gist Lorenz
The Department of International Trade and Marketing extends love and prayers to the Lorenz family upon the death of Melinda Gist Lorenz, wife of Steve and mother of Mark and Eric.
Lorenz, a long-time ITM adjunct instructor, passed away on 16 October, 2017. A scholarship
in her honor has been created at the FIT Foundation. Checks payable to FIT Foundation
with Prof. Melinda Lorenz Scholarship in the memo section may be sent to:
Vicki Guranowski
Director of Special Events
FIT Foundation
236 West 27th St., 5th floor
New York, NY 10001
Posted December 2017: FIT Women's Soccer Team Ends Season as #2 in the Region Led by Mara Herber, ITM '19
Down a goal after the first half, the Tigers came out with a 2-1 victory, including a "bombing break away from Mara Herbert".
Posted November 2017: 29th Annual Textile & Apparel Importer Trade & Transportation Conference
United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) and the American Import Shippers Association (AISA) hold the 29th Apparel Importers Trade & Transportation Conference on November 15, 2017.
Left to Right: Professor Sonja Chapman, Deanna Dahl
Deanna Dahl and Stacey Sedereas
Karin (Josefine) Sanfridsson, Deanna Dahl, Stefanie Ramirez
Posted November 2017
Kate McShane, Managing Director and Global Sector Head for Consumer Discretionary at Citi Research aITMITM advisory board member. Kate is among the country's top three analysts covering apparel, footwear & textiles and retailing broadlines/hardlines. She spoke to students in the International Finance class on 8 November 2017 about her career, steps to take to prepare for a career in international finance, and her perspective on how fashion companies can thrive in the advent of new challenges and disruptive players.
Posted October 2017: Estefania Garcia-Correa, ITM 2014, in Charge of Vilebrequin's Business Development for Latin America and Hawaii
Since I, Estefania Garcia-Correa, graduated from the International Trade & Marketing major, I have been able to apply valuable lessons I learned in all my classes. My first job was at a publishing house called Perseus Books Group where I was part of the international selling team taking care of Latin America and the Caribbean. This gave me the opportunity to travel all over the region and learn more about international business transactions.
Now I work at Vilebrequin, a french luxury swim brand, in charge of Business Development for Latin America and Hawaii. I am also a finalist in the 2016 Business of Fashion Future Voices and an alumni member of the FIT diversity council. This new role allows me to learn about new territories while strengthening my passion for the fashion industry, and supporting local entrepreneurs.
As a scholarship recipient myself during ITM days, I continue to serve annually in ITM's PVH Corp. Scholarship Selection Committee.
Estefaniania and Anthony Battaglia celebrated their wedding on 29 September
Posted October 2017: From Hue Magazine (Page 29), The Magazine of the Fashion Institute of Technology: Volume 11 | Number 1 | Fall 2017
Article from Alumni Notes: About Payal Parekh Bugbe, ITM '03
"Payal Parekh Bugbee, International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries, Photography '99, produces limited-edition silk scarves, shawls, and other textiles that are handprinted in her family factory on the outskirts of Mumbai. The factory employs and trains villagers in this traditional printing technique; creating each scarf takes almost a week. She herself photographs and markets the final products, which are sold under the Parekh Bugbee brand. 'Scarves is a very untapped market in women's accessories,' she says. 'I want American women to enjoy changing an outfit just by changing the scarf'."
Posted October 2017: Sonne Bajwa and Kathleen Frey Win the Prestigious FIT and Infor Design and Business Plan Competition Fall 2017 Field Trip to Better Team USA
ITM students, Sonne Bajwa, President of FIT Government Association, and Kathleen Frey won the first FIT and Infor Design and Business Plan Competition held at Infor's headquarters with their presentation as Team Rc.e on 23 June 2017.
In addition to the $5,000 prize they are sharing, they attended Harper's Bazaar's Icons event during New York Fashion Week on 8 September 2017, posing with fashion influencer and blogger, Olivia Perez, who wore the winning design by Fashion Design student Brandon Johnson.
The faculty advisers were Profs. Patrick Boylan of the Fashion Design program for the design portion of the competition and Christine Pomeranz, Chair of the International Trade and Marketing program for the business plan portion of the project.
Please see the article from Harper's Bazaar featuring our students.
Posted October 2017: On-site visit organized by Mr. Sanjay Israni, former Vice President of Ralph Lauren Corp., and Mr. Martin DiBattista, Principal of Better Team USA
With a family history of Italian tailors and aiming to revive the garment industry in the USA, the company produces innovative high end, outerwear and sells locally to leading brands as well as exports to Asia.
Posted August 2017: Joel Charles YateITMITM 2017, represents FIT at Barneys New York's Summer Intensive Program
Joel Charles Yates, who just graduated summa cum laude frITMITM last May, represented FIT at Barneys New York Foundation's Summer Intensive Program.
Following his experience there and an illustrious presence ITMITM where he minored in Economics and Italian Studies, production designed for the student club, FIT Runway 27, and worked in the Office of the Dean for the School of B&T, he will be moving to Austin, TX to work for a branding/marketing firm that plans pop-up events at festivals and city locations, as part of a strategy for brands like HelloFresh and Xfinity, among others, who are looking to enter the growing market.
We wish Joel success as he undertakes this next exciting step of his professional life!
Posted June 2017: One Life to Love education Program in HARYANA India
Courtney Deacon Lalotra, ITM 2010, with Christine S. Pomeranz, ITM Chair
Courtney Deacon Lalotra, ITM graduate 2010, with her husband and son, and some of the children from One Life to Love orphanage.
Posted June 2017
Two Students to ShaPVHPVH CorITMITM Scholarships Totaling $10,000
ITM is proud to announce that the Selection Committee has chosen William Rossi and Maria Cecilia Celis Hermida as co-recipients of the 2017-20PVHPVH Corp. scholarships. They were so impressive thPVHPVH intends to augment the scholarship funds allocated by FIT’s board of trustees to ensure that each of them receives $5,000.
The Selection Committee included Guy Vickers, President of TPVHPVH Foundation and Senior Vice President of Global Community Relations PVHPVH Corp; Amy Anderson, University Program Manager, Talent Acquisition PVHPVH Corp.; Joanne L. Krakowski, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mt aITMITM alumna; and Estefania Garcia-Correa, PVH scholar 2014 and Business Development Latin America & Hawaii, Vilebrequin.
The recipients were selected for their commitment to giving back to the community, the interdisciplinary educational projects in which they plan to allocate the scholarship resources, and their embodiment PVHPVH Corp.’s dedication to corporate social responsibility in their current studies and future aspirations.
Will is a member of the FIT President’s Sustainability Council, Director of Sustainability of the FIT Student Government Association, Community Engagement and Marketing Intern at Project Just, Sales Advisor of Warby Parker, Net Impact Healthy Food Fellow, Fashion Revolution Student Ambassador, and active volunteer in ITM’s Talking Trade @ FIT guest lecture series as well as its Sustainable Global Sourcing Forum. He also contributes as an organizer for People’s Climate Movement and prepares, packs, as well as delivers meals at God’s Love We Deliver.
In describing his accomplishments, Suzanne McGillicuddy, Assistant Dean of Students and co-Chair of the Sustainability Council, stated that Will’s “leadership, organizational skill, resourcefulness, follow-through, communication, dedication, networking ability, maturity, patience, and flexibility” were key to the success of the College’s initiatives. Will’s ability to infuse hITMITM background with his extra-curricular activities while exhibiting a clever sense of humor and sound perspective under pressure has consistently come through on their collaborations together.
