Events

Spring 2025

Talking Trade @ FIT Alumni Career Panel

Wednesday, 19 March 2025
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Dubinsky Student Center, 8th Floor Alcove
Open to the FIT Community. Free Event. No prior registration required.

Moderator: Sonja Chapman, Associate Professor, Dept. of ITM
Panelists: Invited
Ms. Ashley Cast, (ITM 2017) Green Trade Compliance Manager, Tapestry
Ms. Claire Matern, (ITM 2014), Founder and CEO of Joni

How to Make Apparel Happen: Behind the Seams

Monday, 5 May 2025
2:15 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
HOSTED VIRTUALLY
Open to the FIT Community. Free Event. No prior registration required.

Fall 2024 Events

Talking Trade @ FIT- FTZ & Landing Costs

Opportunites with Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) & Understanding "Landing Costs"

Monday, 23 September 2024
Noon–5 pm
Morris W. and Fannie B. Haft Theatre, Feldman Center
Open to the FIT Community. Free Event. No prior registration required. 

Speakers: 

Christine Pomeranz- Chair, Department of International Trade and Marketing 
Carmela Mammas- Director, New York Export Assistance Center, Department of Commerce
Ken Obrien-Chief Executive Office, Gemini Shippers Association
John Giordano- Managing Director, Citrin Cooperman
Daniel Gastaldi- Senior Logistics Analyst, Port Authority NY/NJ
Alex Sarkin, Risk Management Consultant, ICC Industrial Coverage
Thomas Cook- CEO, Blue Tiger International

The sessions will cover landed costs in global supply chain, tariff mitigating strategies, fashion industry applications, services of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Department of Commerce Resources, insurance, and bonding requirements.

Talking Trade @ FIT- Sustainable Cotton Passport

The Way to True Sustainable Cotton Passport

Thursday, 21 November 2024
2:30–4:30 pm
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre, Pomeranz Building.
Open to the FIT Community. Free Event. No prior registration required.

Keynote Speaker: Akiko Inui, Chair, Cotton Board
Moderators: Sonja Chapman, Associate Professor, Dept. ITM
                            Vincent Quan, Associate Professor, Dept. FBM
Distinguished Speaker: Trenton Rae, Americas Membership Lead (consultant), US Cotton Trust Protocol
Faculty Featured Speaker: Ann Cantrell, Associate Professor, Dept. FBM

2024 Apparel Importers Trade & Transportation Conference

SAVE THE DATE

November 13, 2024
For more information:  Contact associate professor [email protected], International Trade and Marketing, Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology. 

Past Events 

Talking Trade @ FIT Endstate

In collaboration with International Trade and Marketing, Fashion Business Management, and Footwear and Accessories Design on the Occasion of World Trade Week

Tuesday, 16 April 2024
9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Morris W. and Fannie B. Haft Theatre, Feldman Building 
Open to the FIT Community. Free Event. No prior registration required.

Distinguised Speakers:
Bennett Collen, Co-Founder and CEO, Endstate
Stephanie Howard, Co-founder and COO, Endstate

Bennett Collen and Stephanie Howard, founders of Endstate, are set to discuss their pioneering approach to merging blockchain technology and design innovation for national and global markets. They will delve into Endstate's groundbreaking methods for creating products that meld real-world assets with experiences. Their expertise promises to offer valuable insights into consumer engagement and the relationship between individuals, their passions, and their favorite products. 

Talking Trade @ FIT Alumni Career Panel
 

Wednesday, 6 March 2024
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Dubinsky Student Center, 8th Floor Alcove
Open to the FIT Community. Free Event. No prior registration required.

Moderator: Sonja Chapman, Associate Professor, Dept. of ITM

Panelists:
Kristen Rust (ITM 2019), Associate Social Brand Manager, Maesa
Angela Serpe (ITM 2019), Global Logistics & Supply Chain Coordinator, Magnakron Corporation
Joseph Marchini (ITM 2021), Logistics Coordinator, Jetro Restaurant Depot
Stephanie Aghassi (ITM 2020), Assistant Buyer, Macy's Volunteer, The Workshop at Macy's

Designed to Deliver: 2023 International Trade & Marketing Forum

September 18, 2023
9 am–6 pm
John E. Reeves Great Hall
Open to the FIT Community. Free Event.

