Fashion Scholarship Fund

2020 Annual Report

2020

Top Eight Finalist Judging Event FSF Talent Acquisition Event

JANUARY

Class of 2020 Scholar Professional Development Event FSF Annual Awards Gala FSF Educator Summit

Launch of the FSF Equity Committee “New Year, New Narrative” Alumni Event

FEBRUARY

Accelerator Grant Portal Opened

MARCH

Weekly FSF Forum Series Commenced 2021 Case Study Competition Portal Opened

Now, More Than Ever Campaign Launched Educator Forum Series Commenced

APRIL

MAY

FSF Forum Series Concluded Alumni Association Virtual Event on MBA Programs

FSF Summer Scholar Series Began FSF’s Virtual Campus Visit

JUNE

FSF Accelerator Grant Winner Announced

JULY

Announcement of the Virgil Abloh TM “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund FSF Summer Series Continues

FSF Summer Scholar Series Concludes

AUGUST

Launch of the Alumni Mentoring Initiative SEPTEMBER

FSF x CFDA Virtual Talent Acquisition Event FSF Mentor Breakout Event

“Brands: Staying Relevant in a COVID-19 World” Alumni Association Virtual Event

OCTOBER Facing Fashion Campaign Launched Virgil Abloh x Vitra Auction NOVEMBER

Virgil Abloh’s HBCU Virtual Campus Visit

“Changing the Game, with Virgil Abloh and Angelo Baque” Alumni Association Virtual Event Class of 2021 Scholarship Recipients Announced in WWD Microsite Launched Featuring the Class of 2021 FSF Scholars FSF Online Auction

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A Toast to the Next Generation of Female Fashion Leaders

DECEMBER

FACING FASHION MISSION The Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) supports the careers of the country’s most talented young students from all fashion backgrounds.

The FSF awards over $1 million each year in scholarships to help these students succeed in all sectors of the industry: design, merchandising, marketing and analytics, and supply chain.

In short, the FSF is investing in the future of fashion.

The FSF also provides scholars with internship and career opportunities, mentorship, networking, professional development, and unprecedented access to the industry’s most influential leaders and companies.

The FSF was founded in 1937 and is the foremost fashion-oriented education and workforce development nonprofit in the U.S.

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I’M SPEECHLESS WHEN IT COMES TO THINKING ABOUT WHAT FSF HAS DONE FOR ME. IT REALLY IS A FAMILY. Sabrina Lee 2020 FSF Scholar from University of Delaware

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 7 Gala 12

2020 Impact 9

Scholarships 10

Internships / Career Placement

FSF Mentoring Programs for Scholars and Alumni 21 Summer Scholar Series 24 Accelerator Grant 32

18 FSF Forums 23

Alumni Association 31 Equity Initiative 33

The Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund 34 Awareness Campaigns and Events 38

Partnerships 36

Board of Governors 41

Financial Overview 42

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FRIENDS:

2020 has been a year without precedent. Last January, we gathered as usual for our Annual Gala, bringing 211 undergraduates from colleges and universities across the country together with fashion-industry leaders to award over $1 million in scholarship funding, celebrate our new Scholars, and welcome them to a lifetime of professional support.

Two months later, the pandemic brought wrenching change to our lives. Our Scholars and Alumni relied on our support—“Now, More Than Ever”—and we responded, creating opportunities for them to virtually forge connections, improve their skills, and regain their footing. Ironically, expanding our programming into the virtual sphere brought us all closer together.

Participation in our programs exploded and members of the FSF community, wherever they were located, were able to participate in the FSF Talent Acquisition Events, Summer Scholar Series, and other virtual events we hosted.

Amidst the many hardships of 2020 was a powerful and important movement for racial justice. The fashion industry has long been challenged to be more inclusive. We at the Fashion Scholarship Fund take seriously our mandate to foster a more just world by advancing the careers of underrepresented talent.

In 2020, we welcomed industry visionary Virgil Abloh as a member of our Board and launched the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund to foster equity within the industry. With his help, the Fashion Scholarship Fund will continue to work with our partners to promote social responsibility and support the remarkable young adults who are our Scholars and Alumni.

Marc Mastronardi Board President

&

Peter Arnold Executive Director

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Since 2000, FSF has awarded $13+ million in scholarships to 2,300+ undergraduates 2020 IMPACT FSF’s active Alumni community comprises

1,700+ FORMER SCHOLARS 500+ INDUSTRY LEADERS serve as mentors and judges

650 QUALIFIED APPLICANTS

from 60 FSF member schools completed a rigorous case study exercise

211 STUDENTS received scholarships ranging from $5,000 TO $35,000 $1,100,000+ in scholarship funds were awarded 90% OF GRADUATING SCHOLARS were paired with an industry mentor

100+ COMPANIES partnered with FSF to develop career opportunities for Scholars

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FSF SCHOLARSHIPS

FSF CASE STUDY SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION For students, the first step to joining the FSF community is to compete in the annual FSF Case Study competition. Divided into four disciplines—design and product development, merchandising, marketing analytics, and supply chain—the Case Study is a merit-based scholarship competition that challenges students to solve relevant problems facing the fashion industry. Our 2020 Case Study Scholarship competition challenged students to expand an existing company within the apparel, accessories, beauty, or home-goods categories into the international market from the perspective of one of the four aforementioned disciplines. Applicants were required to have a G.P.A. greater than 3.20 and to submit their Case Studies anonymously in order to maintain a non biased selection process. A total of 650 applicants from 60 of our member schools competed for the 2020 scholarship. Our reviewing body of 500 judges (including FSF mentors, Alumni, and industry partners) selected 211 of the submissions to receive awards based on their Case Study scores. In total, 203 scholars were awarded between $5,000 to $10,000 and eight top-scoring FSF finalists were awarded scholarships between $15,000 and $35,000. All 211 scholarship recipients were invited to attend the FSF Awards Gala in New York City as FSF’s guests.

OF OUR 2020 FSF SCHOLARS: 22% were Black, Indigenous, and People of Color 22% were Pell Grant-eligible 14% were first-generation in their families to earn a college degree 60% were graduates of public universities TOP EIGHT FINALISTS Of the 211 FSF Scholars, the eight recipients with the highest scores presented their Case Studies in person to a panel of fashion-industry leaders in New York City. The judges selected one winner for the $35,000 FSF Scholarship. All finalists appeared onstage at the FSF Awards Gala the following evening and the winners were announced.

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$35,000 RECIPIENT Tyshaia Earnest, Kent State University Her case study: Nordstrom and Period.org / A collaboration that provides a space for supporters and allies to organize and create a coalition to end period stigma and fight against period poverty. $15,000 FINALISTS Delawit Assefa from Virginia Commonwealth University: Zara and Adobe’s Bag of the Future / The ability to transform a traditional brickand-mortar shopping experience by integrating technology to reduce customer lead time.

Sarah Carlson from University of Delaware: adidas and Parley / Methodologies for measuring the collaboration’s success in advancing personalization and inspiring sustainable living in North America.

Caitlin O’Rourke from The Ohio State University: Old Navy and e.l.f.

Cosmetics / An e.l.f. line inspired by Vitamin Water Zero flavors for postworkout hydration.

Jemima Riviere from Savannah College of Art and Design: Amazon and Burberry / A concept to redefine what luxury shopping means to the modern consumer.

Ryan Stroup from University of Cincinnati: Old Navy and 4Ocean / A spring/summer capsule collection that promotes sustainable practices in clothing production and is inspired by the beauty of the California coast.

Jane Terrell from Virginia Commonwealth University: Gucci and Tanqueray / Exploring the cultural exchange of a collaboration between luxury fashion brand Gucci and gin brand Tanqueray from a marketing and merchandising perspective.

Danlin Zhang from Parsons School of Design: Christian Dior and Han Meilin / Art emanates from the heart—a women’s ready-to-wear collection.

NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS Named Scholarships make a difference in the lives of our talented young visionaries while contributing to the vitality of the fashion and related industries. Named Scholarships are created through a gift commitment for a term of at least three years. In 2020, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) provided funding for ten $5,000 scholarships and Ross Stores, Inc. underwrote seven $5,000 scholarships.

Additionally, the Zwerner Family, Diane Edelman, and Peter Sachse each provided support for Named Scholarships to our Scholars.

Beginning in the summer of 2020, 10% of net proceeds from brandonmaxwellonline.com were donated to the Fashion Scholarship Fund to underwrite scholarships for FSF Scholars who are BIPOC students with demonstrable financial need.

For information about creating a Named Scholarship or Scholarship Fund, please visit fashionscholarshipfund.org/for-our-partners

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2020 AWARDS GALA

On January 7, 2020, the fashion industry celebrated the 83rd Annual Fashion Scholarship Fund Awards Gala at the New York Hilton. Over 1,200 retailers, wholesalers, designers, and luminaries gathered together to enjoy food and cocktails while recognizing the Scholars and supporting the FSF’s invaluable contribution to the industry.

The evening was hosted by Brandon Maxwell, 2019 CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year and Project Runway judge. The FSF honored the 211 2020 scholarship recipients as well as: Co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway, Jennifer Hyman (photo on right); Centric Brands CEO, Jason Rabin; and actor and fashionABLE partner, Minka Kelly (photo on bottom left).

The 2020 Gala raised close to $2 million and allows FSF to continue its work funding, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of fashion talent.

THE FOLLOWING FOUNDATIONS CONTRIBUTED TO THE GALA

THE FOLLOWING FOUNDATIONS CONTRIBUTED American Apparel & Footwear (AAFA) Foundation | Byer Foundation | Communities Foundation of Texas | Haddad Brands Family Foundation | Macy’s Foundation | Movado Group Foundation | Nakash Family Foundation | Neiman Marcus Foundation | Oxford Industries Foundation | PVH Foundation | Randa Foundation | TJX Foundation

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I’m a small-town Indiana girl with big dreams of being a city girl in fashion.

The Fashion Scholarship Fund really made me see that I could do that.

I wasn’t just hoping or wishing really big, but that when I apply myself, things really happen.

Michal McMoran 2020 FSF Scholar from Indiana University

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SCHOLAR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENT The night before the FSF Awards Gala, the FSF hosted an exclusive professional-development event for the 211 scholarship winners. The event included a panel discussion among: Tori N. Gibbs (Design Director, Exclusive Brands at Kohl’s), Jenny Junker (FSF Alumnus and Location Planning Analyst at Ross Stores, Inc.), and Eleanor Turner (FSF Alumnus and 2019 Accelerator Grant Recipient, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of The Big Favorite). Following the panel discussion, David Canfield and Allison Dameron, FSF Alumni Association Members, shared tips with the Scholars on how to best utilize the FSF Alumni Association and its vast professional network and support. Following the presentations, FSF Scholars were invited to a casual dinner to network with each other.

FSF EDUCATOR SUMMIT The night following the Gala, FSF held its annual Educator Summit in New York City. It was attended by more than 60 faculty partners from our member schools. The agenda focused on new FSF educational initiatives for schools and students. In addition, faculty members heard from FSF Board of Governors members Howard Feller (Founder of H. Feller Enterprises) and David Katz (CMO of Randa Apparel & Accessories). David Canfield and Allison Dameron from the FSF Alumni Association also spoke.

During the conference, faculty partners shared FSF Scholarship competition best practices and strategized ways to increase campus awareness about the opportunities the FSF offers students.

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ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY AUBURN UNIVERSITY BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY BROWN UNIVERSITY

BUFFALO STATE-SUNY CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO COLUMBUS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

CORNELL UNIVERSITY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

DREXEL UNIVERSITY

FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

HARVARD UNIVERSITY HOWARD UNIVERSITY INDIANA UNIVERSITY IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY LEHIGH UNIVERSITY LIM COLLEGE MARIST COLLEGE

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL

UNIVERSITY OF ART AND DESIGN MOREHOUSE COLLEGE NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY OTIS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN PRATT INSTITUTE PURDUE UNIVERSITY

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

SPELMAN COLLEGE STEPHENS COLLEGE SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA GREENSBORO

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

YESHIVA UNIVERSITY XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

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FSF MEMBER SCHOOLS Through partnerships with our 66 FSF member schools across the country, the FSF has cultivated meaningful relationships with faculty members who help identify the most promising undergraduates pursuing careers in fashion design and product development, merchandising, marketing analytics, and supply chain. For the 2020 FSF Case Study competition, submissions came from 60 FSF member schools of which 32 are public universities and 28 are private colleges/universities. Eight are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). The academic curriculum among our 66 member schools includes 42 design programs, 42

“I could have never imagined the huge impact FSF would have on my career.”

Katherine Eberley 2020 FSF Scholar from the University of Wisconsin

merchandising and retailing programs, and 49 business programs.

We are pleased that 58 of our FSF member schools were ranked among the top schools in the U.S. by discipline according to Fashionista.com, FashionSchools.org, Business of Fashion (BOF), and U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges and Universities.

Percentage of FSF member schools ranked among the top 25 U.S. schools by discipline: • 92% of FSF member design schools ranked in the top 25 (23/25) • 92% of FSF member merchandising / retailing schools ranked in the top 25 (23/25)

FSF VIRTUAL CAMPUS VISITS Due to the global pandemic in 2020, FSF Ambassadors (including Board Members, mentors, and Alumni) were prohibited from traveling in-person to FSF member schools. Pivoting quickly to our “new normal,” FSF decided to host a Virtual Campus Visit on June 12, 2020. This virtual session welcomed prospective 2021 FSF Scholarship competition applicants from our 66 partner schools across the country. Over 500 students attended and the virtual format allowed the FSF to reach more students than many of the on-campus FSF Ambassador presentations that were made in the past.

Members of the FSF Team, Board Member Mike Setola, and two FSF Alumni (Olufisayo Akanni and Lindsay Choi) joined the session and shared information on the application process and the benefits of competing in the FSF Scholarship competition. The recorded version of the virtual presentation is now available to students on the FSF site as a helpful resource for the 2021 FSF Case Study Applicants.

To increase awareness of the FSF and its benefits among FSF’s HBCU member schools, Virgil Abloh also hosted a Virtual Campus Visit on November 17, 2020. Once again, over 500 students tuned in to learn about the benefits of competing in the FSF Case Study competition from Abloh and three FSF Alumni (Jasmine Bacchus, 2020 Scholar from Brown University; Rolanda Evelyn, 2016 Scholar from University of Pennsylvania; and Kenny McCullough, 2008 FSF Scholar from University of North Carolina at Greensboro).

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INTERNSHIPS/ CAREER PLACEMENT

NEW YORK CITY TALENT ACQUISITION EVENT In January 2020, the FSF hosted its annual Talent Acquisition Event for its newest FSF Scholarship recipients at the New York Hilton. The 211 Scholars were connected with more than 60 recruitment representatives from leading fashion companies for fulltime job opportunities and summer internships in design and product development, merchandising analytics, marketing, supply chain, and related fields.

True to form, FSF pivoted to our “new normal” and hosted its first Virtual Talent Acquisition Event (in partnership with the CFDA and underwritten by Ross Stores, Inc.) in October 2020. This virtual event, hosted on an industry-leading digital platform that excels in the virtual space, connected over 300 Scholars, Alumni, and Scholar applicants with over 25 of the fashion industry’s leading companies and brands.