Will representITMITM at the Third Annual Wharton-Baker Invitational as well as participated in an Economy Panel Discussion by tMPAMPA in Environmental Science and Policy program at Columbia University featuring sustainability-focused master programs to compare approaches to drive sustainable change within their schools and professional networks.
In addition to the financial benefits the scholarship will bring, it will also enable Will to focus on filming and constructing a virtual reality series on the lives of garment workers in India, aiming to foster a culture of discussing empathy for such workers in consumer purchases and company supply chains. He also plans to apply some of funds to participate in the 2018 International Trade Practicum to Hong Kong and Taipei.
In addition to majoring ITMITM, Will is minoring in Ethics and Sustainability, Economics, as well as International Politics. As a Presidential scholar, Will intends to pursue a research thesis possibly along with a documentary film covering the entire fashion industry from farmer to consumer to lay out the benefits and disadvantages of a company’s transition to sustainable practices.
With a desire to work with companies to find an analytical and strategic role in a company’s supply chain as well as to serve in the Peace Corps’ environmental program in South America,
Will ultimately aims to become an influential leader of the global fashion industry, helping to shape it better serve the world. Expressing his fervent commitment to environmental and social sustainability, Will believes that fashion has the power to reverse pollution, innovate ways to “recycle fabrics, utilize natural fibers and dyes, cherish the work of artisans, and create fair wage jobs” around the world, ultimately transforming the industry to operate in the interest of humanity.
Maria Cecilia’s volunteer activities include participation in the FILA Festival, planning activities and raising funds for a children’s shelter, sorting food at a nursing home, and tutoring kids on bed-time stories as well as English learner speakers on Math. She is developing a marketing strategy to share the mission of a Venezuelan non-profit organization and generating ideas to raise funds and awareness of its cause.
Maria Cecilia is supplementing hITMITM major with minors in Art History and Economics. She also completed her Associate in Applied Science degree in Photography, an art-form she believes can be used by communities as a tool to work through trauma and promote human and social capital growth based on global awareness of their environment. She is currently tutoring at the Academic Skills Center at FIT, served as Production Assistant for the Stand Riendo documentary in Venezuela, worked at Hall of Art at FIT, created a nutrition magazine targeted to third grade students at School Independencia in Venezuela, and acted as this school’s yearbook photographer and Creative Director.
Given the complexity of Venezuela’s financial and economic challenges, Maria Cecilia has had to deal with seeking funds to continue her studies abroad. Noting the value of tITMITM education more than ever,, Maria Cecilia intends to apply the knowledge gained from hITMITM studies by helping others.
In his recommendation of Maria Cecilia, Prof. Lawrence Delson indicated that she is a mature and excellent student, and participates actively in class discussions while intelligently articulating the pertinent issues discussed from an international business perspective.
Posted June 2017
Kate SwaiITMITM 2014, joined Christine PomeranITMITM Chair, at the New York City Fair Trade Coalition's event on 30 May. Kate is now the fashion business consultant for Zuhair Murad, Paris-based fashion designer, and is working on developing his label into a global brand. They are shown in the photo in front of the products made by single mothers in Uganda for A. Bernadette, a company founded ITMITM 2009, Prof. Andrea Reyes.
Posted May 2017: Deborah Cast, ITM'2017, paid tribute to Professor Larry Delson with a playful tariff number on her graduation cap
Posted May 2017: ITM Graduates 2017 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on 25 May, 2017. Congratulations!
Posted May 2017
ITM's Gabriella Manduca (left) and Bruno Meira (second from left) receive the SUNY Chancelor Award for Student Excellence with other award recipients and President Joyce Brown.
Posted April/May, 2017: Ralph Lauren Corp. and New Times Group 2018 Scholarships Awarded
NICOLE NAIM DIB, ELISHA BLAKE, MARIA CECILIA CELIS HERMIDA, AND WILLIAM ROSSI SELECTED TO SPLIT RALPH LAUREN ITM SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALING $15,900 AND NEW TIMES GROUP SCHOLARSHIP FOR $2,700
Nicole Naim Dib
Elisha Blake
Maria Cecilia Celis Hermida
William Rossi
We are pleased to announce the Selection Committee has chosen Nicole Naim Dib, Elisha Blake, Maria Cecilia Celis Hermida, and William Rossi to receive the 2018 Ralph LaurITMITM Scholarships and 2018 New Times Group Scholarship.
The committee was composed of David Uricoli, Vice President of Global Human Rights Compliance at Ralph Lauren Corporation; Meghan Campbell, Manager of Global Talent Management, Human Resources at Ralph Lauren Corp.; Ajay Chidrawar, Vice President of Global Product Management Application Solutions at Computer Generated Solutions; Claudia Huerta, Assistant Manager of International Business Development at L’Oreal aITMITM alumna; and Analeesa Ciampi, Trade Compliance Manager, Louis Vuitton Americas aITMITM alumna.
The recipients were selected from a strong pool of candidates with commendable volunteering credentials as well as future aspirations in international trade and marketing. They stood out in terms of their passion, drive, commitment, humility, and excellent communication skills.
Nicole Naim Dib is currently interning at Oscar de la Renta, increasing her responsibilities as the company recognizes her invaluable international trade and marketing as well as design skills. She was also Production and Design Coordinator at Someone Somewhere and interned at Modelos Yasiro in Mexico City. In New York, she interned in the Production Departments at Carolina Herrera and Badgley Mischka.
Coming from a country where only eight out of every hundred people complete a university degree, Nicole feels fortunate to be in tITMITM program and intends to pay this opportunity forward by opening up prospects for those who aspire to follow in her lead. By studying abroad, she has learned to interact with people from various cultures, gained a global perspective, and immerse herself in proposing solutions to challenging situations. She believes that international trade means “connecting people from all over the world, building bridges and connections from country to country” and seeks to apply this conviction throughout her fashion career.
She volunteered at ITM’s Second Biennial Sustainable Global Sourcing Forum, was Director of Programming at FIT’s Student Government Association, and performed the role of Student Ambassador, welcoming potential students to the College. Nicole also participated in the Breast Cancer Walk, attended the Leadership Retreat, helped the Fashion Revolution Week committee, and volunteered at New York Fashion Week, New York Fashion Gallery, and Plitz New York City. She also tutored English to Latin American immigrants and their families and helped them avail of other programs at El Centro del Inmigrante. Further, she helped feed people and cleaned their homes during her involvement at Mother Theresa of Calcutta in Mexico. In addition, she helped cancer patients in raising funds by volunteering at Luz de Vida in Mexico. As a member of Runbo and Comite Ciudadano Bosques laslas Lomas y Cuajimalpa, she worked to overcome harassment and pollution in her community. In this capacity, Nicole engaged in activities to save abandoned forests, restore recreational spaces, and build awareness of these causes. In Thailand, she helped orphanages, especially children who suffered from the great tsunami and performed missionary and social work in Tepetlayuca, Hidalgo in Mexico.
Beyond the glamour of fashion, Nicole perceives the industry’s ability to touch almost every individual. Accordingly, she intends to combine her passion for fashion, the arts, and the traditions of Mexico with her desire to further humanize the creative industries by helping them to become more sustainable and ethical. As a result, she hopes to establish a company that produces handcrafted goods in Mexico and sell them to the global market with ethical values as the pervading guiding principle.
