Katelyn O’Neal, a fashion merchandising major and two-time recipient of a YMA fashion scholarship, was profiled by Women’s Wear Daily as she’s spent the summer navigating the fashion industry in New York City. As a buying intern at Bloomingdale’s, O’Neal has valued the hands-on experience of working in America’s fashion capital.
“YMA helped me land this scholarship by giving me opportunities to network,” said O’Neal, referencing the program’s alumni network and mentorship opportunities. “One of my YMA mentors spent his career at Bloomingdale’s, which certainly influenced my decision to intern here,” she added. She has been part of the YMA-FSF program since she was a sophomore at VCU. As a 2018 and 2019 scholar, O’Neal completed merchandising and marketing case studies.