FSF SUPPORTED OUR 211 FSF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS IN THEIR SEARCHES FOR INTERNSHIPS AND ENTRYLEVEL POSITIONS AT PRESTIGIOUS COMPANIES SUCH AS: Abercrombie & Fitch | adidas | Anthropologie | American Eagle Outfitters | AREA | Athleta | Bloomingdale’s | Burlington Stores | Canada Goose | Chico’s | Cult Gaia | Delta Galil USA | Dick’s Sporting Goods | Dillard’s | Express | Fashion Snoops | Free People | GAP Inc. | G-III Apparel Group | Global Brands Group | Goldman Sachs | Haddad Brands | J. Crew | Kenneth Cole Productions | Kohl’s | Lafayette 148 | Lands’ End | Levi Strauss & Company | LF Americas | Lilly Pulitzer | L’Oréal | Macy’s, Inc | Michael Kors | Nautica | Nike | Nordstrom | Peerless Clothing | Perry Ellis International | PVH | QVC | Ralph Lauren | Randa Accessories | Reebok | Rent The Runway | Ross Stores, Inc | SAP | Sperry | Steve Madden | Tharanco Lifestyles | Tibi | TJX | 24 Seven | Urban Outfitters | United Legwear | Vera Wang | VF Jeanswear | Vince | Weissman

To learn how your company can participate in the next FSF Talent Acquisition Event, please contact development@fashionscholarshipfund.org

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WE TRULY ENJOYED THE FSF VIRTUAL TALENT ACQUISITION EVENT, IT EXCEEDED OUR EXPECTATIONS FROM SET-UP TO THE QUALITY OF CANDIDATES THAT PARTICIPATED. Nicole Pryor Sr. Specialist Talent Acquisition and Employee Relations at Lafayette 148

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Mentoring the brilliant FSF Scholars has filled my life with the most symbiotic, inspirational relationships. There is a mutual energy exchange that happens between established and emerging creative minds, and I am so grateful to have access to that on a regular basis. It helps me envision the future and stay hopeful.

Georgie Greville FSF Board Member and Co-Founder and Creative Director of Milk Makeup

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MENTORING PROGRAMS FOR SCHOLARS & ALUMNI FOR SCHOLARS The FSF is committed to fostering the next generation of fashion talent through its signature Mentoring Program. In 2020, we paired 125 senior FSF Scholars with an industry mentor based on their specific interests. Mentors and mentees were assigned according to discipline, job function, geographic location, company, and alma mater. The results were invaluable for both Scholars and mentors, particularly during a year of career uncertainty.

In October of 2020, FSF hosted an “FSF Mentor Breakout”—an exclusive discussion for Class of 2020 FSF Scholars with five current FSF Alumni Mentors. During this session, Scholars learned how to maximize the relationship with an FSF Mentor to lay the groundwork for a successful career in the fashion industry. FSF Alumni Mentors included Greg Colussy, Director of Merchandising, Men’s Leather Goods at Michael Kors and 2008 Scholar from Colorado State University; Rolanda Evelyn, Manager, Product Marketing & Customer Strategy at Rent the Runway and 2016 Scholar from University of Pennsylvania; Alexandra Falcucci, Talent Acquisition Executive at JBCHoldings and 2016 Scholar from University of Georgia; and Felicia Podberesky, Women’s Designer, Wovens at Macy’s and 2013 Scholar from Washington University in St. Louis.

During the first half of the session, the panelists offered Scholars and Alumni guidance on initiating and deepening professional relationships. The second segment of the event consisted of breakout sessions that gave attendees the opportunity to connect directly with an Alumni Mentor on ways to maximize a newly formed mentor connection.

FOR ALUMNI The launch of a Mentoring Initiative for Alumni in September 2020 has greatly expanded the FSF mentoring programs. The initiative is part of a major investment to support the careers of promising students from underrepresented backgrounds across the fashion, active-outdoor recreation, and trade industries. The initiative will match undergraduates and recent graduates from diverse backgrounds with fashion-industry mentors and assist in developing relationships that have genuine impact. For the first time, mentoring relationships will be renewable from year to year, rather than expiring at the end of their first year. Mentees and mentors will be able to apply for continued participation. The Fashion Scholarship Fund will also assess the program to determine how to further support young professionals through long-term mentorship.

The FSF Mentoring Initiative for Alumni was made possible by a generous grant from The VF Foundation with additional support from The Hearst Foundation, Inc. OUR MENTORS The FSF mentoring community is a diverse group of creative and business professionals and includes mid-level to C-suite executives from companies such as: Abercrombie & Fitch, adidas, Anthropologie, Bloomingdale’s, Burlington Stores, Calvin Klein, Coach, David Yurman, GAP Inc., Global Brands Group, Google, Gucci, Hudson’s Bay Company, Kohl’s, Levi Strauss & Company, Lilly Pulitzer, Macy’s, Inc, Michael Kors, Nordstrom, Perry Ellis International, PVH, Randa Accessories, Ross Stores, Inc, Saks Fifth Avenue, Stitch Fix, Target, and Under Armour.

One-third of the FSF mentors are also FSF Alumni—previous FSF Scholarship recipients. FSF Alumni enjoy being mentors, it’s their way of giving back.

To learn how you can mentor the next generation of the fashion industry, email fsfprograms@fashionscholarshipfund.org

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Olufisayo Akanni Kent State University FSF Scholarship Recipient, 2014

Kinley Lingenfelter Thomas Jefferson University FSF Scholarship Recipient, 2020

Kenny McCullough University of North Carolina at Greensboro FSF Scholar, 2008

Michal MacMorran Indiana University FSF Scholarship Recipient, 2019 & 2020

Javier Uriegas Senior, The University of Texas at Austin FSF Scholarship Recipient, 2019 & 2020

Sabrina Lee Junior, University of Delaware FSF Scholarship Recipient, 2020

Lindsay Choi Oklahoma State University FSF Scholarship Recipient, 2013

Tyshaia Earnest Kent State University FSF Scholarship Recipient, 2018, 2019 & 2020

I call it my new family because the FSF is seriously like a family for me.

Kenny McCullough 2008 FSF Scholar from University of North Carolina at Greensboro

FSF FORUM The FSF Forum was launched in spring 2020 to stay engaged with FSF Scholars and Alumni during the pandemic. The forum is a series of video webinars that occurred over the course of seven weeks and focused on topics relevant to COVID-19 challenges. Over 100 Scholars and Alumni tuned in for each webinar and FSF received incredibly positive feedback from many of its constituents.

It’s clear that attendees were grateful for the opportunity to stay connected to the FSF and gain guidance from industry executives during difficult times.

APRIL 14TH The first FSF Forum discussion was a 45-minute session providing Scholars and Alumni the opportunity to connect with FSF Executive Director, Peter Arnold and FSF Board Member, Glen Ellen Brown, to learn how the fashion industry has been affected by COVID-19 and glean insight on how to navigate the unchartered landscape.

APRIL 21ST The second FSF Forum session gave Scholars and Alumni the chance to connect with 24 Seven Talent’s Celeste Gudas (Founder & CEO and FSF Board Member), Tammy Chatkin (Executive Vice President of Global Search), and Steven Levi (Vice President of Recruiting). Viewers heard first-hand insights on how the pandemic has changed the job market and were given advice on how to push their careers forward through the crisis.

MAY 1ST During this FSF Forum, Scholars and Alumni connected with FSF Board Member, Nata Dvir (Chief Merchandising Officer at Macy’s) for an insider’s perspective on how COVID-19 has disrupted the retail landscape.

MAY 12TH During the fourth session in the FSF Forum series, “What Consumers Want from the New Normal, and How to Give it to Them,” Scholars and Alumni heard from David J. Katz, Executive Vice President and CMO of Randa Apparel & Accessories and FSF Board Member. Katz shared an insider’s perspective on the tactics companies have deployed to stay relevant while servicing consumers’ changing circumstances during COVID-19.

