What year did you graduate from Burlington High School?
2015
Tell us about your accomplishments since graduating from BHS.
Since graduating, I attended Iowa State University on a full academic scholarship for Apparel Merchandising and Design.
At Iowa State, I was the Producer for the nation’s largest fashion show and the Director of Iowa State Homecoming. Some of my favorite experiences were working with Global Service Initiatives, where I led two groups of twenty students to Jamaica. We spent time working with the Ministry of Education and progressing technology in their school systems.
I am proud to have worked with the following companies, primarily in fashion marketing and e-commerce optimization: Amazon.com, Sorel Footwear, Vans, Urban Outfitters, Claire’s and Patagonia.
I currently live and work in Denver, Colorado where I am the Global Merchant for Personalization and Expansion Categories at Crocs (which is just a fancy way of saying a develop product and forecast profit potential for Jibbitz, Socks, and new business ventures).
During your time at BHS, did you have a favorite member of staff who had a positive impact on you? Tell us about them.
I had a lot of great influences while attending BHS. Mr. Osbourne taught me that I can either be part of the problem or part of the solution. Through his lessons I learned that I have the power to change the narrative of any circumstance.
Mrs. Link pushed me to step out of my boundaries and own my leadership skillset. Because of her, I have gained many opportunities in the Fashion-Tech space.
Finally, Mrs. Ross bestowed on her classes that compassion and competition can sit together. I am thankful that I can respect, grow, and collaborate with my peers and colleagues, while focusing on my own personal goals and career trajectory.
Do you have any advice for the current graduating class?
Take the chance, do the thing, send the email, apply for the job/award/program/etc., because the worst anyone is ever going say to you is “no”. So if you’re not afraid to hear that – your dreams are always within arms reach.
How did your time at BHS impact your adult life?
BHS has made a foundational impact on my life. Throughout high school I found incredible mentors, utilized extracurriculars to create memories and instill discipline, as well as built a strong support network of friends.