February 12, Virtual, 2:00 PM – 3:00PM EST
Interested in different careers in the textile industry? Join us for this special discussion with Stephanie McNamara, Director of Merchandising at Victoria’s Secret and Brian Krezel, Design Leader at SITKA Gear to learn about their professional journey and experience in textiles! After their presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to interact with the speakers during the Q&A segment to learn about their day to day professional experience. Whether you’re a student or young professional new to the industry interested in what’s out there, or you’re a seasoned professional interested in exploring other career options, this is a meeting you do not want to miss!
Learn more about our speakers:
Stephanie McNamara, Director of Merchandising at Victoria’s Secret As an Experienced Merchant with a demonstrated history of working in the retail industry, I began my career in 2012 at Abercrombie & Fitch. This is where I fell in love with the entrepreneurial nature of my role, combining my strength in Analytics with my love for Fashion. Since then, I have worked for many other well-known retailers in Columbus, Ohio such as Express, Zulily & La Senza. My career path has allowed me to meet so many dynamic people and travel to amazing cities all over the world. When I am not identifying trends and delivering them to customers, I enjoy planning events for my friends, cooking new recipes, and traveling to new places for fun!
Brian Krezel, Design Leader at SITKA Gear As a Multidisciplinary Creative with a diverse background, my career path has been frenetic, challenging and always evolving. I have been fortunate enough to be invited to “play in many sandboxes”, and learned the craft of industrial design on factory floors. Originally graduating with a BFA in illustration, I found my way into product in the rapidly evolving 90’s Action Sports Industry, and haven’t looked back. As a visual thinker & communicator, this path led me first to Footwear Design, and eventually Apparel & Equipment design as well. I have had the pleasure of working with many of the leading brands in the action sports and outdoor industries, which has provided an amazing education (while on the job), and shaped the Designer I am today. I currently lead the Design Function at Sitka through active seasonal participation, inspiration and strive to empower a dynamic team. In the meantime…I can be found riding powder, chasing trout and riding bikes (of all types) with my wife & 4 children, somewhere off the beaten path. Are you participating in the 2025 C2C Student Design & Merchandising Competition? Register and attend this event to meet the entry guidelines! Click the image below for more information.