9–10 am, Leadership in Sustainable Businesses
Dr. Shireen Musa
Chan Ju Chung, ITM Student

10–11 am, Life in the Luxury Lane
Prof. Henry Welt

11 am–Noon, International Trade Operations for Small Enterprises
Prof. Lawrence Delson

Noon–1 pm, ITM Chair Luncheon Presentation
Prof. Christine Pomeranz 

1–2 pm, Deciphering the Supply Chain
Prof. Sonja Chapman

2–3 pm, The Bold and the Beautiful: What it Takes for a Compliance Career
Prof. Elizabeth Hodur , AVP International Trade, Knitwell Group (formally ascena Retail Group)
Lea-Ann Bigelow, Director of Green Trade Policy & Programs at CBP
Rachel Riedl, Americas CFO, Ernst & Young LLP

3–3:30 pm, Networking Break with Refreshments

3:30–5 pm, Interdisciplinary Research Sharing Panel
Prof. Meg Joseph (Global Fashion Management )
Prof. Karen Trivette (GML)

5–6 pm, Cross Border eCommerce & Social Media: Driving Growth for Small  Businesses
Prof. Mark Greiz 

Talking Trade @ FIT: Changing Trade Flows for Apparel

Thursday, 28 September 2023
6:30–8 pm
Dubinsky Center, 8th Floor Alcove A 
Free Event
» View Program

Professor Sonja Chapman will discuss the changing textile and apparel trade flows post 301 sanctions vs. post implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

This event is made possible through a partnership with: 

Talking Trade @ FIT: Reflections on the US-Brazil WTO Trade Dispute

A Conversation with Cotton Board CEO Bill Gillon
*POSTPONED UNTIL SPRING 2024

» Review the Panel Report in the US-Brazil Cotton Dispute (.pdf)

In 2002 Brazil filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), accusing the United States of violating international trade agreements by providing American cotton farmers with subsidies, such as export credit guarantees, direct payments to farmers, and various other support resources. These subsidies were deemed to harm Brazil and other cotton developing countries because they could not compete with the U. S.’s cheaper prices in global cotton markets. A WTO panel studied the case and reached a verdict. 

Bill Gillon, President and CEO of The Cotton Board, will reflect on this historical trade case and about his role while defending the US in this international trade dispute.

This event is made possible through a partnership with: 

Talking Trade @ FIT: WITA on Career Pathways Panel

Monday, 9 October 2023
3:15–6 pm EST (two sessions, see below)
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre, Pomerantz Center or Watch Online
Free Event, Open to FIT Students and Faculty
» WITA on Career Pathways Program(.pdf)
» Monday's Pathways to Opportunity - FIT Zoom recording, use passcode: $%2rSPjZ

In partnership with the Washington International Trade Association (WITA) Academy, students will gain insight from trade professionals, pose questions to policymakers, and learn about exciting career opportunities in international affairs, business, and trade. Key take away will be an understanding of the trade policy-making community, the role of its key players, and the opportunities for internships and careers.  

SESSION ONE
3:30–4:45 pm EST
Career opportunities in the public sector.

SESSION TWO
4:45–6 pm EST
Private sector opportunities

Students who attended at least 50% of sessions receive a free one-year membership to the WITA, a certificate of achievement, and access to attend WITA online policy discussions free of charge for one year. 

35th Apparel Importers Trade & Transportation Conference

Wednesday, 8 November 2023
9 am–4 pm 
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre & Great Reeves Hall
» Trade & Transportation Conference Website

Industry professionals present on policies, global supply chain, and sourcing trends. In partnership with the United States Fashion Industry Association. 

Talking Trade @ FIT: A Day in the Life of Diverse Impactful Founders

 

 

Moderator: 
David Uricoli Principal, Uricoli Consulting Inc.

Opening Speaker:
Lucia DeRespinis, Executive Director,  Office of the Grands & Sponsored Programs, FIT

Guest Speakers:
Kerry Bannigan, Founder & Exe. Director
Fashion Impact Fund 
Ngozi Okaro, Founder & Exe. Director Custom Collaborative

Thursday, 16 November 2023
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Katie Murphy Amphitheatre "D" Building Lobby or Virtual
Free Event
» RSVP
» Livestream

Our special guest speakers will discuss what it takes found and run a non-profit int he fashion industry, collaborate with the United Nations to achieve its Sustainability Development Goals, as well as hone the specialized skills of promising leaders through business education and other lifelong mentorship for the next generation of professionals. 

Spring 2023 Talking Trade @ FIT

The Impact of U.S. Policies on New York-Based Importers and Exporters

Thursday, 4 May 2023
» Watch the Recorded Video: Impact of U.S. Policies on New York-Based Importers and Exporters 

In Partnership with the New York District Export Council on the occasion of World Trade Week

Global supply chains are emerging from the impact of the pandemic and are adjusting to a "new norm" of international sourcing, import operations, and foreign business development. Since the passing of USMCA, all new export controls, sanctions, and tariffs have been originated by executive orders rather than congressional action. New York-based companies with a global footprint need to understand Washington, DC's actions to support US based exports and favorably impact inbound supply chains against the backdrop of a Democratic-led Senate and Republican-led House. This commercial expert panel will frame the issues to share their views and outline opportunities for legislative and government action.

