Bob Fisch Awards Celebrate Student Entrepreneurs at FIT in 2025

FIT Graduate Students Honored with Bob Fisch Awards for Entrepreneurial Excellence

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) has proudly announced this year's recipients of the Bob Fisch Awards for Entrepreneurial Excellence. These awards, named after Bob Fisch, the former CEO of rue21 and an influential figure in the fashion retail industry, are designed to encourage and support budding entrepreneurs within FIT's graduate programs. Each recipient is awarded $25,000 to further their innovative business ideas.

This year, the Bob Fisch Awards were granted to two remarkable projects undertaken by graduate students from the Fashion Design MFA and Global Fashion Management MPS programs. The recipients, Abbey DeFulviis, Erin Moronell, and Jessica Schneider, created "CulturClasm," a platform aimed at enhancing networking opportunities within the fashion industry. Recognizing the challenges posed by an exclusive fashion job market in New York City, their project seeks to cultivate community among fashion professionals through mentorship and curated experiences, facilitating access to career opportunities.

In a statement regarding their achievement, Schneider expressed, "Winning this award validates the problem we've identified—that there's a need for collaboration within the fashion industry—and we're really looking forward to fostering some meaningful relationships." With the funds, CulturClasm plans to implement a digital marketing strategy to expand its reach and impact.

The second recipient, Lawson Park, hails from the Fashion Design MFA program and is the visionary behind "Brooks Avenue," a successful print-driven apparel brand launched during her graduate studies. Park has developed unique prints and styles that emphasize the importance of authenticity in fashion. She remarks, "I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and it means a lot for Bob to see that potential in me and for him to validate that. I'm excited to keep growing it." Proceeds from the award will enable Park to expand her brand's wholesale markets and enhance her product offerings.

Bob Fisch, who established these awards, is celebrated for his innovative contributions to the retail sector, especially in fast fashion. He noted, "I'm proud to advise and coach these talented students who have infused their thesis projects with creativity, inspiration, and passion. It's fulfilling to guide them as they transform their curiosity into confidence over their two-year program. My role is to help them embrace the concept of 'pivoting' and to face their fears head-on in pursuit of their dreams."

In addition to their financial value, the Bob Fisch Awards serve as a testament to Fisch's commitment to mentoring the next generation of fashion leaders. FIT President Joyce F. Brown underscored the significance of Fisch's involvement, stating, "A gift from Bob is more than just a donation. Students receive invaluable guidance and support throughout their projects and beyond. He emphasizes that mentorship should be a reciprocal relationship, allowing students to both benefit and contribute."

Since their inception in 2022, the Bob Fisch Awards have made a significant impact on students' entrepreneurial journeys, providing not only financial assistance but also fostering valuable mentorship relationships. The awards have been granted to multiple outstanding projects over the years, highlighting the innovative spirit that embodies FIT's graduate programs.

The Fashion Institute of Technology continues to empower students, helping them transition from idea conception to market readiness. With programs like the Bob Fisch Awards, FIT emphasizes the importance of creative problem-solving, leadership skills, and mentorship in nurturing successful careers in the fashion industry.

As the School of Graduate Studies looks ahead, initiatives such as these exemplify how mentorship and financial support converge to shape the future of fashion. Bob Fisch's belief in the power of young minds to innovate and excel is echoed in the drive these students display as they embark on their entrepreneurial endeavors. With such initiatives, the vibrant creative economy of today looks promising and inspiring, igniting a new generation of leaders eager to influence the fashion landscape.