In enthusiastically recommending Nicole for this scholarship, Prof. Henry Welt indicated that she is an exceptional student with “significant analytical skills coupled with an impressive ability to construct and articulate persuasive arguments through which she advanced her points of view.” She sees fashion as a “vehicle” to make a difference in peoples’ lives.
Elisha Blake is keenly interested in international trade because of the hope it brings to underdeveloped nations and its role in transforming destitute countries to prosperous ones. She is equally fascinated with learning global marketing as it relates to fashion and hopes to become multi-lingual, attaining fluency in French, Arabic, and Spanish.
Working as Administrative Assistant at Fifth Down Management, she is aiding in the marketing of memorabilia via social media. As Social Media Assistant for Style Fashion Week, she assisted the team in marketing and publicizing the fashion week shows. Elisha also held positions as a bank teller at Wells Fargo, Sales Specialist at Armani Exchange, and Trade Show Model and Event Assistant at the Semi-Annual Magic Trade Show LasLas Vegas.
In her new role as Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion at FIT, Elisha will liaise between the Student Government Association and the students as well as ensure that international, commuter, and other students value their stay at FIT by getting involved in extra-curricular activities. She is also associated with the Ministry of Arts and Culture in Harlem, where she plans events for the youth and underprivileged families. Elisha has helped to raise funds so that these children learn to build toy robots, experience paint nights, and attend events like the Alvin Ailey dance company productions. In addition, she works with a consulting company in developing programs and strategies to help school principals and their teams promote harmony and amity in the public high school system. In that capacity, she is working on a new initiative to “practice building bonds and relationships with other women, working together on team projects and preparing them to conduct themselves professionally.”
Maria Cecilia Celis Hermida aims to working in a multinational company’s corporate social responsibility unit, then move on to a non-profit organization to solve global problems, foster a productive, comfortable, and safe environment, and improve people’s lives. Her volunteer activities include participation in the FILA Festival, planning activities and raising funds for a children’s shelter, sorting food at a nursing home, and tutoring kids on bed-time stories as well as English learner speakers on Math. She is developing a marketing strategy to share the mission of a Venezuelan non-profit organization and generating ideas to raise funds and awareness of its cause.
Maria Cecilia is supplementing hITMITM major with minors in Art History and Economics. She also completed her Associate in Applied Science degree in Photography, an art-form she believes can be used by communities as a tool to work through trauma and promote human and social capital growth based on global awareness of their environment . She is currently tutoring at the Academic Skills Center at FIT, served as Production Assistant for the Stand Riendo documentary in Venezuela, worked at Hall of Art at FIT, created a nutrition magazine targeted to third grade students at School Independencia in Venezuela, and acted as this school’s yearbook photographer and Creative Director.
Given the complexity of Venezuela’s financial and economic challenges, Maria Cecilia has had to deal with seeking funds to continue her studies abroad. Noting the value of tITMITM education more than ever,, Maria Cecilia intends to apply the knowledge gained from hITMITM studies by helping others.
In his recommendation of Maria Cecilia, Prof. Lawrence Delson indicated that she is a mature and excellent student, and participates actively in class discussions while intelligently articulating the pertinent issues discussed from an international business perspective.
William Rossi is a member of the FIT President’s Sustainability Council, Director of Sustainability of the FIT Student Government Association, Community Engagement and Marketing Intern at Project Just, Sales Advisor of Warby Parker, Net Impact Healthy Food Fellow, Fashion Revolution Student Ambassador, and active volunteer in ITM’s Talking Trade @ FIT guest lecture series as well as its Sustainable Global Sourcing Forum. He also contributes as an organizer for People’s Climate Movement and prepares, packs, as well as delivers meals at God’s Love We Deliver.
In describing his accomplishments, Suzanne McGillicuddy, Assistant Dean of Students and co-Chair of the Sustainability Council, stated that Will’s “leadership, organizational skill, resourcefulness, follow-through, communication, dedication, networking ability, maturity, patience, and flexibility” were key to the success of the College’s initiatives. Will’s ability to infuse hITMITM background with his extra-curricular activities while exhibiting a clever sense of humor and sound perspective under pressure has consistently come through on their collaborations together.
Will represent TM at the Third Annual Wharton-Baker Invitational as well as participated in the Economy Panel Discussion by tMPAMPA in Environmental Science and Policy program at Columbia University featuring sustainability-focused master programs to compare approaches to drive sustainable change within their schools and professional networks.
In addition to the financial benefits the scholarship will bring, it will also enable Will to focus on filming and constructing a virtual reality series on the lives of garment workers in India, aiming to foster a culture of discussing empathy for such workers in consumer purchases and company supply chains. He also plans to apply some of funds to participate in the 2018 International Trade Practicum to Hong Kong and Taipei.
In addition to majoring ITM, Will is minoring in Ethics and Sustainability, Economics, as well as International Politics. As a Presidential scholar, Will intends to pursue a research thesis possibly along with a documentary film covering the entire fashion industry from farmer to consumer to lay out the benefits and disadvantages of a company’s transition to sustainable practices.
With a desire to work with companies to find an analytical and strategic role in a company’s supply chain as well as to serve in the Peace Corps’ environmental program in South America, Will ultimately aims to become an influential leader of the global fashion industry, helping to shape it better serve the world. Expressing his fervent commitment to environmental and social sustainability, Will believes that fashion has the power to reverse pollution, innovate ways to “recycle fabrics, utilize natural fibers and dyes, cherish the work of artisans, and create fair wage jobs” around the world, ultimately transforming the industry to operate in the interest of humanity.
We hope that you will all join us in congratulating Elisha, Nicole, Maria Cecilia, and Will as ITM’s new Ralph Lauren CorITMITM and New Times Group scholars.
Posted May 2017: World Trade Week Scholarship Announcement 2018
WILLIAM ROSSI IS THE FOURTH ITM MAJOR TO RECEIVE THE WORLD TRADE WEEK SCHOLARSHIP GRANTED BY THE NEW YORK DISTRICT EXPORT COUNCIL
ITM is very pleased to announce that the Selection Committee has chosen William Rossi as the fourth recipient of the World Trade Week Scholarship funded by the New York District Export Council (NYDEC) to nurture the next generation of international traders.
The committee included Eric Hertz, President of Center for Executive Development and recipient of ITM’s Global Service Excellence award for his contribution as an exemplary Advisory Board member; Pete Hagen, Director of Target Sourcing Services aITMITM Advisory Board member; as well as outstandiITMITM alumnae, Joanne Krakowski, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mt, and Elizabeth Pulos, who herself was the first recipient of this scholarship, and is now Associate Manager of Compliance at Macy’s.
The committee was most impressed with Will’s application, which reflected his commitment to embodying ITM’s mission and international trade’s role as the ideal vehicle to promote ethical business principles. Will’s current volunteer service and clear vision of how he intends to apply the scholarship to further his education toward becoming the next generation of international trade leader resonated well with the judges.
Will is a member of FIT President’s Sustainability Council, Director of Sustainability of the FIT Student Government Association, Community Engagement and Marketing Intern at Project Just, Sales Advisor of Warby Parker, Net Impact Healthy Food Fellow, Fashion Revolution Student Ambassador, and active volunteer in ITM’s Talking Trade @ FIT guest lecture series as well as its Sustainable Global Sourcing Forum. He also contributes as an organizer for People’s Climate Movement and prepares, packs, as well as delivers meals at God’s Love We Deliver.