MAY 19TH In this session, Scholars and Alumni heard from Executive Director of Fashion Practice at NPD, Todd Mick. Mick shared his insights on how companies are utilizing data analytics to survive the pandemic and how consumer behavior has shifted during this crisis.

MAY 26TH During the final session of the FSF Forum series, the FSF community connected with Vice President of Eileen Fisher, Amy Hall, to learn how companies are advancing their sustainability initiatives during this global crisis and ways we can help decrease the fashion industry’s environmental footprint.

EDUCATOR FORUMS Also in the spring, FSF hosted weekly virtual Educator Forums to stay connected with Educator Partners around the country and to provide updates on challenges faced by FSF Scholars and applicants. Each session provided FSF with insight into their member schools’ circumstances and was also an opportunity for Educator Partners to stay informed about the resources FSF was offering during the pandemic.

“NOW, MORE THAN EVER” FSF also launched a powerful video campaign that focused on the many ways the FSF community was impacted by COVID-19. The campaign was created to generate both awareness and financial support for our talented and passionate young adults whose ambitions had been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each week, the video series featured members of our FSF community talking candidly about how they were using this unprecedented time to explore new creative directions, alternative income streams, and innovative ways of getting things done. “Now, More Than Ever” shined a light on their efforts as well as recognized their grief over lost opportunities such as long-anticipated graduations, internships, and jobs—and it addressed their concerns about the future.

At a time when so many felt isolated and alone, “Now, More Than Ever” brought the FSF family closer together with inspiring and moving profiles of Scholars and Alumni forging through the uncertainty of a life spent sheltering in place.

To date, the campaign has generated over 20 million media impressions.

Watch a compilation of the “Now, More Than Ever” series

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2020 SUMMER SCHOLAR SERIES

The FSF Summer Scholar Series consisted of 10 weeks of robust virtual programming, training, and events. The series kicked off with a threepart workforce preparedness segment: Job Search in a Digital World— (i) “Mastering Your Online Profile” hosted by LinkedIn; (ii) “Crafting Your Virtual Pitch” presented by a team of media trainers who coach C-suite executives; and (iii) “Refining Your Virtual Interview,” a series of 100 one-on-one practice interviews with recruitment partners. In addition, the FSF Summer Scholar Series included multiple workforce preparedness virtual events, underwritten by First Republic Bank, which taught FSF Scholars and Alumni skills such as Excel techniques, retail math, 3-D transformation, and buying principles. These sessions helped supplement what Scholars (and Scholar applicants) might be learning in school in order to better prepare them for a successful internship or full-time career in the fashion industry.

In addition, FSF offered weekly Master Class sessions, generously supported by SAP, with industry leaders. These Master Classes provided Scholars, Alumni, and Scholar Applicants the opportunity to hear from experts about the current challenges of the industry.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION To supplement the opportunities FSF Scholars, Alumni, and Scholar Applicants might have lost due to the pandemic, the Fashion Scholarship Fund offered a Certificate of Completion to those who attended 7+ Workforce Preparedness Courses and 5+ Master Class sessions over the course of the Summer Scholar Series. Over 100 attendees were awarded a Certificate of Completion.

JUNE 1, 2020: JOB SEARCH IN A DIGITAL WORLD: MASTERING YOUR ONLINE PROFILE The first session in the FSF Summer Scholar Series’ Workforce Preparedness Course segment, Job Search in a Digital World focused on how to most effectively utilize the LinkedIn platform to present an online profile. Attendees learned from Ty Heath (Global Lead of the B2B Institute at LinkedIn) about best practices on how to maximize the professional network and advance their career during these challenging times.

JUNE 4, 2020: TOMMY HILFIGER—THE IMPORTANCE OF PURPOSE-DRIVEN BRANDS AND HIS PHILOSOPHY ON FASHION’S NEXT STEPS The first Master Class in the FSF Summer Scholar Series featured iconic designer, Tommy Hilfiger.

Attendees heard from Hilfiger about the importance of purpose-driven brands during the pandemic and they learned about his philosophy on moving forward in the months to come.

JUNE 9, 2020: JOB SEARCH IN A DIGITAL WORLD: CRAFTING YOUR VIRTUAL PITCH Are you presenting yourself in the most desirable light during the virtual interview process? That was the question addressed during this Workforce Preparedness Course, presented by Tim Braun (Executive Producer and Founder of Braun Productions ) and Kathleen Friery (Executive Coach and Media Trainer at Braun Productions). Attendees were provided with tools to confidently sell themselves to succeed at their next virtual interview.

Lauren Bush Lauren

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Tommy was remarkable!

I think it’s surreal that we have such direct access to the incredible leaders and pioneers of this industry.

FSF 2021 Applicant

JUNE 11, 2020: THIS IS NOT THE END OF FASHION! MASTER CLASS WITH VANESSA FRIEDMAN The second Master Class in the FSF’s Summer Scholar Series, this session offered Scholars and Alumni a chance to hear from Vanessa Friedman, the Fashion Director and Chief Fashion Critic for The New York Times, on what the industry will look like post-crisis.

JUNE 16, 2020: JOB SEARCH IN A DIGITAL WORLD: REFINING YOUR VIRTUAL INTERVIEW By utilizing our partnerships, FSF was able to offer our Scholars, Alumni, and Scholar applicants one-on-one virtual interviews with recruiters in order to receive constructive feedback and hone their resume and/or portfolio and interview skillset. Company HR participants for the 100+ interview slots were: 24 Seven, Burlington Stores, Kohl’s, Levi Strauss & Co., Ross Stores, Inc., SBH Fashion, Tapestry, and The Agency Worx.

JUNE 23, 2020: SKILLS FOR 3D DESIGN AND DIGITAL PRODUCT CREATION IN FASHION During this Workforce Preparedness Course, attendees learned how to enhance their skills in the fundamentals of 3D design and digital-product creation in fashion from Tracy Rickert (Senior Consultant at ALVANON). Viewers also learned how fashion brands are utilizing 3D technology and how the pandemic has accelerated the need to digitize the supply chain.

JUNE 30, 2020: THE ART OF BUYING—IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NEGOTIATION The third Workforce Preparedness Course in FSF’s Summer Scholar Series was a deep-dive into the art and science of buying presented by Ross Stores’ representatives: Bert Stewart (Senior College Recruiter), Isela Jourdian (Buyer for Young Contemporary Wovens), and Lee Reyes (Buyer for West Coast Juniors). During this session, attendees learned key negotiation tactics that can be utilized in all aspects of their professional lives.

JULY 2, 2020: FOR A WORLD THAT WORKS—HOW GOOD DESIGN, INNOVATION, AND A HOLISTIC LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY ARE REVOLUTIONIZING A 130-YEAR-OLD HERITAGE DENIM BRAND IN THE MIDST OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS During the third Master Class in the FSF Summer Scholar Series, viewers learned how Lee Jeans is partnering with high-tech agricultural greenhouse AppHarvest and taking on the new American workforce. Speakers for this session included Brigid Stevens (Senior Brand Director of Lee), Roian Atkinson (Global Head of Sustainable Practices Kontoor Brands), and Jonathan Webb (Founder, AppHarvest).

JULY 7, 2020: TRADITIONAL RETAIL VS OFF-PRICE RETAIL—A LOOK INTO THE BRIGHT FUTURE OF OFF-PRICE This Workforce Preparedness Course explored the differences between traditional retail and off-price. Attendees heard from Chris John (SVP GMM at Burlington Stores) and Lainey Miller (Director of Talent Acquisition, College at Burlington Stores) about key skills that are needed for a successful career as a retail merchant.

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JULY 9, 2020: THE POWER OF PURPOSE IN FASHION—A DEEP-DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF FEED The fourth Master Class in the FSF Summer Scholar Series was a close-up look at the world of FEED, presented by Founder and CEO, Lauren Bush Lauren and moderated by Roxanne Robinson, Paris-based American Fashion Journalist. Attendees heard from Lauren about how she launched an impact-driven lifestyle brand around the principle that peoples’ buying choices have the power to change the world.

