As our fall mentorship program begins to draw to a close, we’re celebrating the amazing connections that were made this semester. Turns out, pairing rockstar Style Gurus with incredible alumni results in some true dream teams.
The best part about this program is that it is a mutually-beneficial learning experience. Our mentors and mentees were gracious enough to share their learnings, so that we can all walk away feeling more knowledgeable and empowered. True #GuruGang goals.
Sierra Cortner, Emory University
CollegeFashionista: What’s your favorite part about being a mentee?
Sierra Cortner: Seeing Syma’s path from university to her current PR position at a point in my life where it’s crucial to see how someone in the field got their “foot in the door,” so to speak.
CF: What is one thing you learned from your mentor?
SC: At 21, it’s perfectly fine to not know which career you want. Explore and intern because it’s all about your professional experience. After university, Syma interned for a PR firm, and it was through that internship that she discovered PR was the career path for her.
CF: Describe your mentor in three words.
SC: Dynamic. Adventurous. Creative.
Syma Raza, Associate Manager of Public Relations at American Eagle Outfitters
CollegeFashionista: What’s your favorite part about being a mentor?
Syma Raza: I love being able to share my past experiences and reflect. I also know how hard it can be to get started in the industry, so I love talking career advice!
CF: What is one thing you learned from your mentee?
SR: How overwhelming it can be when you’re about to graduate college. There are so mayn paths you can take and it can be really hard choosing what’s right for you!
CF: Describe your mentee in three words.
SR: Driven, resourceful and hard-working.
Ally Scandolo, University of Toronto
CollegeFashionista: What’s your favorite part about being a mentee?
Ally Scandolo: Whenever we chat, Kali and I always manage to discuss almost everything! She’s so friendly and easy to talk to—I’ve really loved having someone to chat with about my interests and get her perspective.
CF: What is one thing you learned from your mentor?
AS: I’ve been able to get a better sense of what working in fashion, particularly fashion journalism, is all about. I’ve definitely learned more about how to transition the skills I’m learning in school and from my internship into the “real world” from her!
CF: Describe your mentor in three words.
AS: Kind, hilarious and unique!
Kali Concepcion, Art Manager at CollegeFashionista
CollegeFashionista: What’s your favorite part of being a mentor?
Kali Concepcion: I just like chatting with someone new and hearing her perspective on the many things we find ourselves discussing. I’m always interested in living vicariously through her college experiences.
CF: What’s one thing you learned from your mentee?
KC: Ally reminds me to never stop doing what you love. Along with school, she juggles to many other projects, including being a Style Guru and Editor-in-chief of her student-run newspaper. That’s something I always wanted to do in school, but never did. Her relentless ambition is a reminder that there is so much fulfillment out there and I can be a part of it.
CF: Describe your mentor in three words.
KC: Wise, Mentor, Ambitious