In describing his accomplishments, Suzanne McGillicuddy, Assistant Dean of Students and co-Chair of the Sustainability Council, stated that Will’s “leadership, organizational skill, resourcefulness, follow-through, communication, dedication, networking ability, maturity, patience, and flexibility” were key to the success of the College’s initiatives. Will’s ability to infuse hITMITM background with his extra-curricular activities while exhibiting a clever sense of humor and sound perspective under pressure has consistently come through on their collaborations together.
Will will be represent ITM at the Third Annual Wharton-Baker Invitational as well as participating in an Economy Panel Discussion by PAMPA in Environmental Science and Policy program at Columbia University featuring sustainability-focused master programs to compare approaches to drive sustainable change within their schools and professional networks.
In addition to the financial benefits the scholarship will bring, it will also enable Will to focus on filming and constructing a virtual reality series on the lives of garment workers in India, aiming to foster a culture of discussing empathy for such workers in consumer purchases and company supply chains. He also plans to apply some of funds to participate in the 2018 International Trade Practicum in Hong Kong and Taipei.
In addition to majoring ITM, Will is minoring in Ethics and Sustainability, Economics, as well as International Politics. As a Presidential scholar, Will intends to pursue a research thesis possibly along with a documentary film covering the entire fashion industry from farmer to consumer to lay out the benefits and disadvantages of a company’s transition to sustainable practices.
With a desire to work with companies to find an analytical and strategic role in a company’s supply chain as well as to serve in the Peace Corps’ environmental program in South America, Will ultimately aims to become an influential leader of the global fashion industry, helping to shape it better serve the world. Expressing his fervent commitment to environmental and social sustainability, Will believes that fashion has the power to reverse pollution, innovate ways to “recycle fabrics, utilize natural fibers and dyes, cherish the work of artisans, and create fair wage jobs” around the world, ultimately transforming the industry to operate in the interest of humanity.
We hope that you will all join us in congratulating Will as ITM’s fourth World Trade Week scholar.
Posted May 2018: Gemini Shippers Association Scholarship Announcement 2018
MARIA CECILIA CELIS HERMIDA AND WILLIAM J. ROSSI III SELECTED TO SPLIT $3,200 SCHOLARSHIP
We are pleased to announce that the Scholarship Selection Committee, comprised of Kenneth O’Brien, Chief Operating Officer of Gemini Shippers Association, and outstanding ITM alumnae, Prof. Carla QuatraroDarcy, ITM’2015 ITM Mentoring Coordinator, as well as Prof. Andrea Reyes, ITM’2009, Founder of A. Bernadette, Chair of the New York City Fair Trade Coalition, and past recipient of the Gemini Shippers Association Practicum Scholarship to Argentina, have chosen Maria Cecilia Celis Hermida and William J. Rossi as the recipients of the 20172018 Gemini Shippers Association Academic Scholarship.
Gemini Shippers Association is a longtime supporter of ITM students, having donated more than $160,000 to the ITM program. Through Ken and Sara Mayes’ leadership, the company was also chosen by the New York District Export Council as last year’s recipient of its Global Logistics Award at its Annual International World Trade Week NYC Awards Breakfast.
The Selection Committee recognized Maria Cecilia primarily for her charisma, passion for volunteerism, and the benefits the scholarship would bring to realizing her goal of working initially in a multinational company’s corporate social responsibility area, then in a non-profit organization, to solve global problems, foster a productive, comfortable, and safe environment, and improve people’s lives.
Maria Cecilia’s volunteer activities include participation in the FILA Festival, planning activities and raising funds for a children’s shelter, sorting food at a nursing home, and tutoring kids on bed-time stories as well as English learner speakers on Math. She is developing a marketing strategy to share the mission of a Venezuelan non-profit organization and generating ideas to raise funds and awareness of its cause.
Maria Cecilia is supplementing her ITM major with minors in Art History and Economics. She also completed her Associate in Applied Science degree in Photography, an art-form she believes can be used by communities as a tool to work through trauma and promote human and social capital growth based on global awareness of their environment . She is currently tutoring at the Academic Skills Center at FIT, served as Production Assistant for the Stand Riendo documentary in Venezuela, worked at Hall of Art at FIT, created a nutrition magazine targeted to third grade students at School Independencia in Venezuela, and acted as this school’s yearbook photographer and Creative Director.
Given the complexity of Venezuela’s financial and economic challenges, Maria Cecilia has had to deal with seeking funds to continue her studies abroad. Noting the value of ITM education more than ever,, Maria Cecilia intends to apply the knowledge gained from hITMITM studies by helping others.
In his recommendation of Maria Cecilia, Prof. Lawrence Delson indicated that she is a mature and excellent student, and participates actively in class discussions while intelligently articulating the pertinent issues discussed from an international business perspective.
Will is a member of the FIT President’s Sustainability Council, Director of Sustainability of the FIT Student Government Association, Community Engagement and Marketing Intern at Project Just, Sales Advisor of Warby Parker, Net Impact Healthy Food Fellow, Fashion Revolution Student Ambassador, and active volunteer in ITM’s Talking Trade @ FIT guest lecture series as well as its Sustainable Global Sourcing Forum. He also contributes as an organizer for People’s Climate Movement and prepares, packs, as well as delivers meals at God’s Love We Deliver.
In describing his accomplishments, Suzanne McGillicuddy, Assistant Dean of Students and co-Chair of the Sustainability Council, stated that Will’s “leadership, organizational skill, resourcefulness, follow-through, communication, dedication, networking ability, maturity, patience, and flexibility” were key to the success of the College’s initiatives. Will’s ability to infuse his ITM background with his extra-curricular activities while exhibiting a clever sense of humor and sound perspective under pressure has consistently come through on their collaborations together.
Will will be representing ITM at the Third Annual Wharton-Baker Invitational as well as participating in an Economy Panel Discussion by PAMPA in Environmental Science and Policy program at Columbia University featuring sustainability-focused master programs to compare approaches to drive sustainable change within their schools and professional networks.
In addition to the financial benefits the scholarship will bring, it will also enable Will to focus on filming and constructing a virtual reality series on the lives of garment workers in India, aiming to foster a culture of discussing empathy for such workers in consumer purchases and company supply chains. He also plans to apply some of funds to participate in the 2018 International Trade Practicum to Hong Kong and Taipei.
In addition to majoring in ITM, Will is minoring in Ethics and Sustainability, Economics, as well as International Politics. As a Presidential scholar, Will intends to pursue a research thesis possibly along with a documentary film covering the entire fashion industry from farmer to consumer to lay out the benefits and disadvantages of a company’s transition to sustainable practices.
With a desire to work with companies to find an analytical and strategic role in a company’s supply chain as well as to serve in the Peace Corps’ environmental program in South America, Will ultimately aims to become an influential leader of the global fashion industry, helping to shape it better serve the world. Expressing his fervent commitment to environmental and social sustainability, Will believes that fashion has the power to reverse pollution, innovate ways to “recycle fabrics, utilize natural fibers and dyes, cherish the work of artisans, and create fair wage jobs” around the world, ultimately transforming the industry to operate in the interest of humanity.
We hope that you will all join us in congratulating Maria Cecilia and Will as ITM’s new Gemini Shippers Association academic scholars!