JULY 14, 2020: FROM DESIGN STUDENT TO DESIGN INDUSTRY—THE TRANSITION. A COURSE IN SHIFTING YOUR PERSPECTIVE During the sixth Workforce Preparedness Course in the FSF Summer Scholar Series, attendees heard from Alicia Hardesty (Designer, Young Men’s at Kohl’s) and Rocky Jones (Art Manager, Men’s and Young Men’s at Kohl’s) on how students’ perspectives shift as they transition from the individual (in school and focused on fostering individual creativity) to the collective (in the industry and focused on customers and company initiatives).

JULY 16, 2020: CREATING AN AUTHENTIC BRAND VOICE FROM SCRATCH: THE BRAND IDENTITY AND YOU The fifth Master Class in the 2020 FSF Summer Scholar Series taught attendees to lead with their heart. Ariane Goldman (Founder and CEO of HATCH and twobirds New York) left her corporate career and found that when she put her own values first, consumers responded. Moderator Lauren Smith Brody (Founder and Author, The Fifth Trimester), helped attendees glean insight from Goldman about how to use personality and heart to curate a unique brand voice.

JULY 21, 2020: OMNICHANNEL: LEADING STORES AND ENGAGING CUSTOMERS IN THE NEW NORMAL AT COACH & STUART WEITZMAN We have witnessed consumer behaviors change as we all settle into “the new normal”—but what new services have launched to meet the evolving needs of customers? And how are the teams being trained to navigate the new normal with an Omni mindset? During this session, attendees learned about how Coach and Stuart Weitzman are navigating our new reality from Chris Fitzgerald (Senior Director, North America Retail at Stuart Weitzman) and Karim Mirshak (VP Omnichannel Experience at Coach).

JULY 23, 2020: COFFEE WITH THE BOSSES Attendees heard from a trifecta of industry leaders and FSF Board Members during this Workforce Preparedness Course: Keith Baptista (Founding Partner and Managing Director of PRODJECT), Georgie Greville (Co-Founder and Creative Director of Milk Makeup), and Marc Mastronardi (Chief Stores Officer at Macy’s). During this discussion, the luminaries candidly covered topics ranging from their first post-grad assignments to how they overcame professional challenges to become some of the most influential leaders in retail, beauty, and fashion.

JULY 28, 2020: DATA AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ARE RESTYLING THE FASHION INDUSTRY During the eighth Workforce Preparedness Course in the FSF Summer Scholar Series, attendees heard from Dhivya Rajprasad, Lead Data Scientist at Levi Strauss & Co. Rajprasad discussed how Levi’s is quickly working to become more AI- and data-driven. In the second half of the session, attendees connected with Associate Data Scientists and former interns Carson Zhao and Sam Manzi and learned about their experiences of studying, interning, and starting their careers in the data and AI fields.

JULY 30, 2020: THE MARRIAGE OF FASHION & TECHNOLOGY—WHAT THE FUTURE OF FASHION LOOKS LIKE IN A DIGITAL WORLD A Master Class in FSF’s Summer Scholar Series with Alicia Tillman (Global Chief Marketing Officer of SAP), this session explored how fashion today relies on technology and software to remain innovative in an ever-changing digital world. It was moderated by Lauren Goodman, Style and Content Director.

JULY 31, 2020: FASHION IN A POST-MODERN WORLD In July 2020, Virgil Abloh announced his commitment of $1 million toward a partnership with the FSF to provide scholarships and program support for Black students through the Virgil Abloh™️ “PostModern” Scholarship Fund. This session was a roundtable conversation between Abloh and FSF Scholars and moderated by Robin Givhan, The Washington Post’s Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion critic. Abloh shared insight about his early years in the industry and his perspective on the work he is doing today to foster equity and inclusion.

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EVERY TOPIC THAT’S BEEN ON MY MIND RECENTLY, VIRGIL TOUCHED UPON IN TODAY’S SESSION… SUDDENLY I JUST FEEL THIS OVERWHELMING SENSE OF RENEWED ENERGY TO KEEP WORKING TOWARDS EVERYTHING I’M CURRENTLY DOING. FSF Class of 2020 Scholar

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I APPRECIATE FSF’S CONTINUED DEDICATION TOWARDS MAKING THE FASHION INDUSTRY MORE ACCESSIBLE TO BLACK SCHOLARS. FSF Alumnus

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I leave every webinar feeling more inspired and motivated!

FSF Alumnus

AUGUST 4, 2020: RETAIL MATH: THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN FASHIONABLE AND PROFITABLE In this Workforce Preparedness Course in FSF’s Summer Scholar Series, Professors Deidra Arrington (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Marla Greene (LIM College) covered the fundamental factors to consider when pricing product. They also reviewed the most useful retail math formulas to help create effective pricing strategies.

AUGUST 6, 2020: THE RISE OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN FASHION AND BEAUTY: CHALLENGING THE INDUSTRY TO CHANGE This roundtable conversation with the co-founders of the Black in Fashion Council addressed representation and the need for systemic change in the fashion and beauty industries. It was an in-depth discussion between Powerhouse PR Executive Sandrine Charles and Teen Vogue Editor-In-Chief Lindsay Peoples Wagner (Co-Founders of the Black in Fashion Council), Digital Content Creator and Social Media Expert Chrissy Rutherford, and Danielle Prescod, Style Director at BET.com.

AUGUST 11, 2020: OPTIMIZING GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN OPPORTUNITY, PRESENTED BY UNDER ARMOUR During the final Workforce Preparedness Course of the Summer Scholar Series, attendees learned about Under Armour’s global supply chain and sustainability strategies. The session also examined some of the key market improvements Under Armour has made over the years. Alissa Chiang, a Sustainability Analyst, and Nick Thompson, Director, Global ES&OP & Inventory, led the presentation.

AUGUST 13, 2020: ASK BRANDON: A MASTER CLASS WITH BRANDON MAXWELL The final Master Class of the Summer Scholar Series was hosted by longtime FSF supporter and industry superstar, Brandon Maxwell. In lieu of a traditional interview, FSF flipped the tables and put its Scholars and Alumni in the hosting seat. Fifteen members of our FSF community were chosen to ask Brandon questions about the state of the industry, covering topics ranging from building a brand to the fashion climate in the time of COVID-19.

Watch the Summer Scholar Series events now

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I look to the Fashion Scholarship Fund to support me in getting the right connections because they've always been a support system for me throughout my career.

Olufisayo Akanni 2014 FSF Scholar from Kent State University

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FSF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The Fashion Scholarship Fund Alumni Association is comprised of 1,700 previous FSF Scholarship recipients. After graduation, the FSF continues to provide these ambitious former Scholars with professional development and networking events throughout the year.

