My name is Calista Huynh and I am currently a rising senior at Parsons: The New School for Design pursuing a degree in Strategic Design and Management with a minor in Alternative Fashion Strategies, also referred to as sustainable fashion. My major encompasses a unique curriculum with courses focused in design and business. 

I first heard about TLF through my university’s scholarship advisor. I applied because TLF’s values align with my own, and I was interested in the educational experiences focused in communications. I believe in TLF’s mission because I have a personal responsibility to create opportunities for young girls to see themselves as communicators, entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators. With this scholarship, I am now able to fund my tuition for my last year of school.

Upon graduation, my goal is to secure a job in a creative environment that holds the same values as I do, specifically within the field of fashion or retail tech. I aim to increase my experience in corporate social responsibility, communications, impact management, and innovation. I want to pursue these goals because I hope to build a career that focuses on issues important to me, including sustainability and innovative business strategies that value transparency and ethics. I value bringing diversity into my field of work because I hope to communicate to minority women aspiring in the fashion industry that their perspectives and voices matter despite the hardships.

I plan to stay involved with TLF because it has continued to support my career and students in need. I think the work TLF is doing is important because it is changing the norm for future generations in terms of how we define diversity and inclusion.

I would like to thank Amani Gheith for her guidance as well as Kim Hunter and TLF’s team.