Student
Student Crystal Lira Represents FIDM at SVA Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C.
USMC Veteran Crystal Lira is working on her Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Apparel Technical Design. This month she and FIDM Student Veterans of American (SVA) President Justine Alexander represented FIDM at the SVA Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C., which attracted 124 veterans from around the country. Among many others, she met Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Ladda Tammy Duckworth, and Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin. By the end of the event, Crystal was matched with over four mentors who will guide her on her path into government. We caught up with her to find out more.
Tell us a little about yourself: As a young girl, I would use my dolls to showcase new clothes that I would sew from fabric scrap old jeans and shirts. Growing up, I knew I wanted to be part of the fashion industry. During high school, I played volleyball all year round up until senior year. As a senior, I began to research the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. I knew that was where I wanted to go. During my first year of community college, I took an unexpected turn and joined the military which led me to become a United States Marine.
As a Marine, I knew I wanted to do a job related to business. I then became an (0431), which means that I was an Embarkation/Logistics Specialist. This position taught me the value of leading groups to accomplish unmeasurable assignments, and how to work under pressure in a timely manner. It allowed me to see how big the world is and how even small details are a big deal.
As the end of my contract approached, I applied to FIDM and was accepted to start the following month after ending my service with the Marines. Fast forward, two years later, and I am now working on my Bachelor’s in Apparel Technical Design.
My childhood dream came true. I'm no longer sewing clothes for dolls; instead, I'm using state of the art technology and programs to create garments from beginning to end, for real people. This is only the beginning.
Tell us about the SVA Leadership Institute in D.C.: While I had the great privilege of being accepted into being a participant of the Student Veterans of America Institute this year and I am very proud and excited to express how much it has impacted me as a leader, veteran, and as a professional. One of the many things I took away from this event was a huge realization, one in which I have had a hard time being sympathetic towards.
We were given the task to narrow down top core values that we believe are the most important to apply as a leader, and I chose “Leadership,” “Logic,” “Loyalty,” and “Health.” But, after spending more time with my fellow veterans and all mentors and staff here and hearing their wonderful stories, I have made the decision to add one more—that core value is "Compassion.”
After this experience in D.C., I have learned that many veterans have emotional and mental issues. Hearing them express and be open about their struggles really taught me to pay more attention to the problems that matter to them. It has also made me so proud to see that they have full awareness of these issues and have learned how to communicate them to others. I cannot be any more proud, which is why I want to be a leader who can learn more about the issues that are affecting my fellow Veterans and mentees, and provide the resources and compassion so that they continue to thrive.
Before meeting Timothy Jones and Kiersten Downs, who were the mentors for my cohort group, I was not aware of the depth of knowledge there is to be a certain type of leader. They broke down four types of leaders: Informational, Motivational, Inspirational, and Transformational. Having to challenge my opinions with my experiences has brought me to another level of understanding what kind of leader I want to strive to become—Informational and Inspirational.
How many students were at the event and who did you meet? The event hosted 124 student veterans and had approximately 25-30 mentors/coordinators. The amount of networking became a little overwhelming, in a great way. They had us meeting many great influencers and leaders of America, many of whom I had the privilege of speaking one-on-one with and exchanging business cards and talking about future plans. I met and networked with:
Jared Lyon, President and CEO of Student Veterans of America
General Stanley A. McChrystal
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House
Ladda Tammy Duckworth, Congresswoman
Lauren Augustine, VP of Government Affairs
Charles Sevola, VP Head of Veterans Initiatives Office at Prudential Financial
Lida Citroën, Personal Branding for Executives, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker, Reputation Management Expert at LIDA360, Medal of Honor Recipient
Kyle White, Veteran Advocate, Fixed Income Specialist, Motivational Speaker
Elissa Slotkin, Member of Congress for Michigan's 8th District
How did you choose your major? During my senior year of high school, I researched the majors at FIDM, so when I finished my active duty contract I knew exactly what I wanted to come in for. Apparel Industry Management allowed me to learn about starting a business from having an idea to who I can start speaking to and making a business plan. Apparel Industry Management gives me the tools I need to be a designer and know how to manage my own costings. I believe these two are a great combination of a great potential entrepreneur.
How did your experience in the Marines help prepare you for the rigor of studying at FIDM? Being an Embarkation/Logistics Specialist taught me the value of leading groups to accomplish unmeasurable assignments, and how to work under pressure in a timely manner. It allowed me to see how big the world is and how even the small details make a huge difference.
What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? Coming from a military background into a world of business and fashion has given me many ideas and goals, I can't even count with my hands. One of the most incredible experiences of the Student Veterans of America Leadership Institute is seeing Republicans and Democrats put aside party beliefs and connect with the veteran community. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Ladda Tammy Duckworth, and Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin took the time to speak with us about the importance of veterans rising.
I returned home with a bigger vision for my future and a belief that veterans need to rise up and take on the roles of government to make our country a better home. I have gained over four amazing mentors through this event who will guide and mentor me through my path into government. My starting goal is to be a part of the 49th Congressional District as an Intern for Congressman Mike Levin. This will not stop me from pursuing my fashion industry goals. The long term goal to establish both careers with my will and strength.
Categories: Apparel Industry Management Apparel Technical Design Military Veteran Student
