2027 New Times Group ITM Scholarship Recipient

Claudia Barajas

Claudia Barajas has been selected as the recipient of academic year 2027’s New Times Group ITM Scholarship. 

As a Freelance Content Coordinator, Claudia oversees client outreach, contracts, pricing, and branding to ensure smooth workflows and repeat client satisfaction. She also coordinated product preparation and photographed fashion apparel, accessories, jewelry campaigns for social media, as well as e-commerce campaigns for SAACHI Style - InThings Co.  As an intern at Grande Cosmetics, she supported the PR and marketing team in product launch campaigns.

Impressed with Claudia’s maturity and professionalism, Prof. Sonja Chapman invited her to participate in a Dean's Invitational event connecting the FIT and Rutgers Business of Fashion master's programs, examining the impact of tariffs on Abercrombie & Fitch and potential strategic responses with “strong analytical skills and a clear understanding of the broader trade and supply chain implications”.

Claudia aims to be more involved in organizing events and bringing in commendable speakers to strengthen the ITM community. She also volunteered at the 2025 Apparel Trade & Transportation Conference, where she met professionals engaged in international trade and logistics. 

In her application for the scholarship, Claudia indicated that ITM has complemented her appreciation for design and aesthetics with lessons on supply chains, cross-cultural communication, marketing strategies, and global trade relationships. Over the medium-term, Claudia aspires to pursue a career with an established brand’s e-commerce, global sourcing, logistics, and strategic planning operations.

Selection Committee

• Fariba Jalili, COO of Watson Style Group, ITM advisory board member
• Gherese Felipe, President of the International Trade Student Association (recipient of nine scholarships as well as the ITM Department Medal)