Courtney Vander Linden is a 2013 FSF Scholar whose career began with a serendipitous connection at the FSF Scholarship Awards Gala. Today, she is part of the integrated marketing team at Vuori, bringing a decade of brand-building expertise and a passion for purpose-driven storytelling to one of the most dynamic activewear brands in the industry.
From her early years at LIM College to shaping marketing strategy at Levi Strauss & Co., Courtney’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, relationship-building, and saying yes to new opportunities.
Below, she reflects on how FSF launched her career, the lessons that continue to guide her, and why mentorship is a two-way street.
FSF: How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Courtney Vander Linden: Elevated, classic, sporty.
FSF: The future of fashion is _____.
CVL: Conscious, meaningful, and simple.
FSF: What’s the most important lesson you learned through FSF?
CVL: Luck finds you when you’ve worked hard – welcome an array of experiences, nurture relationships, and put yourself in a position to receive and capitalize on what is being placed in front of you.
FSF: How did FSF help you embark on your career, and how do you continue to tap into the community or its resources today?
CVL: My FSF experience directly informed my first post-college job and shaped the past decade of my life. As a Finalist, I connected with members of the Levi Strauss & Co. team during the Gala. That connection opened the door to a summer internship at Levi’s headquarters in the Bay Area.
What started as an internship turned into a full-time role and a 10-year journey driving brand, product, and licensing marketing at Levi’s. Looking back, every step—the work, the mentors, the friendships—ties back to that moment. I hold immense gratitude for FSF’s impact and continue to give back through mentoring. Watching FSF evolve while staying true to its mission of educating the next fashion talent and connecting them with the industry has been inspiring.
FSF: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your fashion journey so far?
CVL: My relationship with myself. The more I’ve grown, the more I’ve returned to who I am at my core. That self-knowing drives my career decisions, my style, and how I navigate life. I also draw inspiration from my lineage; photos of my great-grandmothers in Montana and Italy radiate a quiet confidence that I aspire to carry. Beyond fashion, I’m influenced by sports, film, philanthropy, and writing—cultural forces that bring meaning and community to our lives. These intersections fuel my creativity and shape how I approach my work.
FSF: Can you tell us about a recent project you’re proud of?
CVL: Rather than a single project, I’m most proud of closing one chapter and starting another. Leaving Levi’s after a decade was both emotional and energizing. I grew up there professionally, taking on everything from seasonal campaigns to business development and brand moments. That experience prepared me for my current role at Vuori, where I’m focused on building strategic, connective tissue across the marketing organization. It feels like an exciting evolution, and I’m proud of the foundation I’ve built.
FSF: What role do you see mentorship playing in the future of fashion?
CVL: Mentorship is transformative for both the mentor and mentee. It’s a commitment to sharing your experiences and insights while staying open to learning from someone else’s perspective. That exchange of energy can ignite growth, change, and creativity. In fashion, where relationships are everything, mentorship will continue to be a powerful force.
FSF: Are there any lessons from your time as an FSF Scholar or Alumna that continue to resonate with you today?
CVL: I’ve learned to lean into the paradox of aggressive restraint: push yourself in what’s within your control, then let life unfold. Don’t wait for perfection to begin, but choose, evolve, and move forward. What’s meant to find you will find you.
