Alumni
Grad Lizette Lopez Is Proud To Work For GAP As They Donate $1M To Non-Profit Organizations Amid Coronavirus Crisis
Lizette Lopez landed her dream job soon after graduating from FIDM with her degree in Merchandising & Marketing. She now works as a buyer at GAP and is proud that her employer just donated $1M to non-profit organizations around the world to support underserved families during the coronavirus crisis. GAP is also supplying millions of masks and gowns to healthcare workers and is lending space in their facilities to emergency responders. We caught up with Lizette to learn more about her career journey and what she’s doing to stay inspired during these challenging times.
Tell us your industry story: I started FIDM as a Professional Designation student in 2014, seven years after graduating with a degree in business. I knew I wanted to be a buyer since I was in high school but I allowed external factors to hold me back from pursuing it earlier. However, I don't regret how things worked out. Prior to FIDM I had a wonderful experience interning at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and a legal career that really prepared me for FIDM and the career I have now. Going into FIDM with a business degree under my belt laid the foundation necessary to truly grasp the Merchandise Marketing program. Being almost 30 and going back to school made me take everything more seriously. I was focused, dedicated, and prepared to set myself up for success.
I'm fortunate that I landed my dream job soon after graduating FIDM. I've worked with several retailers both in SoCal and in the Bay Area where I am now. The breadth of my experience has continuously opened doors for me. I have worked with and learned from incredible people. Every experience has been different and I have grown from each of them. I can genuinely say I'm hashtag blessed.
What are you doing to stay inspired during these challenging times? I began to feel overwhelmed by so much news on COVID-19 so I started to follow more positive apps on Instagram that only share good news. It's been inspiring to see/hear news about the kindness that people are spreading during these times. I'm inspired by retailers and designers who have shifted their priorities and are using their resources to produce face masks and other necessities to frontline workers. I'm staying in gratitude and reminding myself that there are good things that are coming out of this pandemic. My husband and I came to stay in LA with my parents. The time we're spending with them is invaluable and not often do I have this opportunity so I'm enjoying it to the fullest! I'm inspired by the little things that I sometimes overlook.
How are you showing up for your community, your career, and yourself right now? These times are challenging for all of us in different ways. I like to stay mindful of myself, my surroundings and others. It's more important now than ever to be kind to ourselves and our neighbors. I am constantly reminding myself (and others) that this is the time to show ourselves grace. We're in the midst of a global crisis, this doesn't have to be the time where we reorganize our entire home, learn a new language, and color coordinate our closets. If we have the mental, emotional, and physical capacity to do that, then that's great but it's not necessary.
I do my best everyday and that's all I ask of myself. I stay in as much as possible which means I rely on delivery apps. One way I help my community is by tipping generously and showing gratitude to those who are providing a service to me. I order takeout about once a week and choose to support local businesses.
I check in with friends and family and find ways to help, whether it's shipping them hand sanitizer or getting on a call to ensure they're okay. There is a lot of noise right now and at times I find it challenging to focus at work but I love what I do and am grateful that I can still do it. I remind myself of this whenever I feel stressed by the current state. I make sure that I am continuously delivering as best as I can, for myself, my team, and our customer.
What brands are inspiring you right now, in terms of their response to the needs of the world during this pandemic? There are so many retailers and designers who are stepping up and it makes me so proud to be part of this industry! Not to be biased but the GAP Foundation donated $1M to non-profit organizations around the world to support underserved families during the crisis. Gap is also supplying millions of masks and gowns to healthcare workers and is lending space in their facilities to emergency responders. It's beautiful to see so many brands show up for their community and I'm so proud to be part of one that has shown up in a big way!
What are some of your fondest FIDM memories? My program was about a year—short and sweet—and I maximized my experience. Everyone who works at FIDM is wonderful and I loved learning from and networking with them. I built great relationships with my professors, director, and counselors, all of whom I still value. The career fairs were great! Such a great opportunity to network with people in the industry. The perfect time to put your best foot forward.
Any tips for our students who are about to experience their first quarter of online-only classes?
1. Know yourself. What type of learner are you? What do you need to do in order to succeed in a virtual environment? If you know how you learn then you can identify what you need to ensure your success.
2. Stay focused and disciplined. Easier said than done, I know, but I suggest creating a schedule to provide structure.
3. Build community. Online is "the new normal" for a lot of us and this may continue for a while. Treat the virtual world the way you would if you were on campus. Reach out to your professors for help, seek resources, participate, network, etc.
What are you most looking forward to once the pandemic is over? Hugging my loved ones! I'm an extrovert and I miss human interaction. A vacation once it's safe to travel. Definitely some self-care. The works—hair, brows, mani/pedi!
Anything else you’d like to share? Maximize your time at FIDM. Make the best of it despite external factors because in the end you are responsible for your own success.
Categories: Merchandising & Marketing Alumni