Posted May 2017: Field Trip to Maersk Line (USA) Newark Terminal
ITM field trip to Maersk's shipping facilities APMAPM Terminal on 5 April, 2017 covering
vessel and on dock rail operations.
Company: Maersk Line (USA)
Date: Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Location: APM Terminals Port Elizabeth, 5080 McLester Street, Elizabeth NJ 07207
Attendees pictured: McKenzie Asia, Tamar Benshalom, Elisha Blake, Julia Cataldo, Professor
Sonja Chapman, Victoria DiRaimondo, Victoria Espineira, Pamela Gorman, Maria Hermida,
Michele Irizarry, Mariza Navera, Jessica Newman, Toby Reiss, Alicia Scarpinito, Marie
Singletary, and Samantha Velez.
2016
Posted December 2016: Kering's Comptroller Presents to International Finance Students
Girogio Motta, Mall Company Director of Kering, owner of Gucci and other luxury brands, gave the students of the IN442.701 International Finance class in spring 2017 an overview of Kering's strategy and financial outlook as well as tips for successful career applicants. What stood out in the audience's mind was the was most excited about hiring someone who is passionate about the company as well as its strategies, is interested in learning all aspects of its structure, and relishes handling projects. With respect to project management, the company looks for someone who can see the big picture, i.e. the ultimate goal, while paying attention to details, yet not get lost in them.
December 12, 2016
Prof. Sonja Chapman has just been promoted to Adjunct Associate Professor of the Department of International Trade and Marketing (ITM). As a licensed customs broker, she has been teaching ITM courses since 2003 and is introducing IN320 Compliance Management in International Trade this spring 2017 semester. Prof. Chapman has also been instrumental in helping ITM and other FIT programs obtain scholarship funding from Cotton Incorporated. We offer Prof. Chapman our heartiest congratulations!
Posted November 2016: Talking Trade @ FIT
A Day in the Life of an International Executive
November 28, 2016
A panel of experts discussed the attributes and factors they consider valuable and
needed to climb the corporate ladder and succeed in an international career. Key takeaway:
where you start is not where you end.
Collaborator/Moderator
Professor Mark Greiz
Panelists
Sydney Price, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Kate Spade &
Company
Dina Avramidis, Vice President of Production, Production & Quality, Stella & Dot
Steven Hurwitz, Senior Vice President, Product Development, Manufacturing & Sourcing,
Tumi Inc.
View Presentations (.pdf - large file)
Volunteers
Juan Fernandez (photography)
Casey Stuart
Christina Gemerek
Bianca Villanueva
left-right: Sydney Price, Dina Avramidis, Steven Hurwitz, Prof. Christine Pomeranz
Photo: Juan Fernandez, ITM Student
Posted September 2016: Talking Trade @ FIT
Luxury African Fashion: Entrepreneurship and E-Commerce
The diversified panel of speakers discussed their experiences with and lessons learned
from building their luxury African fashion businesses.
Collaborator/Moderator
Alexis Rai Gaynor, CEO/Founder of the Rai Group International, Executive Director
of African Fashion Fund, and Contributor, Influencer, and Elite Global Ambassador
for MOGUL
Guest Speakers
Julien Labat, Chief Executive Officer, Edun-Americas, Inc.
Afua Dabanka, Founder of Mo'saique, London
Autumn Adeigbo, Founder of Fashion Design Company Autumn Adeigbo
Stevie Boi, Founder of the Luxury Eye-Wear Line & Brand SBShades
Hanneli Ruppert, Founder of Merchants on Long, South Africa
Posted September 2016: PARIS TAYLORY, ITM 2014, GETS PROMOTED AT MACY'S
I was part of the Dec 2014 ITM graduating class. Macy's offered me a position to commence in March of 2015 for their Executive Development Program, a 3 month program to learn about the company and all the positions within out wheel of influence. After finishing the program, I was placed in merchandise planning; where we focus on creating and assortment by climate, region, store volume and demographics.
My first assignment was in the Cosmetics department, where I worked with brands such as Mac, Benefit, and Anastasia Beverly Hills. I helped expand Anastasia Beverly Hills and other young brands into 200 locations. We plan the breadth and the depth of the assortment by doing extensive analysis to learn about who our consumer is in each prospective store location.
I have now recently been promoted to a different family of business, swimwear, which is seasonal and highly licensed area, vastly different from Cosmetics. We plan and manage swimwear in a very different way from other conventional family of businesses. Being an ITM graduate has given me the knowledge and skills I needed to excel in retail. It has helped me adapt to change and understand the bigger picture in the retail landscape.
Posted September 2016: Najam Mufti, ITM Student, Revels in China Study Abroad Experience
Study Abroad Experience - Spring 2016 Semester at Donghua University Shanghai, China.
By Najam Mufti – ITM - FIT New York.
ITM prepared me for a semester abroad through its foundation courses. I chose to attend Donghua University in Shanghai as suggested by ITM chairperson, Prof. Christine Pomeranz, (suggest deleting "guide and advise me to take study abroad semester in China") to learn about Chinese fashion production, culture, and business environment. With the help of Mr. Dino Rodriguez and Mr. Brian Walters, I made excellent arrangements with the Office of International Programs at FIT.
While studying abroad in China during the Spring 2016 semester, I observed and love four attributes, respect of teachers, family values, hospitality, and friendship, in China.
In China, where there is a strong cultural emphasis on the importance of education, teachers enjoy a high status and considered to be the most respected in their careers. A large majority of adults in China believe that students should respect their teachers 100% of the time in contrast to most European countries where I observed that only a minority view that students should show deference to them.
While China has increasingly adopted western influences while undergoing significant changes in recent years, the traditional family structure and family values are still highly valued and hold prominent importance in the Chinese culture. Families are still cherished, honored and respected, whether one lives in the traditional, rural environment or in the modern, urban city. Both traditional and modern Chinese families have similar values and morals and these have been a part of daily life for many centuries.
In the Chinese language, there are many words and phrases associated with making friends. One Chinese poet wrote: "To have a good friend has nothing to do with distance. Even if the friend is far away, he is as close as a good neighbor." China is a hospitable nation because the Chinese attach great importance to making good friends, reflecting the value of guanxi in its culture. From great nightlife to festivals, most cities throughout China provide many avenues for making friends and meeting people with like-minded interests.
All throughout my stay in China I’ve seen Chinese people wearing shirts with English words on them, university students playing soccer with Western-brand cleats, and American music coming from speakers. American products Chevy, Starbucks, Apple, New Balance, Oreo, KFC, MacDonald are very popular in Chinese market. The U.S. and China, are miles apart in some cases, with amazingly different populations and histories, but are still united by people co-existing in this vastly evolving world.
It was wonderful experience of delectable authentic Chinese cuisine from Beijing duck to Shanghai dumplings and hot pot. Living abroad provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build friendships with people across the globe. Every day was exciting. In the beginning of semester, it was great cultural shock. but within a few weeks everything becomes easy with the help of Chinese classmates. Everywhere I went in China, I always felt welcome at all times. I had no bad experience whatsoever.
It was an exciting semester in China filled with infinite knowledge, exotic sights, alluring smells and the constant sound of beeping bicycles, scooters, cars and vans. From the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City in Beijing to the unforgettable sights of the Great Wall, China offers an unparalleled heritage of history and culture to explore.
I am sure this lifetime experience in China will be helpful in my future fashion profession and involvement in International trade. Thanks to ITM, thanks to FIT, thanks to Donghua University, best wishes for all my classmates.
