I truly believe that community is the essence of a person’s ability to thrive, grow, and be nurtured. Did you know that Aspen trees are a network of intertwining roots that can sense when a part of their community is sick? The surrounding trees send more energy to that area to heal it. Imagine if our local communities could do something similar, recognizing that we, too, are all interconnected. A single person cannot thrive without the help of others. Repurpose’s community is a similar network, providing a place to learn, grow, and thrive in an industry that is not easy to enter, especially in an eco-friendly way.
Tikkun Olam (to heal the world) is a core value in my religion, something I deeply identify with. In 2023, Darra Landman, an adjunct professor at FIT and Repurpose community member, donated her services to help us create our organization’s core values. This exercise took over 12 hours and has since guided our team, work, and decision-making.
Conscious Impacts, a core value of our company (you can read below), have repeatedly shown up for me these past few weeks, and I want to share why.
The Repurpose community is rich in diversity and filled with people who embody our value of “Conscious Impacts.” Darra is an example, as are our committees of experts lending their ideas and time, our brand partners, and our board of directors. It is part of the value system of all of our volunteers, luxury clothing donors, and foundations. It is the heart and commitment of our associate director, who tirelessly worked on launching the 2024 RENEW program. It is the trainees from NYCYDP, NYU, FIT, CUNY, SUNY schools, Commonpoint Queens, and more. It is the effects of teaching intercultural communication by bringing together people of all backgrounds in NYC to learn.
Personally, it was a micro-connection on a 16-floor elevator ride with Victor, a six-week trainee who was curious about my plans after work. We connected over dinner recipes and planned a potluck once the NYC heatwave breaks. I’m going to bring in my Korean glass noodle with ground chicken recipe, which is what I was going home to make.
These conscious impacts pay off, with 92% of our 143 trainees having graduated from our program and moving on to higher-paying positions or higher education. Graduates have gone on to work with companies such as Ulla Johnson, Loro Piana, CNN Underscored, Ratti, Stylitics, Ruchi, David Yurman, ShopShops, Brunello Cucinelli, Net-a-Porter, The RealReal, and more.
I just got home from a six-hour round trip to Rhode Island to pick up my niece from a summer program at Brown University and take my 16-year-old on a tour. What an amazing educational institution! Such a spectacular tour of higher learning, reserved for the financially fortunate or those eligible for scholarships. The access to learning and the nurturing environment is what a conscious impact community with resources can provide for higher learning.
The fashion industry can be challenging to break into, especially for those without experience or connections. Many entry-level jobs require internships, often unpaid, creating barriers for those without financial support. Networking is crucial, with many positions filled through personal connections or industry referrals .
What Repurpose provides is a connected community that serves as a launchpad using mentorship, personal and professional development, and job readiness training for the future workforce in the fashion and design industries.
As we continue to grow and expand our impact, we invite you to join us in this journey. Your contribution, whether it’s time, resources, or financial support, will help us sustain and enhance our programs. Together, we can create a thriving network that supports and uplifts each member, fostering a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Please consider making a donation to support our mission and help us continue to make a conscious impact in the fashion and design industries. Thank you for being a part of our community.
With gratitude,
Jessie