The FSF Alumni Association is led by a dedicated group of FSF Scholarship recipients: David Canfield, 2014 FSF Scholar from Lehigh University and Director of Merchandising Initiatives at Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH; Allison Dameron, 2017 FSF Scholar from University of Missouri and Associate Account Manager at Peerless Clothing; Brittany Katz, 2011 FSF Scholar from Washington University in St. Louis and Senior Merchandise Planner at INTERMIX; Samantha Stern, 2017 FSF Scholar from Cornell University and Product Development Manager at Sies Marjan; Cody Villanueva, 2013 FSF Scholar from University of Arizona and current Harvard Business School student; and Marrisa Wilson, 2013 FSF Scholar from Marist College and Founder of Marrisa Wilson, NY. The group works closely with the Alumni Committee Chair, Celeste Gudas, Founder and CEO of 24 Seven, Inc. The mission of the Alumni Association is to advance the FSF Alumni in their career pursuits, continue the relationships formed through the FSF Scholarship program, and create a dynamic Alumni program that will stimulate interest and build loyalty to the Fashion Scholarship Fund. In the summer of 2020, FSF launched a microsite, powered by SAP, that hosted all FSF Summer Scholar Series content and upcoming event links and announcements. In addition, FSF created a private LinkedIn group to provide Alumni constituents a forum to connect with one another and stay up-to-date on all things FSF. On February 27, 2020 the FSF Alumni Association hosted an event, “New Year, New Narrative”– a panel discussion among 24 Seven, Inc. representatives: Celeste Gudas (Founder and CEO and FSF Board Member), Steven Levi (Vice President of Recruiting), Natasha Lopoukhine (B2B Brand Strategist & Content Marketing Creator), Mary Kate Kane (Sr. Account Manager / Recruiter), and Alana Yavers (Senior Vice President of Recruitment). FSF Alumni Association member David Canfield moderated the discussion, which focused on hiring trends in 2019 and best practices on interviewing and career shifts in the new year.

On May 5th, FSF hosted a virtual event highlighting how an MBA degree can be valuable for students with retail or fashion backgrounds or for students interested in pursuing careers in these industries.

Speakers included student representatives from Columbia Business School, Harvard Business School, New York University’s Stern School of Business, and The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania.

On Thursday, September 17th, Alumni tuned in to learn from Sam Archibald (President, Retail North America at Calvin Klein) and Gary Sheinbaum (Chief Executive Officer of Tommy Hilfiger Americas) on the challenges facing their brands today and how they keep both brands moving forward.

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2020 ACCELERATOR GRANT The mission of the annual FSF Accelerator Grant is to invest in past FSF Scholarship recipients who we believe are the future leaders of fashion. The program awards a $50,000 grant and one year’s worth of mentorship to an outstanding FSF Alumni-led company startup. A team of fashion-industry leaders also works with our Accelerator Grant winners throughout the year on specific business issues.

JUNE 18, 2020: FSF ACCELERATOR GRANT “SHARK TANK” PITCH EVENT The FSF Accelerator Grant “Shark Tank” Pitch Event featured four FSF Alumni presenting their nascent businesses to a panel of esteemed judges who provided insight and feedback. The judges included: Martin Cooper (Former Chief Creative Officer, Belstaff and VP Design, Burberry), Julia Haart (Group Chief Executive Officer, Elite World), Coco Rocha (Model and Entrepreneur), and April Uchitel (Former CEO, Violet Grey). The Alumni presenters were: Kenny McCullough: ODD IS NORTH—a gender-neutral concept collection of luxury essentials (2008 FSF Scholar / University of North Carolina at Greensboro) Andrea Spiridonakos: Spiridonakou—Apparel and accessories created from handcrafted fabrics of deadstock cashmere, hand-painted wool, and silk (2015 FSF Scholar / Fashion Institute of Technology) Tim Tembrink: The Foundationals—A women’s DTC brand that produces modern styles with sustainable textiles and ethical labor (2019 FSF Scholar / University of California, Berkeley) Marrisa Wilson: Marrisa Wilson NY—A capsule collection combining recycled jeans with deadstock denim byproducts from fabric mills (2013 FSF Scholar / Marist College) Watch this event JUNE 25, 2020: ACCELERATOR GRANT PITCH DAY AND WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT The winner of the 2020 FSF Accelerator Grant of $50,000 was announced on June 25th, after each Alumni finalist presented their nascent business to a panel of industry leaders. The panel included: FSF Board Members: Mike Alic (President, Management One), Marc Mastronardi (Chief Stores Officer, Macy’s), Yehuda Shmidman (CEO, WHP Global). Together with Martin Cooper, Julia Haart, Coco Rocha, April Uchitel, and FSF Alumnus, Marlena Meyer (Senior Director, Pricing Strategy, Macy’s).

2020 FSF ACCELERATOR GRANT RECIPIENT The winner of the 2020 FSF Accelerator Grant was 2010–2012 FSF Scholar from Savannah College of Art & Design, Sarah Butler’s Hally, a modern, at-home hair color system for the next generation. Sarah is the Chief Creative Officer of Hally and has launched multiple businesses as an inhouse Creative Director and as Director, Creative and Brand at Jet Black.

EQUITY INITIATIVE The Fashion Scholarship Fund entered 2020 with a strengthened commitment to building inclusion in the fashion industry and valuing the talent, contributions, life experiences, and identities of diverse Scholars. In February of 2020, the FSF’s Board of Governors instituted a formal Equity Committee charged with the oversight of the FSF’s equity-driven mission and the development of strategies to create a more diverse and inclusive group of applicants and Scholars.

During 2020, the FSF increased its efforts to foster change in the industry through partnerships, working closely with the industry’s foremost brands, businesses, and visionaries to create initiatives that advance equity and inclusion. Throughout the year, FSF served as a resource to its partners and other businesses, providing advice on the development of strategies such as multi-disciplinary internship and fellowship programs to recruit and develop underrepresented talent.

To explore partnering with the FSF to advance D&I or corporate social responsibility goals, contact fsfprograms@fashionscholarshipfund.org

Diversity doesn’t ensure inclusion... You have to constantly do this work. You have to constantly make sure that people are feeling included and seen and heard every single day.

Lindsay Peoples Wagner, "The Rise of Accountability in Fashion and Beauty, August 6, 2020" Editor-In-Chief of Teen Vogue and Co-Founder of the Black In Fashion Council

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VIRGIL ABLOH

THE VIRGIL ABLOH™ "POST MODERN" SCHOLARSHIP FUND In July of 2020, visionary designer Virgil Abloh announced the creation of the Virgil AblohTM “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund in partnership with the Fashion Scholarship Fund. The Fund was created with a gift of more than $1 million made by Virgil Abloh together with partners evian, Farfetch, Louis Vuitton, New Guards Group, and Nike.

The Fund’s mission is to foster equity and inclusion within the fashion industry by providing scholarships to academically promising students of Black, African-American, or African descent. Abloh named the fund “PostModern” to signify that recipients will not only receive funds, but also ongoing career-support services and mentoring through the Fashion Scholarship Fund.

Virgil Abloh hosted a Virtual Campus Visit for students at the FSF’s eight HBCU member schools on November 17, 2020. Over 500 students joined the session to learn more about the Fashion Scholarship Fund, the FSF Case Study competition, and the Virgil AblohTM “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund. The visit was hosted by Abloh and three FSF Alumni (Jasmine Bacchus, 2020 Scholar from Brown University, Rolanda Evelyn, 2016 Scholar from University of Pennsylvania, and Kenny McCullough, 2008 FSF Scholar from University of North Carolina at Greensboro).

CHANGING THE GAME On December 15th, the FSF hosted “Changing the Game: A Conversation Between Virgil Abloh and Angelo Baque on Non-Fashion Collaborations,” moderated by Nikki Ogunnaike, Digital Director of Harper’s Bazaar. Over 250 Scholar and Alumni attendees got the lowdown from Abloh and Baque (Creative Director of Baque Creative and former Brand Director of Supreme) on inventive ways companies are coming together to attract new audiences and excite their consumer bases.

Watch FSF’s “Changing the Game” event

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PARTNERS AND AFFILIATIONS FSF’s partners and affiliations offer financial, educational, and business-driven benefits to FSF Scholars and Alumni in order to help them foster their professional growth at all stages.

BRANDON MAXWELL is a fashion designer and founder of his award-winning luxury ready-to-wear-label. Since establishing his company in 2015, Brandon has focused his philanthropic efforts on educational initiatives. He first partnered with the FSF in 2019 at his Spring Summer 2020 fashion show, where he helped raise funds for future FSF Scholars and Alumni.

