Adeline Wolfgang is a 2013 FSF Scholar and a 2014 graduate of the University of Missouri. Today, she serves as Senior Account Manager, Enterprise Accounts at SKYPAD, the retail analytics platform used across the fashion industry, where she partners with more than 120 brands spanning wholesale, planning, and e-commerce.
From the Midwest to a career built in New York, and from wholesale to the technology side of fashion, Adeline's path reflects how the relationships you build along the way can shape your career as much as the work itself.
FSF: How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Adeline Wolfgang: Classic, understated, thoughtful.
FSF: What's the most important lesson you learned through FSF?
AW: Invest in professional relationships—they often come full circle.
FSF: The future of fashion is _____.
AW: A constant evolution.
FSF: How did FSF help you embark on your career—and how do you continue to tap into the community or its resources today?
AW: Growing up and attending college in the Midwest, the idea of building a career in fashion and moving to New York felt intimidating at times. FSF not only provided the financial support that made the move possible but also the confidence that I belonged here.
In those early years, FSF remained an invaluable resource. Networking events, Alumni happy hours, and reconnecting with mentors and fellow Scholars at the Gala gave me a way to keep learning, build relationships, and stay engaged in the industry beyond my day-to-day role. Some of my closest friends today are people I met through the scholarship, and the relationships I built through FSF continue to inspire and support me both personally and professionally.
FSF: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your fashion journey so far?
AW: I've been fortunate to have many great mentors, each offering a different perspective. People say the fashion industry is small, and I've found that to be true—one of the biggest lessons I've learned is the value of building and maintaining genuine relationships. You never know when your paths will cross again, or who will play a role in your next chapter.
One person stands out: my current manager, who was also my manager at Burberry. That was only my second job out of college, and I was still learning the ropes of wholesale. She taught me how to build trust with buyers, foster strong relationships, and think strategically. Years later, she became a key part of my transition into the technology side of the industry. The connection we maintained ultimately opened the door to a new opportunity—a full-circle reminder that while skills and experience matter, the relationships you build along the way can be just as impactful.
FSF: Can you tell us about a recent project you're proud of?
AW: One I'm especially proud of is a recent test-and-learn initiative at SKYPAD. As a SaaS company without a physical product, we build many of our client relationships virtually. We saw an opportunity to create something more personal—to bring clients together in person to showcase new product features, share insights, and deepen those relationships.
That idea became our first-ever in-person event, "Insights & Bites," where we hosted 50 clients. I helped spearhead it, and it was incredibly rewarding to see it come to life. The turnout and engagement exceeded our expectations, and it was great to see clients so energized about what we're building.
FSF: What role do you see mentorship playing in the future of fashion?
AW: Mentorship will continue to play a pivotal role. There are more resources than ever, but nothing replaces personal connection and lived experience. Having someone who can offer guidance, share the context behind decisions, and give honest feedback is something that can't be replicated online.
FSF: Are there any lessons from your time as an FSF Scholar or Alumna that continue to resonate with you today?
AW: The importance of community. FSF showed me that success is rarely achieved alone—building relationships, staying connected, and supporting others has a lasting impact, both personally and professionally.
FSF: Any upcoming projects you'd like to share?
AW: Yes, we're currently working on some exciting projects featuring agentic AI. More to come!
FSF: Anything else you'd like to add?
AW: Be open to new opportunities. Some of the most meaningful experiences and connections in my career have come from stepping outside my comfort zone and saying yes to something new.
📲 Follow Adeline's journey: LinkedIn
