Warnaco Group Scholarships

  Posted: Oct 24, 2012
2012-2013 THE WARNACO GROUP, INC. SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
TWO ITM MAJORS RECEIVE SHCOLARSHIPS WORTH $5768
ITM is proud to announce that the Warnaco Scholarship Selection Committee has chosen Nicole Lorden and Chelsea Cooper as recipients of the 2012-2013 The Warnaco Group, Inc. Scholarships. The Committee included Gail Monroe- Perry, Senior Director Talent Acquisition, Warnaco; Yadira Jankowski, Manager, Internal Communications, Warnaco; Eric Hertz, President, Center for Executive Development; Laura Rowen, Vice President, International Operations, Brooks Brothers; as well as Colette Young and Larissa Zemke, both Warnaco scholars and ITM alumnae 2012. The judges observed the successful scholarship recipients exceptional drive to perform, focused sense of how they wished to pursue their careers, their professionalism, leadership potential in the field of fashion, and service to the global community. The program is especially thankful to Warnaco and its dedicated employees for once again providing extra funding to ensure that this year's selection would cover FIT's increased tuition.
N. LordenNicole impressed the Selection Committee with her excellent academic achievements, having graduated Summa Cum Laude from her associate degree and becoming a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She also received the UCE Louis Stollar commencement award and scholarship, the Peter Vogel Leadership Key, and has been participating in a major ITM free trade agreement research initiative sponsored by Cotton Incorporated.

In addition, Nicole was a stylist intern at Style Made Simple, which involved Weight Watchers and Oprah magazines. She also worked for Bella Bridesmaid, reorganizing its showroom for easy access to its merchandise and coordinating with its designers.
Nicole is the president of ITSA and was director of business relations for the 2011-2012 FIT Dance-A-Thon. She was the Executive Board Treasurer of the FIT Student Association, Member Relations Manager and Assistant Marketing Manager of the Merchandising Society, FIT student ambassador, ed skills peer mentor and student note taker, volunteered at the Ven Exiana Spring 2010 fashion show as well as the Opera Swimwear fashion show, and assisted special needs individuals at the Special Olympics.
After graduating from ITM, Nicole intends to attend business school and become a driving force in the international business and trade field for the fashion industry.
Chelsea CooperChelsea's professionalism, her ability to think on her feet, and the depth of her understanding and commitment to the ITM major and international corporate responsibility were immediately evident to the Selection Committee. In her enthusiastic recommendation of Chelsea, Dr. Irene Buchman highlighted that ITM is a perfect fit for her global interests and skills. In addition to her major, Chelsea is minoring in Psychology, Economics, and Latin American Studies.

Chelsea is currently the vice president of the International Trade Student Association (ITSA) after having served it as treasurer a year earlier, a Presidential scholar, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa international honors society as well as a Senior Resident Assistant, Student Ambassador, and Sustainability Council member at FIT. She was a marketing and design intern as well as visual merchandising assistant at Ellen Tracy for almost four years, helping the design team maintain mood boards and fabric swatches while conducting trend research. Chelsea was also a sales representative of Group 868, presenting international designers collections to buyers during bridal market week. At the High School of Fashion Industries, Chelsea was mentored by former ITM advisory board member, Mr. Mark Mendelson, who enabled her to work on projects with Saks Fifth Avenue, Ann Taylor, and Macy's. Chelsea has worked in the industry since she was fifteen and continues to give back by mentoring teens attending Fashion Industries High School.
Chelsea received the United College Employees of FIT Leadership Scholarship and Gladys Marcus Award in 2011. She was also a member of FIT's Sustainability Council and Phi Theta Kappa honors society, volunteered for Intertek's Ethical Sourcing Forum, Woodstock Intermediate School, as well as the Black Retail Action Group, and studied at Symbiosis University in India. She also received a grant from Barnes and Noble to help build schools and teach English in Ecuador for the Global Volunteers program.
We hope that you will all join us in recognizing Nicole and Chelsea for their accomplishments!