FIT names first cohort of Social Justice Scholars

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Oct 25, 2022

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) welcomed on Monday its first cohort of Social Justice Scholars, a program of the Social Justice Center at FIT.

Launched in December 2021, the Social Justice Scholars Program is a first-of-its-kind higher education initiative established to increase opportunity and accelerate social equity within the creative industries for the BIPOC community.

The 11 first-semester students were selected to receive full scholarships provided by Brett Johnson, Capri Holdings, Carolina Herrera, and Ralph Lauren, and are majoring in disciplines like Advertising and Marketing Communications, Fashion Business Management, Fashion Design, and Textile/Surface Design.  

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Beyond the scholarship support that will enable them to earn their bachelor's degree, the program will also provide opportunities for internships and mentorships with their respective sponsors, career placement, as well as paid apprenticeships upon graduating from FIT.

FIT has named Nicole Finigan Ndzibah as executive director of the Social Justice Center at FIT. Most recently at Tommy Hilfiger, Ndzibah was a retail business trainer and is credited for implementing professional development programs for Black employees. She has also held management roles at Macy's and has been an adjunct member of the faculty at both FIT and LIM for the past eight years teaching Fashion Business Management courses. 

"FIT is internationally recognized as a leader in career education for the creative industries," said FIT President Joyce F. Brown. 

"As a leader, it is vital that diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the forefront of our institutional values. We are committed to providing an inclusive experience to all students and we are elated to welcome the first SJC scholars this fall. This scholarship program is just one component of the SJC, which is working to eradicate the obstacles faced by BIPOC individuals, and it is a testament to the meaningful change taking place within the industry.”

FIT is currently recruiting for the 2023 class of Social Justice Scholars.