Posted June, 2016: Laura Chamoun, ITM 2011, Joins Tory Burch's E-Commerce/Logistics
Operations
I began my career at the UK brand AllSaints in E-Commerce working out of their Distribution Center in New Jersey. Shortly after I began, they relocated to Chicago so I transitioned into retail for my love of the company. I started as a store manager, then quickly grew into a District Manager for their US concessions. After three years with the company, I was ready for a new challenge. I became the Assistant General Manager at Prada. It was a wonderful learning experience to see the difference between luxury and contemporary brands. I realized that my career was moving in a retail direction, and truly missed working in E-commerce/logistics. I made the difficult decision and left Prada. I am in my new role at Tory Burch, working with online orders out of their distribution center in New Jersey. I feel very lucky to part of a brand based on entrepreneurship, passion, and creativity.
I am forever grateful to the ITM program and all of the professors I was lucky enough to learn from. What I admired most about the program was its goal of preparing us for our careers and the future of global trade. The advice I would give students is to get out there as soon as possible- part time work, internships, anything. Make as many connections as possible and never be afraid to try something new! If you work hard and are passionate, you will thrive in any position.
Posted May, 2016
ITM alumna 2010 and The Warnaco Group Inc. scholar, Cynthia Cheung, Fabric Research and Development Manager at Chico's headquarters in Fort Myers, Florida. In this photo, she is with her husband, Chris, and their son, Christopher.
Posted May, 2016: Ralph Lauren Corp. and New Times Group 2017 Scholarships Awarded
GABRIELLA MANDUCA, TAMAR BENSHALOM, ERIKA RENSTROM, AND ALEKSANDRA STEPNIK SELECTED TO SPLIT SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALLING $17,000 AND ORIANA DELGADO PICKED TO RECEIVE NEW TIMES GROUP SCHOLARSHIP FOR $2,800
We are pleased to announce that the Selection Committee has chosen Gabriella Mandula, Tamar Benshalom, Erika Renstrom, and Aleksandra (Ola) Stepnik as co-recipients of academic year 2017’s Ralph Lauren Scholarships and Oriana Delgado as the beneficiary of the 2017 New Times Group ITM Scholarship.
The committee was composed of David Uricoli, Vice President of Global Human Rights Compliance at Ralph Lauren Corporation; Robin Solow, Senior Director of Global Talent Management at Ralph Lauren Corporation; Meghan Campbell, Coordinator of Global Talent Management, Human Resources at Ralph Lauren Corp.; Paul Magel, President of Business Applications and Technology Outsourcing Division at Computer Generated Solutions and ITM Advisory Board member; Claudia Huerta, International Business Consultant and L’Oreal and ITM alumna; and Analeesa Ciampi, Trade Compliance Specialist, Louis Vuitton Americas and ITM alumna.
Posted May 2016: THREE ITM MAJORS TO SHARE THE 2016-2017 PVH CORP.SCHOLARSHIP TOTALLING $15,000
ITM is proud to announce that the Selection Committee has chosen Aleksandra (Ola) Stepnik, Tamar Benshalom, and Yihyun (Kara) Kim as co-recipients of the 2016-2017 PVH Inc. scholarships. They were so impressive that PVH intends to augment the scholarship funds allocated by FIT’s board of trustees to ensure that each of them receives $5,000.
The Selection Committee included Guy Vickers, President of The PVH Foundation and Senior Vice President of Global Community Relations at PVH Corp; Amy Anderson, University Program Manager, Talent Acquisition of PVH Corp.; Joanne L. Krakowski, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mt and ITM alumna; Estefania Garcia-Correa, PVH scholar 2014 and Account Executive for Latin America Business Development, Vilebrequin; and John Garcia, PVH (formerly Warnaco Inc. Group) scholar in 2009 and currently in transition from Project Manager at NBC Universal to Marketing Specialist at BBC Latin America in Florida.
Posted April 2016: Talking Trade Guest Lecture Series
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Updates on Other Trade Agreements
Left to right: Beth Ring, Prof. Christine Pomeranz, Edward Hertzman, Julia K. Hughes, and Thomas Crockett
Posted: April, 2016: Gemini Shippers Association Academic 2016 Scholarship Awarded
ERIKA RENSTROM SELECTED TO RECEIVE $3,100 SCHOLARSHIP
We are pleased to announce that the Scholarship Selection Committee comprised of longtime ITM supporter, donor, and Lifetime Achievement Awardee ITM advisory board member, Sara Mayes, President of Gemini Shippers Association; Sophie Miyashiro, International Trade Specialist and U.S. Customs Broker and exceptional ITM alumna 2013; and Prof. Carla QuatraroDarcy, ITM Mentoring Coordinator and outstanding ITM alumna 2015, have chosen Erika Renstrom as the recipient of the 20162017 Gemini Shippers Association Academic Scholarship.
Posted April 2016: Talking Trade Guest Lecture Series
Understanding the Importance of Cultural Diversity in Global Business
Left to right: Terrence Clark, Prof. Christine Pomeranz, Derek Burks, Dean Steven Frumkin, Ms. Nicole Arnaboldi, Prof. Subash Midha, and Patricia Goodwin-Peters
Posted April, 2016: New 2016-2017 ITM WORLD TRADE WEEK SCHOLARSHIPS
Through the fundraising efforts of World Trade Week NYC (WTW NYC) committee of the New York District Export Council (NYDEC), a next generation five-year program has been developed. It is a very exciting endeavor by WTW NYC to foster an environment in the tri-state area that inspires undergraduates and recent graduates to work in international trade. This, in turn, is intended to support talent educated by key New York City and state institutions and further grow our local economy. The launch of the WTW NYC Next Generation Program will start with two scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each that will be offered in 2016 to help cover educational expenses for an academic year for undergraduate students majoring in international trade or international business. One scholarship will be awarded to a student at the Department of International Trade and Marketing (ITM) at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), SUNY and one scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student majoring in international business at Baruch College/CUNY.
Posted March 2016
Join me in congratulating Guillermo C. Jimenez and Elizabeth Pulos on the publication of their open textbook, Good Corporation, Bad Corporation: Corporate Social Responsibility in the Global Economy!
Good Corporation, Bad Corporation: Corporate Social Responsibility in the Global Economy by Guillermo C. Jimenez and Elizabeth Pulos, is available at: Open SUNY Textbooks
Posted March 21, 2016
ITM adjunct instructor, Marie Driscoll wrote an article published in Luxury Daily
on 21 March, 2016 about the merits of considering Amazon's strategies for staying
competitive in the global fashion market.
Posted February 24, 2016: ITM Student Bruno Meira is planning a Models and Stylists Networking Conference on April 9th, 2016
Photo credits to FIT Photography Student Nikki Taylor Massaro
Bruno is the president and founder of the FIT Models and Stylists Association, now in its fourth season. Together with his team, Bruno has created a networking platform at FIT for models, stylists, photographers, videographers, bloggers, hair/ makeup artists, future and current industry leaders. Last year, Bruno produced the first Models and Stylists Networking Conference at the Katie Murphy Amphitheater featuring Claire Unabia from America's Next Top Model and Q Model Barrett Pall and it was a key event that brought the members an opportunity to form connections and ideas.
This year FITMSA will collaborate with Menswear Club to incorporate fashion show segments with collections by and for FIT, in order to showcase the association’s talents in action and open a door for our members during the networking reception. The collection is being coordinated by head student designer and Menswear Club Vice-President Dakota Campbell and supervised by designer Sylvio Kovacic.
