2026 Summer Scholar Series

The 2026 FSF Summer Scholar Series — ten weeks of robust virtual programming — consisted of two components:

Workforce Preparedness Courses: virtual sessions focused on hard skills and best practices that provide relevant and tangible takeaways.

Master Classes: virtual sessions dedicated to industry experts sharing their insights on current topics and challenges of the industry.

Unlocking Hidden Potential:
How Leading Brands Identify Overlooked Consumer Groups to Increase Profit

FSF Scholars, Scholar Applicants and Alumni, joined us for the first virtual session of FSF's 2026 Summer Scholar Series, moderated by Calvin Klein’s Chief Design Officer and FSF Board Member, Jess Lomax. This conversation explored the 2027 FSF Case Study theme – How Brands Recognize and Connect With Specific, Unique Consumer Segments Whose Needs Are Unmet or Underserved.

Attendees heard from Christopher Bevans, Sr. Director, Apparel Excellence Jordan Design at Nike, Michael Mangan, Director of Men’s Brand Marketing at J.Crew and Charlotte Warshaw, General Manager of Jewelry and VP Americas Wholesale, Global Licensing & Collaborations at Kate Spade New York on how they’ve successfully engaged with new audiences to expand their consumer base and drive sales.

From digital detoxing to breaking through gender stereotypes, discover how Nike, J.Crew and Kate Spade New York are lucratively tapping into niche markets that are eager for their attention.