Alumni Spotlight: Mecca Hodge
Mecca Hodge, 2020 and 2021 FSF Scholar, Auburn University
A 2020 FSF Scholar and 2021 “Post-Modern” Scholar, Mecca Hodge graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production Management. After completing a remote sales internship with Tanya Taylor, Mecca landed her current role as an assistant buyer in the women’s contemporary division for Neiman Marcus in 2021. In this role, Mecca is responsible for the full product life cycle for twenty brands. This starts with market prep and creating POs for new merchandise the buyer has purchased. In addition, she projects monthly and seasonal shipments from merchandise purchased at market months before and conducts re-orders/swaps to help fuel sales. She also submits RTVs and markdowns to help maintain the inventory (and gross margin).
“Winning a Fashion Scholarship Fund Scholarship and becoming a part of the FSF community was truly the highlight of my college experience. I found out one of our professors was holding an informational meeting on the FSF Case Study Competition literally hours beforehand, not realizing what this chance encounter had in store for my future.
Winning the scholarship and being exposed to numerous career opportunities was my initial goal, but the connections gained—both directly with fellow Scholars and indirectly through the Summer Scholar Series—are the extra bonuses that have lasted for years. I’m constantly amazed by the talented FSF Alumni I’ve met and read about. They’ve expanded my thinking and led me to seek higher heights. Moreover, I’m thankful for the indirect connection sparked from the jaw-dropping talent in the Summer programming. Through their stories and advice, a little fire has been lit within me to approach the things that scare me. The fact that these icons take the time out of their busy schedules to speak with Scholars is evidence enough of how special the organization is.
Overall, I’m thrilled to see FSF expanding and reaching more students. FSF recognizes the needs students have beyond college curriculum and provide a support system that lasts well beyond graduation. So thankful for the impact FSF has had on my career and excited to see the same for future FSF and “Post-Modern” Scholars!”