FITMSA is looking to have a production that reflects their spirit in every aspect, from classic invitation boxes to their very own publication, MODE, that features FIT models, stylists and fashion staff.
Posted January 21, 2016: Talking Trade @ FIT Guest Lecture Series
Fashion Law and Ethical Fashion: Fashion Licensing and Responsible Sourcing
Thursday, 3 March, 2016
As the fashion industry moves overwhelmingly to address labor, ethical and environmental
challenges in sourcing, increasing pressure is also brought to bear on licensees.
Licensing, which is perhaps the most prevalent business mode in the fashion industry,
can complicate the process, because both licensor and licensee have interests in maintaining
a clean supply chain. In this Talking Trade panel, two fashion law experts will review
the law and practice of responsible sourcing in the licensing context.
Moderator: Guillermo Jimenez, Associate Professor, International Trade & Marketing (ITM), Fashion Institute of Technology
Speaker: Mr. Adam Ziedenweber, Vice President, Sourcing Compliance, G-III Apparel Group
Understanding the Importance of Cultural Diversity in Global Business
Thursday, 21 April, 2016
in Partnership with Prof. Subash Midha, Global Strategy Advisory (India) International
Business and Finance, NYU
A panel of experts will discuss how cultural diversity serves to enrich career satisfaction
while achieving
corporate missions in the global marketplace.
Welcome: Dean Steven Frumkin, Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology, Fashion Institute of Technology
Keynote Speaker: Ms. Nicole Arnaboldi, J.D., Managing Director & Vice Chairman, Asset Management Division, Credit Suisse Group AG
Collaborator/Moderator: Prof. Subash Midha, Global Strategy Advisory (India), International Business and Finance, NYU
Panelists:
· Olga Vidisheva, Founder and CEO, Shoptiques.com
· Terrence Clark, President and CEO of the New York New Jersey Minority Supplier Development
Council
· Patricia Goodwin-Peters, Vice President of Global Rewards, Kate Spade & Company
TransPacific Partnership and Updates on Free Trade Agreements
Monday, 2 May, 2016
in Partnership with Sourcing Journal and the New York District Export Council during
World Trade Month
The distinguished panel will discuss the benefits and challenges derived by international fashion companies from free trade agreements with emphasis on the Trans Pacific Partnership.
Moderator: Ed Hertzman, Founder and Publisher, Sourcing Journal
Panelists:
• Julia K. Hughes, President, United States Fashion Industry Association
• Nicole Bivens Collinson, International Trade and Government Relations, Sandler,
Travis & Rosenberg
• Thomas Crokett, Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Footwear Distributors
and Retailers of America
Posted January 21, 2016: Fall 2016 Field Trip to American President Lines' (APL) Operations at Maher Terminals
Wednesday, 6 April, 2016
Tour will cover the vessel operations and on dock rail operations.
Posted January 21, 2016: ITM Alumna Named 2016 NYC Venture Fellow
Jade Huang, CEO of StyleSage (FIT ITM 2006), has been named a 2016 NYC Venture Fellow, by the NYC Economic Development Corporation and 92nd Street Y. She joins a class of accomplished entrepreneurs for a year-long mentorship from well known industry executives and investors. NYC Venture Fellows alumni include CEO and founders from Foursquare, Etsy, SecondMarket, Warby Parker, MakerBot, Rent the Runway, and Paperless Post.
2015
Posted November 11, 2015: Talking Trade Guest Lecture Series
Your Head-to-Toe Guide to International Ethical Fashion & Non-toxic Beauty
Kate Black, Founder, Magnifeco, at the Talking Trade @ FIT event, Your Head-to-Toe Guide to International Ethical Fashion & Non-toxic Beauty on 11 November, 2015 and her book signing sponsored by FIT's Barnes and Noble bookstore immediately following the guest lecture.
Posted October 16 , 2015: Digital Learning Event with Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard
ITM Chair, Christine Pomeranz, and Honorable Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia and current Chancellor of Ducere, about the future of education at LiveTiles on 30 September, 2015. Photo by: Don Pollard
Posted October 16 , 2015
Bottega Veneta's Mr. Sung An, CEO of the Americas; Ms. Jessica Ferguson, Manager of Human Resources; Mr. Tyler March, Store Manager of the U.S. Flagship store; and Mr. Paolo Reategui, Sales Manager of the U.S. Flagship store hosted ITM students at a field trip in which they discussed the global brand's identity, craftsmanship, timelessness as well as their own careers and internship opportunities there.
Posted October 16 , 2015: NY Fashion Week Spring 2016 Badgley Mischka Collection
ITM alumnae, Carla Quatraro-D'Arcy and Sophie Miyashiro, along with GFM alumna, Hutoxi Antia, joined ITM Chair, Christine Pomeranz, at Badgley Mischka's presentation of its spring 2016 collection at The Arc at Moynihan Station, new site of New York Fashion Week.
Posted August 24, 2015: Talking Trade @ FIT Fall 2015 Guest Lecture Series
African Fashion and International Business: Creative Economies Powered by Capacity
Building, Education, Entrepreneurship, Women Empowerment, and Innovation
Speaker: Ms. Roberta Annan, Founder and Principal, Roberta Annan Consulting
African fashion is on the rise. Africa is making waves in the commercial fashion
industry with the use of traditional patterns and textiles. Yet, failing economies
and lack of investment opportunities have put African Designers out of focus and exclusion
from the global fashion market. Join Roberta Annan, Founder of Fraillain, as she
discusses the Frallain Initiative and its role in creating a platform for African
designers through capacity building, education, and women empowerment.
Marketing and Licensing in Latin America
Speaker: Ms. Karina Spar, Executive Vice President of Licensing, Tommy Hilfiger
Ms. Sylvia Reyes, Director of Apparel and Textiles USA, Procolombia (invited)
A panel of experts will discuss their career path, experience with licensing in Latin
America, in which countries they are focusing, the challenges they are facing, as
well as how they are competing with international and local brands there, and provide
advice to students and graduates who aspire for a similar careers.
Your Head-to-Toe Guide to International Ethical Fashion & Non-toxic Beauty
Master of Ceremonies: Prof. Guillermo Jimenez, Associate Professor, Department of
International Trade and Marketing, Fashion Institute of Technology
Speaker: Kate Black, Founder, Magnifeco.com and EcoSessions, and Author, Magnifeco:
Your Head-to-Toe Guide to Ethical Fashion and Non-toxic Beauty
Our distinguished guest speaker will highlight how the fashion industry's reputation
for international social responsibility can be elevated through brands and designers
leading the way so that consumers can make more ethical choices and feel better about
what they wear.
Posted August 24, 2015: Fall 2015 Field Trip to Bottega Veneta
On-site visit organized by Mr. Sung An, Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Jessica Ferguson, Human Resources Manager, Bottega Veneta. Tour includes a visit to Bottega Venetas flagship store and its home products showroom, a presentation from the company's Chief Executive Officer on his career and the company's leaders regarding internships and its international activities.
