alumni spotlight: Isabella Mendez
Isabella mendez
savannah College of art and design, 2019 FSF Scholar
Isabella is a former FSF recipient and is currently working as a Color Designer at New Balance. Her passion for fashion and sports has led her to a career in the activewear business. Through various internships and professional development events, she’s grateful to have learned many tools that have helped her on her professional journey in the creative field.
Coming from Venezuela, Isabella learned by example from her parents that making bold moves and taking every opportunity can lead to a bright future. Her parents moved to the U.S back in 2013 to have better opportunities for their family. This move led to Isabella applying to SCAD, from which she successfully graduated with a B.F.A in Fashion Design. In 2019, Isabella applied to the FSF Case Study Competition and was excited to be one of the year’s Chairman’s Award winner!
“Being part of the FSF has given me the chance to meet amazing people, learn from experienced leaders in the industry and, of course, it provided me with the biggest financial help in my career.” After college, she secured a full-time job at Kohl’s where she helped start a private brand from the ground up. As an FSF Alumnus, Isabella joined the FSF Equity Committee, through which she advocates for Hispanic and international students who may have more barriers to entry into the industry. “When I first submitted my project to the FSF I didn’t know if I had any chance but I’m glad that didn’t stop me, and I hope my story can inspire others to apply to this awesome program.”