Merchandise Marketing

Sheryl Marcus - Faculty
FIDM Merchandise Marketing Instructor

I believe every student has
potential and feel strongly that
an instructor's job is to encourage,
mentor, support and engage the
student during the education process."

FIDM Instructor Sheryl Marcus has more than 23 years of experience in the fashion industry. She started out in the executive training program at the May Co. became a Junior Sportswear, Dresses, and Accessories Manager, and was promoted to Assistant Buyer, then Associate Buyer in Accessories. Sheryl then went on to work with The Broadway department stores for 15 years, working her way up from Assistant Store Manager to President of Stores. She then worked for Sunglass Hut as a Regional Director to include all of California, Nevada, and Hawaii before joining the faculty at FIDM, where she's been teaching for 10 years.

Describe a favorite class project:
My favorite project has to be the Professional Portfolio that students complete in Contemporary Business Strategies, a class taken in the last quarter. They compile some of their best work throughout their education at FIDM in order to present it to future employers. It gives them a tremendous competitive advantage over other applicants who have not attended FIDM and allows them to showcase the diversity of their education.

What is your philosophical approach to teaching?
As an instructor, I have a tremendous amount of energy and passion about the business and hope that it comes through to the students. The job of an instructor is absolutely to inspire a student to learn.

What is your favorite thing about teaching at FIDM?
I love that it forces me to stay current with both business and pop culture. The students inspire, educate, and excite me. I feel accomplished when I can make just the smallest difference in a student's education. They keep me young!

Sheryl Marcus is an Outstanding Faculty Award winner, an award given by the student body to outstanding faculty members.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.

Mona Eisman - Faculty
FIDM Merchandise Marketing Instructor

FIDM instructor Mona Eisman founded Eisman Marketing Group in 1997, after leading global marketing efforts for companies such as Elizabeth Arden, Max Factor, and Dick Clark Productions. Her company, which has been featured in the L.A. Times, brings together knowledge of and experience in a variety of disciplines. “A friend and business colleague brought me into her Marketing class as a guest speaker several times and I really enjoyed the interaction with the students,” explains Mona, who has worked with clients such as the NFL Players Association, Joico Laboratories Inc., Dogeared Jewels and Gifts, and Harley Davidson. “That resulted in being asked to teach my first class, which was International Business.” Currently teaching Entrepreneurship, International Business, Applied Management, and Brand Management, Mona has been an instructor at FIDM for more than nine years.

Mona has noticed that FIDM attracts a motivated and entrepreneurial student who may already have their own ventures in the works before arriving at the college. While the Northwestern University graduate enjoys the opportunities that running her own business affords, she is happy to continuing teaching. “FIDM students and the classroom experience provides the opportunity to create and explore new marketing and business ideas,” explains the New York native. “Also, I love that the students help keep me current about fashion, retail, technology, pop culture, and so much more. My greatest joy is hearing from students who have started their business or pursued career opportunities that were inspired by what we did together at FIDM.”

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.