Posted Jun 4, 2015: RALPH LAUREN ITM AND NEW TIMES GROUP ITM SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO FIVE ITM MAJORS
We are pleased to announce that the Selection Committee, composed of Mike Cottell, Senior Vice President of Menswear at Ralph Lauren Corporation; Erin Erotokritos, Manager of Talent Management at Ralph Lauren Corporation; Fariba Jalili, Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Diane Von Furstenberg, ITM Advisory Board member, and ITM alumna; Paul Magel, President of Computer Generated Solutions and ITM Advisory Board member; Analeesa Steiha, Customs Compliance Coordinator at Louis Vuitton and ITM alumna; and Claudia Huerta, recent intern at Stella McCartney at Adidas in Germany and ITM alumna, has chosen Selamawit (Selam) Remillard, Estefania Garcia-Correa, and Manjing Yang as the recipients of academic year 2015’s Ralph Lauren ITM Scholarships and Marta Mizgala and Elizabeth (Liz) Pulos as the co-recipients of the 2015 New Times Group ITM Scholarship.
Posted Jun 4, 2015: Gemini Shippers Association Academic 2015 Scholarship Awarded, Bruno G. Meira Selected to Receive $3,000 Scholarship
We are pleased to announce that the Scholarship Selection Committee comprised of long-time ITM supporter, donor, and Lifetime Achievement Awardee ITM advisory board member, Sara Mayes , President of Gemini Shippers Association; Prof. Amanda Barlow, Vice President of Roanoke Insurance Group, ITM advisory board member and outstanding ITM alumna 2005; and Sophie Miyashiro, Customs Broker and exceptional ITM alumna 2009, have chosen Bruno Meira as the recipient of the 2015-2016 Gemini Shippers Association Academic Scholarship.
Posted Jun 4, 2015: THREE ITM MAJORS TO SHARE THE 2015-2016 PVH CORP. SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALING $15,000
ITM is proud to announce that the Selection Committee has chosen Ayanna Clarke, Bruno Meira, and Kelsey Antonino as co-recipients of the 2015-2016 PVH Inc. scholarships. They were so impressive that PVH intends to augment the scholarship funds allocated by FIT's board of trustees to ensure that each of them receives $5,000.
The Selection Committee included Guy Vickers, President of The PVH Foundation and Senior Vice President of Global Community Relations at PVH Corp; Joanne Krakowski, Special Consultant and ITM alumna; and Estefania Garcia-Correa, current PVH scholar and graduating ITM student.
Last year's recipients, Estefania Garcia-Correa and Elizabeth Pulos, also just received the SUNY Chancellor Award in Student Excellence earlier this year.
Posted Jun 4, 2015: FIT Students with North Carolina State Students in Shanghai, Spring 2016
Posted Jun, 2015: International Trade & Marketing Export Certificate of Appreciation
The U.S. Department of Commerce awarded Fashion Institute of Technology's Department of International Trade and Marketing with its Export Certificate of Appreciation at World Trade Week's kick-off Breakfast on 11 May, 2015. Prof. Christine Pomeranz accepted the award on the Department's behalf. ITM student leader, Kelsey Antonino, also received the Next Generation Scholarship awarded by the New York District Export Council at the same event.
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Posted April 9, 2015: ITM Alumni at Sustainable Sourcing Forum Held on 24 March, 2015 Organized by Prof. Shireen Musa
Posted April 8, 2015: Two ITM Students Receive SUNY Chancellor Award for Student Excellence
Elizabeth Pulos and Estefania Garcia-Correa received the prestigious SUNY Chancellor Award for Student Excellence on 2 April, 2015. Accompanying them in the photo is Suzanne McGillicuddy, Assistant Dean of Students.
Posted April 6, 2015: Sonja Chapman, Secretary of the U.S. Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)
Professor Sonja Chapman, who teaches international logistics and import/export regulations in the Department of International Trade & Marketing (ITM), has been elected national Secretary to the Board of Directors of the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA). Founded in 1989 as the United States Association of Importers of Textiles & Apparel (USA-ITA) with the goal of eliminating the global apparel quota system, USFIA now works to eliminate the tariff and non-tariff barriers impeding the industry's ability to trade freely and create economic opportunities in the United States and abroad. USFIA has its headquarters in Washington D.C.
Professor Chapman, a part-time adjunct assistant professor in ITM since 2003, was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in 2003 to represent importers in the Board of Directors of the Cotton Board, a national organization dedicated to the research and promotion of U.S. cotton fiber and reviewing and approving the marketing and promotion plans of its sole source contractor, Cotton Incorporated. During her tenure as member of the Cotton Board, Sonja has chaired the Strategic Assessment Committee and participated in the Consumer Marketing, Global Supply Chain Marketing, and Importer Support committees.
Professor Chapman is a Licensed Customhouse Broker who has worked in the apparel industry for over 30 years. She is currently the Director of International Traffic and Imports for the Golden Touch Group, four companies specializing in women's and junior apparel. She has developed and conducted training workshops for companies such as Philipps Van Huesen, led industry workshops both domestically and internationally, and taught at the postgraduate level for the Bangkok International Fashion Academy and Moscow State University.
Professor Chapman says that her new role as national Secretary of the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) will enrich her classes at FIT with new experiences and current debates in international trade, especially at a time when new treaties, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) are being debated in Washington D.C.
Posted Jan 20, 2015: Field Trip to Material ConneXion
Tuesday, March 3
Material ConneXion lobby, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor
Tour will cover Material ConneXions extensive collection of fashion apparel & footwear
and presentation on how they relate to international trade and marketing.
Posted Jan 20, 2015: Talking Trade @ FIT Spring 2014 Guest Lecture Series
Ethiopia's Strategy for Harnessing Supply Chain Textile Opportunities in East Africa
In partnership with U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Commercial Service in Ethiopia
Friday, 27 February, 2015
Moderator: Prof. Josh Green, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Paniva and ITM
Advisory Board member
Panelists:
Mr. William McRaith, Chief Supply Chain Officer, PVH Corp.
Hon. Patricia M. Haslach, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia
Liya Kebede, Model and Proprietor of Lemlem (invited)
The panelists will explore success tools for doing business in Ethiopia, focusing
on supply chain and logistics strategies for the textile industry. The panel will
highlight innovative branding, partnership, and trade promotion techniques for doing
business in Ethiopia. A panel of distinguished speakers will discuss how duty considerations
drive fabric development, garment and shoe design/construction, and increase the profitability
of fashion companies.
New Era of Global Sourcing
In partnership with Sourcing Journal Online
Thursday, 23 April, 2015
Speaker: Ms. Karen Murray, President of Sportswear Coalition; VF Corp, Nautica, Kipling
and John Varvatos
As the fashion business evolves into a more global and mobile business, so too are
the skill sets required to keep the more than one trillion dollar industry moving
forward with innovation and newness. The Future of Fashion, presented by Fashion Institute
of Technology's Library & Department of International Trade and Marketing and Sourcing
Journal is an evening dedicated to shining a spotlight on the vast opportunities that
extend beyond the runway available to the next generation of fashion leaders.
China's Super Consumers: Changing China, Changing the World
In partnership with the New York District Export Council at World Trade Week
Wednesday, 6 May, 2015
Master of Ceremonies: Thomas Pollak, President, Tally-Ho Creations, Pollak Import/Export
Corp. and ITM Advisory Board member
Speaker: Mr. Michael A. Zakkour, Principal, Technomic Asia, a Tompkins Company and
co-author of book, China's Super Consumers
Our distinguished speaker will discuss how marketing to China has been transformed,
how China's consumers themselves are influencing marketing around the world, and how
companies can enhance their sales and exports to the burgeoning Chinese market.