
Fashion Retail Studies Industry Advisory Board
“Where Creativity & Commerce Intersect”
Our Mission
To be the leader in Fashion Retail Studies, providing education, professional development and outreach that benefits society.
Strategic Focus: Engagement & Awareness
The Fashion Retail Studies Industry Board is dedicated to fostering a strong connection between our students and the dynamic world of fashion retail. This year, we are focusing on enhancing student engagement and increasing awareness of our program within the industry.
Key Initiatives:
- Student Engagement: We are committed to providing students with invaluable industry connections through "Industry In" programs, including:
- Networking events: Facilitating valuable connections between students and industry professionals.
- Mentor programs: Offering mentorship opportunities, classroom speaker series and career fair readiness workshops.
- Expanding our alumni network: Building a robust database of FRS graduates to support student career exploration.
- Marketing & Awareness: We are dedicated to raising the profile of our program through:
- The Retail Exchange: A premier industry event bringing together 125 industry leaders and 100 students for networking and knowledge sharing.
- Enhanced social media presence: Growing our Instagram following to 1500 and LinkedIn presence to 500.
- Fundraising initiatives: Supporting student success through fundraising campaigns aimed at generating $10,000+ for the FRS Support Fund.
- Student Experience & Placement: We are focused on providing our students with real-world experiences through:
- Bus Stop Tours: Offering immersive field trips to industry leaders for 20 students per semester.
- Career Connect Fairs: Organizing career fairs with at least 25 participating companies, including 5 new partners, and engaging 110 students.
- Shadow Programs: Developing a robust shadow program in collaboration with industry partners, providing students with valuable insights into career paths within the fashion retail sector.
We believe that by fostering strong industry partnerships and providing our students with unparalleled experiences, we are preparing them for successful careers in the ever-evolving world of fashion retail.
Join us in shaping the future of fashion retail education. To learn more about our program, students and upcoming events follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Sponsored Programs
FRS Advisory Board
Executive Board

Department Chair - Human Sciences
The Ohio State University, College of Education and Human Ecology
porfeli.1@osu.edu

Advisory Board Director
The Ohio State University- Human Sciences
Senior Lecturer
Paulus.100@osu.edu

Chair
Independent Business Consultant
cnwillie56@gmail.com

Chair Elect
Ascena Retail Group (Justice)
Senior Designer
ehollander@justicedesignlab.com

Student Engagement Chair
Change 4 Growth
Vice President Project Delivery
veronicaraemathers@gmail.com

Marketing & Awareness Chair
American Signature Inc
Director, Paid Media
ryan.dezso@americansignature.com

Student Experience & Placement Chair
Entrepreneur | Founder | Podcaster
jackie.hutson@gmail.com
Member at Large

Accel Inc., Chairwoman

Justice Design Lab, President

Zen Genius, Director of Visual Merchandising

SCM Group, Owner
Industry Board

Abercrombie & Fitch Business Development

Former CEO John Hardy

Huntington Vice President Corporate Ventures

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Manager

Abercrombie & Fitch, Visual Merchandiser

FULLBEAUTY Brands, Vice President

HOMAGE, Sr Vice President of Product

Designer Brands, Sr Director Talent Acquisition

Solutions Delivered LLC, Principle Consultant

Bath & Body Works, Sr Visual Merchandiser

Bliss in a Bottle, President/Founder

Victoria's Secret, Vice President Raw Materials

Bread Financial, Account Manager

Atrium, Vice President of Merchandising

Camille Worstell, ATRIUM, Merchant

Lane Bryant, Vice President Sourcing
View the organizations By-Laws here