GLASGOW CALEDONIAN NEW YORK COLLEGE (GCNYC) is a highly recognized educational institution. Through the FSF partnership, Alumni are eligible for reduced tuition towards a GCNYC Master’s Degree and a discount for development workshops.

The HEARST FOUNDATIONS provided FSF a three-year grant, focusing their support on FSF’s Mentoring Program. The Hearst Foundation identifies and funds outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States have the opportunity to build healthy, productive, and inspiring lives.

In the Winter of 2020, HEARST MAGAZINES participated in “A Season without Swag,” a campaign that redirected participating companies’ usual client holiday-gift spending to a non-profit of their choice. The FSF was honored to be selected as one of the organizations benefited by Hearst Magazines’ participation in this initiative.

MOTIF, the educational division of Alvanon, is an e-learning platform that connects fashion-industry professionals around the world with skills they need to succeed. Through the FSF’s partnership, Alumni receive a discount for Motif ’s online educational courses.

ROSS STORES, INC. has been a generous supporter of the Fashion Scholarship Fund for many years. In 2020, Ross Stores, Inc. representatives participated in several virtual events and underwrote the Virtual Talent Acquisition Event in October.

SAP continued to be a strong partner of the Fashion Scholarship Fund throughout 2020, including providing Scholars and Alumni a platform (JAM) to house all Summer Scholar Series content and supporting the Master Classes within FSF’s Summer Scholar Series.

In the fall of 2020, THE LEAD partnered with the Fashion Scholarship Fund to announce TL Talent, a consultancy for member companies seeking new hires and young professionals in want of career advice. This platform connects FSF talent with top fashion companies seeking interns and entry-level associates.

In 2020, THE VF FOUNDATION’s generous grant to the Fashion Scholarship Fund helped launched the FSF Alumni Mentoring Initiative, supporting recent graduates from underrepresented backgrounds and matching them with fashion-industry mentors to support their professional success. The VF Foundation drives movements for the betterment of people and the planet, including those that “define Worthy Work, embrace the fact that Outside Matters, and empower diversity, equity and inclusion as we are Free to Be.”

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AS SOMEONE WHO DIDN’T THINK THAT PURSUING FASHION WAS EVEN AN OPTION, THIS EXPERIENCE WAS ENTHRALLING, EDUCATIONAL, AND, MOST IMPORTANT, ENCOURAGING. Marie Konopacki 2021 Applicant from Harvard University

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AWARENESS EVENTS AND CAMPAIGNS FROM NOVEMBER 2020 THROUGH JANUARY 2021, FSF’s fundraising and program initiatives were focused on driving engagement and awareness. FSF succeeded at this by highlighting its core mission through a series of virtual events that acknowledged the new class of Scholars and FSF’s generous donors.

In early November, FSF launched “Facing Fashion,” a series of personal testimonials examining the hurdles fashion professionals face when attempting to break into the industry, produced by PAPER Magazine/PAPERmag.com. This awareness and fundraising campaign highlighted John Demsey, Virgil Abloh, Brandon Maxwell, Julia Haart, and three FSF Alumni: David Canfield (2014 FSF Scholar from Lehigh University), Brittany Katz (2011 FSF Scholar from Washington University in St. Louis), and Marrisa Wilson (2013 FSF Scholar from Marist College). The Facing Fashion campaign reached an audience of almost 6 million across all social channels.

Watch a compilation of the Facing Fashion series

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Class of 2021

FSF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Emily Deen, The University of Texas at Austin • Allegra Abrams, University of Wisconsin-Madison • Yu Wen Yang, University of Southern California

• Adelle Wade, Syracuse University • Cara Obert, Auburn University • Rachel Rogers, The University of Texas at Austin • Tehila Ohana, Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah • Evelyn Siao, Lehigh University • Dylan Eggleston, Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah • Katherine Psaltos, Parsons School of Design • Arion Wheeler, Columbia College Chicago • Eva Boryer, Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah • Mark Bissell, Marist College • Stefanie Sauri, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising • Kailey Bertram, University of Wisconsin-Madison • Kaylani Temple, University of North Texas • Victoria Montalti, LIM College • Chloe Jerolaman, University of Cinncinati • Kylie Carroll, Virginia Commonwealth University • Teren MacDonald, Drexel University • Madison Kadis, Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah • D’vyne Gattis, Thomas Jefferson University • Casey Reich, University of Southern California • Dru Keizer, Academy of Art University • Jillian Smith, West Virginia University • Rocio Choi, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta • Desiree Smith, Thomas Jefferson University • Emma Davis, University of Delaware • Libby McGuire, Indiana University • Sarah May, Indiana University • Alfred Yeh, Florida State University • Mattney Yates, Kent State University • Mecca Hodge, Auburn University • Riley O’Neil, West Virginia University • Ivette Li Sanchez, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta • Jena McWhirter, University of Washington • Michelle Lee, University of Southern California • Josey Korte, Indiana University • Chutine Wei, University of Cinncinati • Claire Puhalski, Thomas Jefferson University • Jordan Bigelow, Kent State University • Spencer Wainfor, The Ohio State University • Emily Miller, Thomas Jefferson University • Chibuike Uwakwe, Harvard University • Helena Miller, LIM College • Anh Dao, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta • Lauren Wong, Indiana University • Kia McCormick, University of Southern California • Kinley Lingenfelter, Thomas Jefferson University • Mackenzie Biele, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta • Elizabeth Ayorinde, Washington University in St. Louis • Hannah Holton, Thomas Jefferson University • Kellie Cherbonnier, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta • Caroline Geiger, University of Minnesota • Kadeem Lamorell, Parsons School of Design • Benjamin Plotkin, Yeshiva University • Alyssa Garcia, Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah • Alexander Britto, Virginia Commonwealth University • Erin Schaut, University of Wisconsin-Madison • Marie Konopacki, Harvard University • Meera Kripalu, University of Delaware • Dacia Redmond, Clark Atlanta University • Olivia Luposello, Marist College • Samantha Ross, The Ohio State University • Trish Le, University of Southern California • Grace Nanni, The Ohio State University • Janine Santiago, University of Florida • Ahmrii Johnson, Parsons School of Design • Emily Plodzeen, Auburn University • Hope Kemp-Hanson, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta • Jenna Lace, University of Cinncinati • Audrey Skaggs, University of Missouri • Albert Lin, The University of Texas at Austin • Ariana Lin, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona • Nina Sone, Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah • Maryam Muhammad, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta • Sophia MacMaster, Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah • Zara Barrett, Drexel University • Allison Dibble, University of North Texas • Paulina Czaja, Miami International University of Art & Design • Neena Bui, Drexel University • Grace Ferrara, University of Cinncinati • Grace Lowhorn, Indiana University • Noa Gamliel, Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah • Meredith Higgins, Indiana University • Julia Gaffen, Indiana University • Lauren Huntley, Oklahoma State University • Colin Nguyen, Virginia Commonwealth University • Neha Palvai, University of California, Berkeley • Amber Wang, University of Pennsylvania • Sadie Harmon, University of Missouri • Deja Herelle, North Carolina State University • Danielle Segev, University of Florida • Erica Fouts, LIM College • Katia Quiroz, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona • Sabrina Lee, University of Delaware • Tiana McCarthy, Thomas Jefferson University • Kierra Stanek, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising • Alyssa Smalley, Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah • Evianna Gianoplus, Florida State University • Parisa Deokule, University of Southern California • Danielle Russo, LIM College • Qi Li, Otis College of Art & Design • Alexa Mandel, Indiana University • Rachel Bennett, Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta • Jasmine Bacchus, Brown University • Gabriella Bennis, University of Missouri • Erin Sallee, LIM College • Ava Armstrong, North Carolina State University • Maria Emilia Torrebiarte, Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah • Sabrina Lee, University of Georgia • Zoey Li, Rhode Island School of Design • Rubye Flowers, Thomas Jefferson University • Shayla Smith, Iowa State University • Caroline Floyd, Colorado State University • Clyde Carpenter, Fashion Institute of Technology • Cassidy Demons, Buffalo State–SUNY • Clare Griffin, New York University • Hannah Harris, Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah • Hope Pham, University of California, Los Angeles 2021 SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

