Alumni
Recent Merchandising & Marketing Graduate Meets Retail Leaders at NRF Foundation Events in New York City
Merchandising & Marketing Graduate Jordan KM Hui, who hails from Sydney, Australia, recently returned from New York City where he attended the NRF Foundation’s Student Program and the NRF Foundation Honors, an evening gala that raised more than $4 million to fund the Foundations programs, including educational initiatives, student scholarships, and RISE Up, an industry-backed credentialing program. As one of 25 students chosen as a semi-finalist in the NRF's Next Generation Scholarship nationwide contest, Jordan received a travel stipend from the nonprofit and philanthropic arm of the National Retail Federation. He's pictured above with fellow semi-finalists from around the country and FIDM Merchandise Product Development Department Chair Eva Gilbert.
The four-day event drew more than 1,100 college students from over 130 schools, including 12 FIDM Students. “I learned a lot from the other students there,” Jordan said. “One of the best things about the program was the Executive Mentor Experience. It was like a speed dating format and all these mentors took turns and sat down with us and shared their personal journeys and gave us advice.” Jordan said speakers such as Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette, Emily Chang, the CMO of Starbucks and Daniel Lubetzky, the Founder and Executive Chairman of KIND, were among his favorite speakers.
More than 850 retail executives attended the NRF Foundation Honors, which was hosted by CNBC retail reporter Courtney Reagan. Vera Wang presented NRF’s “The Visionary” award to Kohl’s CEO Michelle Gass and the NRF Foundation announced the recipients of its Student Challenge and Next Generation scholarships. “It was an honor to be there as there were less than 40 students there,” Jordan said. “It was very glamorous and nice to recognize the excellence of the students and be inspired by them.” He networked with students and industry professionals at a dessert reception.
Jordan, who graduated in October of 2019 from FIDM, plans to return to the college to pursue a degree in Business Management. For the last couple of years, he’s been preparing to launch a women’s and unisex clothing line and is determined to start a collection in the near future. He said: “The reason I got into fashion is because I want to use the platform to make a difference – to make the world a better place.” Jordan also plans to compete for the NRF Foundation's Next Generation Scholarship again.
“I’d like to really thank FIDM for the opportunity. It was an honor to represent FIDM at the gala,” Jordan added. “Special thanks to Eva Gilbert and my professors Elisabeth Hinckley and Sheryl Marcus for their support during my completion of the case study on Hill City, as well as my advisors Diane Combes and Alexandra Bruzzese from the Career Center, and Elizabeth DeGies for being so very supportive during my A.A. They were always in my corner to encourage and support me, allowing me to realize my potential, among other professors from the Merchandising & Marketing Department."
Categories: Merchandise Product Development Merchandising & Marketing Alumni
