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Professional Panel Series Features Marketing Leaders, Fashion Icon

Elmira, NY (03/14/2022) — Each month, Dr. Alison Wolfe, Business and Economics Chair and Director of the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Business School, puts together a panel of speakers from different business areas to share career advice and insights about the professional world with EC students. The most recent panel, focused on marketing and fashion, featured several speakers from the marketing industry, including special guests Tommy, Ginny, and Betsy Hilfiger.

"I wasn't expecting the Hilfigers to be on the call," said Nicholajs Grinvalds '22, who is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. "It was great to get their personal perspectives and learn from them about some of the key trends to be aware of when looking for a job."

Grinvalds is in his final year and views the panels as networking opportunities. That's why he made sure to ask about the trends young job seekers should be aware of if they want to stand out when applying for jobs. The panelists shared with him the increasing importance of data analytics, but he also appreciated their advice that it is important to show how eager he is about the topic, the company, and learning in general.

"It's about putting yourself out there," he said.

The marketing and fashion panel included:

Tommy Hilfiger, Founder and Principal Designer, Tommy Hilfiger
Ginny Hilfger, Chief Creative Officer, apparel collection by soccer superstar Leo Messi
Betsy Hilfiger, Consultant, Liaison, and Curator, Tommy Hilfiger Gallery, Elmira College
John Begelow '15, Search Marketing Manager, Tailored Brands
Leah Cunningham '18, Senior Manager of Social Strategy, Heartbeat
Johanna Eidensten '17, H&M Global Buying Office,
Pamela Kimball, Vice President, Swim, Intimates & Sleepwear, Venus
Johanna Eidensten '17, H&M Global Buying Office
Jean Ryan '11, Senior Director, Brand Strategy & Design, Dayman

Combined, they represented a broad range of roles in the fashion industry from companies across the United States, including some who are focused on supply chain, social media, design, and marketing.

"The panelists did a wonderful job sharing tips and insights about the marketing and fashion industry as well as best practices for young people to know as they begin to join the workforce," said Wolfe. "I love the range of roles represented and we were so glad the Hilfigers could make time to contribute as well."

"It is always great to speak with students and talk about how they can build on the next steps for their careers with fresh ideas and perspectives," said Tommy Hilfiger. "The forum provided an opportunity for us to not only share our business expertise and advice with them, but also hear from them about their inspiration and plans as future industry professionals."

While each panel session focuses on a specific industry, all EC students can benefit from the general career tips covered and the opportunity to network with industry professionals. The final B&E virtual panel session for the academic year will include members of the healthcare management industry and will be facilitated by Dr. Susan Hohenhaus, Healthcare Management Advisor, adjunct faculty, Business & Economics Division, Elmira College. The one-hour zoom session is noon to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, and all students are encouraged to attend to get industry and general business advice.