Alumni

Current Title: 
Divisional Trend Manager at JCPenney 

Degree: 
Fashion Design, with a Minor in Art History (2017)

Career Bio:
My career journey demonstrates the importance of patience and timing, as I moved from a NYC internship to freelancing before landing a trend role at JCPenney in New York just as my retail job closed. Over the past six years, JCPenney has continued to be a fertile ground for growth, teaching me that sometimes waiting is necessary for the right opportunities to unfold.

"A unique aspect of Kent State compared to other art schools is the ability for students to simultaneously study fashion and experience a typical university life full of extracurricular activities. Attending biology lectures, playing in the orchestra and biking a beautiful campus while studying fashion allowed for a comprehensive college experience."

Current Title: 
Omni Merchandise Planning Analyst for Gap Specialty Men's Woven Tops & Outerwear

Degree: 
Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship (May 2023)

Career Bio:
Joanna is a Merchandise Planning Analyst at Gap, after successfully completing the Rotational Management Program. As a first generation Haitian American, Joanna utilizes the confidence that she has in herself to relentlessly strive for greatness in all areas of her life and encourage those around her to do the same.

"Being the Senior Co-Producer of the Annual Fashion Show was my most valuable experience at Kent State. I was able to navigate multiple opinions, lead my peers, and understand the value of collaboration. These are skills that I use in my role today that have helped me be a better cross-functional partner."

Current Title: 
Associate Buyer at Target

Degree: 
Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Business. Graduated: December 2019

Career Bio:
Since January 2023, I have been an Associate Buyer at Target in Minneapolis. This role has allowed me to begin utilizing my merchant skill set in strategy creation and implementation to the product categories I operate. Prior to Target, I was a Merchandise Analyst at Nordstrom for full-price and off-price channels. 

"Kent State provided so many learning experiences during my time as a student. I don't think I have the space to list them all! The opportunity to study and work abroad in Paris and New York City for two semesters had the greatest impact by far. Both cities allowed me to expand my understanding into not only how the industry operates but the impact networking has on your career. Having numerous opportunities to learn, work, and meet so many individuals with extensive knowledge and history were priceless. I would not be where I am today without Kent State's Fashion School program providing us the ability to travel, work, and learn."

Current Title: 
Sourcing Manager, YPB Active Wear

Degree: 
B.S. in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Marketing

Career Bio:
Jaron Warmack (he/him), Sourcing Manager at Abercrombie & Fitch, leads the Sourcing department for Abercrombie and Fitch’s YPB Active Wear brand. Jaron’s work focusses in on the strategy and development of this new brand under the A&F umbrella. 

"Originally when I joined the fashion school I thought that I would be in Visual Merchandising. I loved the creativity of putting together, and styling outfits for customers. Coming out of school, I was exposed to the Product Development and Sourcing world and I fell in love instantly. It involves a lot of creative problem solving with new challenges every day. Hands down the best experience that I had within the Fashion School was my time abroad in Florence. We were exposed to some of the best luxury brands in the world and were able to immerse ourselves in the culture."