Lasell Fashion Students Gain Industry Experience at National Retail Federation Conference

Twenty-eight Fashion students from Lasell University traveled to New York City earlier this month to attend the National Retail Federation (NRF) Student Program, one of the largest and most influential career development events in the retail industry.

The NRF Student Program brings together college students from around the country for two and a half days of executive speakers, industry panels, and a major career fair featuring more than 35 national employers - including Wayfair, BJ’s, Walmart, TJ Maxx, and Macy’s. The conference has become a key pipeline for internships and full-time positions and has led to multiple placements for Lasell students and graduates over the years. 

Lasell has been a member of the NRF Student Association for more than a decade. When the University joined, it was among just seven participating institutions nationwide. Today, more than 100 colleges are involved. 

This year, four Lasell students received full funding through NRF scholarships, and four others were supported through Lasell’s Connected Learning Fund. In preparation for the conference, students refined their resumes and e-portfolios and met with Jesse Orlando, Associate Director in the Center for Career Readiness, for interview coaching and career readiness support. 

Lasell alumni also played a role in this years’ experience. Spencer Villinski ’25, now working full-time at Macy’s in New York City, met with students to share advice and insights. Villinski began his own career journey at the NRF conference two years ago. 

Professor Cathy Weiss has seen first hand, the transformative value of this experience. “Every year students come back mesmerized,” she said. “They’re energized by what they’ve seen and by how well they represent Lasell in a competitive national environment.” 

Weiss and Professor Anne Trevenen accompanied the student delegation to New York.