WITA Academy

In partnership with the Washington International Trade Association (WITA), the WITA Academy™ exposes students in FASH455 to exciting career opportunities related to textile and apparel trade, sourcing, supply chain, trade policy, compliance, sustainability, and more. The event is free and open to all University of Delaware students and faculty.

Save the date: 2026 WITA Academy with UD–Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 2:30pm–5:00pm EST

Past Events:

2025 WITA Academy: Pathways To Opportunity: Careers Behind the Seams

In partnership with JCPenney, speakers introduced students to the key functions and many career opportunities involved in “creating a garment,” including merchandising & planning, raw materials & product development, sourcing & supply chain, and government relations & trade policy.

Featured speakers from JCPenney (short bios):

  • Catherine Piercey, Director of Global Sourcing, JCPenney
  • Aaron Worley, Senior Buyer, JCPenney
  • Amanda Blackman, Planning Director, JCPenney
  • Brandi Wallace, Senior Design Director, JCPenney Kids
  • Aqsa Tasleem, Senior Manager Fabric & Sustainability, JCPenney
  • Lesley Oldham, Pre-Production Senior Manager, JCPenney
  • Michele Erwin, Global Sourcing Manager, JCPenney
  • Angela Marshall-Hofmann, Vice President, Head of Government Relations, JCPenney
  • Brian Wolfrum, Trade Compliance Director, JCPenney

2024 WITA Academy Pathways To Opportunity: Textiles and Apparel

The event featured several senior US trade policymakers responsible for the textile and apparel sector and sourcing executives from leading US fashion companies. Speakers shared with students their career paths and offered valuable advice regarding career development.  

Featured speakers (short bios)

  • Katherine White, Chief Textiles and Apparel Negotiator, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
  • Nate Herman, Senior Vice President, Policy, American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)
  • Felicia Pullam, Executive Director, Office of Trade Relations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Textiles, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • Stephanie Lester, Vice President, Head of Government Affairs, Gap Inc.
  • Maristella Iacobello, VP of Global Customs and Trade, PVH Corporation
  • Sarah Thorn, Senior Director, Global Government Affairs, Walmart