AAFA Education Foundation • evian • Farfetch • Levi Strauss & Co. • Louis Vuitton Mercedes-Benz • New Guards Group • Nike • Off-White • PVH Basic.Space • Burlington Stores • Cash App • CIT Commercial Services • Elite World Group • Fossil G-III Apparel Group, Ltd • Horowitz Family Foundation • Kenneth Mink, Inc. • Kohl’s • L’Oréal • Macy’s • Mattress Firm Peerless Clothing • Perry Ellis International • Riskified • Ross Stores • The Coach Foundation • The Zwerner Family • TJX 24 Seven Talent • Authentic Brands Group • Citigroup • Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP • Haddad Brands • One Jeanswear Group Ralph Lauren • Randa Apparel & Accessories • Sequential Brands Group • Six Lincoln • Tharanco Lifestyles • Threadstone, LLP • WHP Global

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S CLASS OF FSF SCHOLARS » Bolded names are Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Recipients

ON NOVEMBER 16, 2020, FSF hosted “A Toast to the Next Generation of Female Fashion Leaders,” a virtual cocktail event featuring a conversation between Elite World Group’s CEO, Julia Haart, and supermodel and entrepreneur Iman, moderated by Condé Nast’s Ivan Shaw. This event raised funds for the organization while increasing awareness of our mission.

Also in November, Virgil Abloh released a highly collectible limited-edition collaboration with Vitra (a renowned Swiss furniture company) that explored “the urgent need for inclusivity in design that invites people of all generations, races, and backgrounds to have conversations about both social issues and design topics.” Pieces of the collection were released early and sold on the basic.space platform. The proceeds support the Virgil AblohTM “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund.

In December of 2020, the FSF partnered with Auction Cause and eBay to auction off one-of-a-kind experiences and products generously donated by fashion-industry leaders such as actress and entrepreneur Sarah Jessica Parker; designer and FSF Board Member Virgil Abloh; designers Christian Siriano and Brandon Maxwell; professional athlete Dwyane Wade; luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo; and NYC members-only club Nexus.

WWD published a full-page ad on December 8th to announce the Class of 2021 FSF Scholarship winners and to acknowledge our generous supporters. The ad was linked to an FSF microsite introducing our newest class of Scholars to the industry and featuring each scholarship recipient’s Case Study, CV, and profile information.

View the Class of 2020 FSF Scholars and their impressive work

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I’M LEARNING SO MUCH AND ENJOYING THIS. FOR ME, THIS IS A HIGHLIGHT OF MY JOURNEY, A MARKER OF MY PROGRESS. IT FEELS GOOD. Brandon R Wright 2021 FSF Applicant from Delaware State University

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BOARD OF GOVERNORS The FSF Board of Governors is a network of influential fashion-industry leaders representing a broad range of expertise in retail, wholesale, e-commerce, and other industry sectors. Board of Governor members are deeply engaged with the FSF’s mentorship, internship, and professional development programs. Board Members also provide career advice, guidance, and hands-on professional development experience for Scholars.

VIRGIL ABLOH Off-White Founder and Chief Creative Director MIKE ALIC Management One President PAUL ANNUNZIATA Industry Consultant SAM ARCHIBALD PVH President, Retail North America at Calvin Klein PETER ARNOLD* FSF Executive Director KEITH BAPTISTA PRODJECT Partner GLEN ELLEN BROWN* Bonfire Group Co-Founder CAROLYN D’ANGELO Marquee Brands President Home Division JUNE DEFABIO Kenneth Cole President ABBEY DONEGER The Doneger Group President and CEO NATA DVIR Macy’s Chief Merchandising Officer

KIERA GANANN Icon Fitness SVP Global Merchandising HEATH GOLDEN* Randa Apparel & Accessories EVP, Chief Strategy Officer GEORGIE GREVILLE Milk Makeup Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer ALEX GRINBERG Movado Senior Vice President Customer and Consumer Programs CELESTE GUDAS* 24 Seven CEO and Founder STACIE HENDERSON TOD’S Group U.S Head of Ecommerce, Digital and Consumer Experience DAVID KATZ* Randa Apparel & Accessories EVP, Chief Marketing Officer MITCHELL KONSKER Jones Lang LaSalle Vice Chairman MATT LAUKAITIS SAP EVP and Global GM, Consumer Industries

HOWARD FELLER* H Feller Enterprises Founder

AARON LEDET VF Corp.

Vice President, Americas Sourcing

MIKE FRALIX [TC]2 President and CEO

DEBRA MALBIN Debra Malbin Associates Founder

JEFF MANBY Industry Consultant MARC MASTRONARDI* Macy’s Chief Stores Officer FSF Board President KAREN MURRAY Fivestory CEO and Owner KENNETH NOLAN G-III Apparel Group, Ltd Senior Vice President of Creative PAUL ROSENGARD* True Religion Jeans EVP, Head of N.A. Wholesale and Licensing PETER SACHSE* Industry Consultant FSF Board Treasurer MICHAEL SETOLA* Tharanco Lifestyles CEO and President

CHIP THOMPSON Ralph Lauren Senior Vice President Of Sales Men’s Luxury and Department Stores JOHN TIGHE Industry Consultant LANA TODOROVICH Neiman Marcus President and Chief Merchandising Officer ELECTA VARNISH Nautica Senior Vice President Sales, VF Sportswear, Inc. JENNIFER VECCHIO* Burlington Stores President, Chief Merchandising Officer FSF Board Vice President KENNETH WYSE Wyse Consulting President

YEHUDA SHMIDMAN* WHP Global CEO STANLEY SILVERSTEIN WHP Global Chief Commercial Officer DAVID SIRKIN PVH President Dress Furnishings Group and DKNY Men’s Sportswear MAUREEN STORCH AAFA Senior Vice President Membership WILLIAM SUSMAN* Threadstone Advisors LLP Managing Director FSF Board Chairman

Board list as of December 31st, 2020 *Executive Committee member

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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Fiscal Year 2020 (ending July 31, 2020)

REVENUE

2020*

2019

Special Events

1,933,158

3,327,333

Less Direct Donor Benefits

(657,154)

(607,608)

Special Events Revenue

1,276,004

2,719,725

1% 32%

Special Events Revenue

67% Donations & Grants

601,499

52,649

Other Revenue

8,674

9,683

1,886,177

2,782,057

2020*

2019

Scholarships & Programs

2,219,615

1,938,480

Management & General

280,902

254,038

Fundraising Expenses

347,352

298,945

2,847,868

2,491,463

EXPENSES

Donations & Grants

PERCENTAGE OF REVENUE

10% 12% 78%

2020*

2018

Revenue

1,886,177

2,782,057

Expenses

2,847,868

2,491,463

Excess (deficit) of operating revenue and support over operating expenses

(961,691)

290,594

Investment return, net

262,834

294,131

Change in Net Assets

(698,857)

584,725

Net Assets, Beginning of Year

6,966,770

6,382,045

Net Assets, End of Year

6,267,913

6,966,770

*These are pre-audited numbers

42

Scholarships & Programs Management & General

PERCENTAGE OF EXPENSES STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

Other Revenue

Fundraising Expenses

FSF OFFICE Peter Arnold, Executive Director Marie Colletta, Director of Education Programs Katherine Simone, Education Programs Assistant Alyssa Zinola, Head of Events

1501 Broadway Suite 2001 New York, NY 10036 212.278.0008

info@fashionscholarshipfund.org Instagram: @fashionscholarshipfund www.fashionscholarshipfund.org

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43

2020