Weaving Opportunity - Reflecting on Repurpose 2025
Fueling creative futures and opening doors for talended and driven NYC youth that deserve the opportuinty to access
Dear Friends,
At Repurpose, we believe the power of community is about weaving opportunity—ensuring no one’s journey is walked alone. Every young person’s path into fashion, entrepreneurship, and the broader creative industries is shaped by a network of people who open doors, share wisdom, and help them step into rooms they may never have imagined for themselves.
Because of your generosity, Repurpose’s RENEW Program has become a powerful engine of mentorship, skill-building, and connection for young adults navigating college, entrepreneurship, and entry into the workforce. Since our inception, we’ve supported more than 200 RENEW Fellows—many the first in their families to attend college—helping them gain the skills, networks, and confidence to move from high school to college and from college into meaningful careers.
In the process, Fellows learn to collaborate with—and often become close friends with—peers from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. They practice showing up for one another, listening across differences, and building the kind of inclusive, creative communities our industries and cities need.
This year, our Fellows advanced with the support of mentors, advisors, and champions who understand that when people lift each other up, entire communities rise.
Meet Ashley, a RENEW Operations alum and recent graduate of New York City College of Technology, where she majored in Business and Technology of Fashion.
In late 2025, through our partnership with Marfa Stance, Ashley became the first hire for our Team Lead Initiative—an extension of the RENEW Program that offers paid, year-long leadership roles for select alumni to mentor new cohorts, facilitate workshops, and support day-to-day program operations. As a Team Lead, Ashley is building advanced skills in project management, peer mentorship, and workforce training while supporting up to 50 participants each year, including hands-on collaboration with the Marfa Stance team. I am so excited to see what this expereice will offer Ashley as she launches her career.
As we close out the year, your gift will allow us to welcome more Fellows, deepen mentorship and partnership models, and sustain the wellness-centered, high-touch spaces that make this relational work possible.
Your contribution directly supports:
• 15-week, cohort-based mentorship that builds confidence, clarity, and career readiness.
• Career and leadership development through mentoring sessions, partner field trips, and structured reflection.
• A lasting network of peers, mentors, and partners that Fellows can continue to lean on for opportunities and guidance.
Your generosity fuels opportunity, creativity, and real pathways forward for our RENEW Fellows. You embody conscious impact—proving that intentional giving transforms individual lives and strengthens our broader community.
As you consider your year-end giving, please consider a gift today to Repurpose Wardrobe and the RENEW Fellowship so that more young people can step into their futures with confidence, courage, and connection.
Thank you for being such an important part of the Repurpose community. Your belief, presence, and partnership are woven into every fellow’s journey, every cohort we welcome, and every new door that opens.
With Gratitude,
Jessie
Jessie Freschl
Founder and Executive Director