Kat Kohtala Named Top 5 Finalist for $25,000 NRF Foundation Scholarship

Senior fashion design major Kat Kohtala has been named one of five finalists by the National Retail Federation (NRF) for the Retail’s Next Generation Scholarship, a national honor recognizing students who demonstrate leadership, retail experience, and a commitment to making an impact within the industry.

Kohtala was selected as a finalist alongside students from the University of Notre Dame, Boston University, Drexel University, and the University of North Texas.

As a finalist, Kohtala is eligible to receive the $25,000 top scholarship, which will be awarded at the NRF Foundation Honors in January 2027 in New York City. The four remaining finalists will each receive a $10,000 scholarship.

The Retail’s Next Generation Scholarship is the NRF Foundation's premier scholarship program for students pursuing careers in retail. The multi-stage selection process challenged applicants to demonstrate their industry-relevant experience over the course of several months.

Kohtala advanced through multiple stages of the selection process, including submitting application materials, completing a case study developed in collaboration with Under Amour, and participating in two interviews with assigned retail professionals. In the final stages, finalists completed “quick-fire” video interviews with the NRF Foundation team before participating in a final round of interviews.  

For Kohtala, the recognition reflects the work she has pursued inside and outside of the classroom and the hands-on approach that has shaped her Lasell experience. Through her academic work and industry experiences, she has built the skills to take her passion to the next level.