Moore School student attends New York City event to gain fashion industry insights, build valuable networks
Marketing and entrepreneurship student Sophie Washo, ’26, took the first step in her dream career in fashion marketing by connecting with influential retail leaders at the 2025 National Retail Federation Student Program in New York City.
Washo, who is also minoring in retail, said attending the NRF Student Program in mid-January confirmed her career aspirations in retail by broadening her knowledge of the industry.
Attending as a representative of the Darla Moore School of Business was a point of pride for Washo. She expressed gratitude for the Berry Family Endowment, which enabled her to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The NRF Student Program is an annual event designed to connect students with retail industry leaders, offering insights into diverse career paths and emerging trends. The program features keynote presentations, panel discussions, executive mentoring sessions and networking opportunities with recruiters from leading retail companies.
“I was inspired to attend the program because it offered an amazing opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the retail industry,” Washo says.
Washo was particularly drawn to panels on topics such as sustainability, artificial intelligence and leadership.
"Javier Quiñones, CEO & chief sustainability officer at IKEA, talked about how our generation will take sustainability to the next level because of our passion,” she says. “Joshua Longo, senior director of design at Crate & Barrel, highlighted how AI-generated imagery is streamlining product design. Tonya Hallett, vice president at Amazon, emphasized courage, curiosity and confidence in leadership.”
Washo says she also valued the executive mentorship experience, which allowed her to engage directly with industry leaders and gain practical career advice.
A particularly memorable moment for Washo occurred during the executive mentorship session, where she connected with a recruiter from Carter’s, the largest-branded marketer of baby and children’s apparel in the U.S.
“I was the only South Carolina student at the table, and when I mentioned I was from USC, she was so excited, saying her husband is a Gamecock alum,” Washo says. “It reminded me how many connections there are and how proud I am to represent my university.”
Networking with professionals from companies such as Apple, Amazon and Nordstrom proved to be one of the most impactful aspects of the program.
“Many shared how important it is to find work that truly excites you, even if it means changing your career path,” she says. “It wasn’t just their success that stood out, but their knowledge, passion and genuine love for their careers.”
Washo was inspired by the story of Malcolm Gaspard from Kohl’s department store; he shared his career journey from an engineering background to becoming vice president of loss prevention.
“Gaspard's story inspired me because it highlighted the vast and diverse opportunities within the retail industry,” she says. “It was fascinating to hear how he completely shifted his career to discover a passion for retail he never knew he had.”
The program’s panel discussions emphasized the importance of authenticity, a message that resonated deeply with Washo.
“Many speakers emphasized how being true to yourself and always presenting the best version of yourself is key to success in the retail industry,” she says.
One of the standout moments of her trip was her visit to the Moët Hennessy luxury goods New York headquarters. Washo was able to tour the company’s World Trade Center office, thanks to an invitation by Moore School alumna Haley Pool, ’23 finance and marketing, who is also Washo’s mentor. Pool is a distributor partnership analyst for the company.
“The office, located on the 35th and 36th floors, offered stunning views of the city and featured a spacious beautiful layout that truly reflected the authenticity of the Moët Hennessy brand,” Washo says. “This visit reaffirmed my aspiration to work in marketing for a luxury brand. Pool’s guidance has been invaluable in reinforcing the belief that these goals are possible.”
For students interested in attending events like the NRF Student Program, Washo has simple yet powerful advice: be proactive and take every opportunity to network.
“My advice for students looking to maximize networking opportunities at industry events is to step out of your comfort zone and take full advantage of every opportunity,” she says. “Make an effort to introduce yourself to others. You never know who you might meet or how those connections could help you in the future.”
For Washo, the NRF Student Program wasn’t just an event — it was a turning point in her journey toward a successful career in retail.
“As someone who has always loved fashion, even when I was little and I would wear my mom’s heels around the house, I’ve always dreamed of working for a company in the retail industry,” she says. “I’m incredibly grateful to have attended this conference and learned so much about the industry.”
-Madeline Murch