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.

2026 WITA Academy Pathways To Opportunity: Textiles and Apparel

The event featured several distinguished speakers in the fashion and apparel trade areas across both the private and public sectors. Speakers shared their career path stories, insights from their jobs, the latest industry trends, and valuable advice about career choice and development.

Featured speakers (short bios)

  • Stephen Lamar, President & CEO, American Apparel & Footwear Association
  • Yusra Siddique, Attorney, ArentFox Schiff
  • Julia Hughes, President, United States Fashion Industry Association
  • Katherine Stubblefield, Acting Division Chief, Chemicals and Textiles, Office of Industries and Competitiveness Analysis, U.S. International Trade Commission
  • Alyson Demirdjian, International Trade Specialist, International Trade Administration, Office of Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • Ed Gresser, Vice President & Director for Trade & Global Markets, Progressive Policy Institute; author of the Trade Fact of the Week; former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Trade Policy and Economics
  • Nicole Bivens Collinson, Managing Principal, Operating Committee, International Trade & Government Relations Practice Leader, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
  • Frank Chioccola, Vice President, Global Trade, Customs & Product Compliance, Tapestry
  • Erin Ickes, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Human Resources, American Textile Company
  • Marin Weaver, Chief of the Services Division, Office of Industry and Competitiveness Analysis, U.S. International Trade Commission

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