Panelists:
Tom A. Cook, Managing Director, Blue Tiger International & National Institute for World Trade
Robert Leo, Esq. Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury LLP
Julia K. Hughes, President of the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)

Past Events

 

Alumni Career Panel: Off the Beaten Path

March 15, 2023

ITM Alumni discuss careers in Trade outside of Fashion and/or Careers in Fashion outside of Trade.  

Moderator:
Sonja Chapman, Associate Professor, International Trade and Marketing
Panelists:
Kyuwon "Kate" Han, Director of Product Development To The Market,  ITM 2022
Pauline Kerner, Events Specialist for Saks Fifth Ave, ITM 2020
Victoria Selg, Wholesale Logistics Coordinator, Slip Silk, ITM 2020 Cum Laude
Angela Serpe, Global Logistics Coordinator and Product Manager, ITM 2019
Samantha Velez, Law Clerk, Coffey Modica O’Meara Capowski LLP, ITM 2018

The ESG Challenge

November 9, 2022

Global brands must consistently navigate the protocols, cultures, and shifting legal sands upon which these international trade and marketing realities have functioned. "Environmental, social, and governance" (ESG) can lead to demanding and disruptive protocols, displacing traditional ways of thinking and time-tested norms. 

The forum offered insights and strategies on bedrock issues: regulatory challenges to global trade from ESG and intellectual property standards, reconciling ESG with business growth and revenue objectives, avoiding greenwashing in global ESG advertising/marketing, and protecting brand integrity by leading ESG with company values. 

Keynote Speaker:
Bill D'Arienzo, Founder, WDA Brand Strategies Management

Panelists:
Sydney Price, Founder and CEO, The Knew Purpose (TKP)
Pamela Church, Partner and Head of IP, Baker & McKenzie LLP
Gian Mario Borney, Worldwise Strategy Executive, Advisor, and Educator of Fashion and Luxury Management, Strategic Business Development, and Strategic Alliances

Presented in partnership with the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology.

Supply Chain Disruption and Logistics: Lessons Learned

October 17, 2022

The pandemic created a perfect storm of conditions that turned working logistical operations into perpetual log-jams. Key leaders across the logistics industry discussed the challenges, costs, where we are now, and what we have learned.

Moderator:
Sonja Chapman, Associate Professor, International Trade and Marketing, FIT

Key Speaker:
Bethann Rooney, Deputy Director, Port Department - PA NY/NJ

Presented in partnership with the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology. 

International Marketing Careers in the Age of the Digital Consumers

May 5, 2022 

With Gen Z emerging as the "sustainability generation," the panel discussed international marketing career options influenced by technology, the pandemic, and this consumer group's tendency to be fully online as the digital revolution evolves and as it becomes the most important spending group in 2026.

Moderator:
Mark Greiz, Adjunct Instructor, International Trade and Marketing, FIT; Founder/International Marketing Consultant, Mark Greiz Consulting

Panelists:
Dimitri Koumbis, Integrated Digital Marketer and Lecturer, Parsons School of Design at the New School and Rutgers Business School
Bill D'Arienzo, PhD, Founder and Chief Brand Officer, WDA Brand Strategies
Syaman Meagher, NFT and Web3 Evangelist; CEO Consultant to Pre-Rev and Early Growth Stage Startups
Susanna Chow, Founder, Susanna Chow ; former marketing executive at MAC cosmetics and NARS

Presented in partnership with the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology.

Alumni Career Panel: When It's Time to Move On

March 30, 2022

ITM alumni discuss how to recognize when a career move will be beneficial or if there is still more opportunity for growth where you are.

Panelists: 
Eric Ezratty, Operations Manager, The Clear Cut Co.
Alia Reyna, Associate Global Security, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Amber Carnahan, Sourcing Analyst, Kohl's 

Presented in partnership with the New York District Export Council on the occasion of World Trade Week.

Decoding Destiny: Soundbites from the C-Suite for FIT

November 1, 2021

ITM advisory board member Dr. Anastasia Xenias in discussion with Jerry Rauchwerger, entrepreneur and co-founder of Beauty Soutions, Ltd. Rauchwerger discussed the evolution of this rapidly-growing enterprise into a New York exporting powerhouse.

Mistress of Ceremonies: 
Irina Kapetenakis, principal and chief experience officer, corben&lane

Guest of Honor: 
Sandra Campos, CEO of Project Verte and Founder of Fashion Launchpad (former CEO of Diane von Furstenberg)

Presented in partnership with the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology.