Dean’s Page Alumna: Diamond Jackson ’16, FTM, COACH

By Ngoc Nguyen

Diamond Jackson ’16

Degree: B.S., fashion and textile management with a concentration in brand management and marketing

Current position/employer: product development coordinator for Women’s Leather Goods Accessories at COACH

Dean’s page: January 2016  – December 2016

Tell us about your current role:

As a product development coordinator, I know everything there is to know about my product. Working in leather goods, I develop handbags, wallets and small leather goods, as well as keyfobs and bag charms. Everyday I work with my merchandise, design and overseas partners to troubleshoot issues as we work to develop the prototype for the upcoming styles for the next season. As we race against the clock (or should I say, calendar), together we work to perfect the design as well as analyze and breakdown the costing so we can ensure that we meet our margins. I am involved with every aspect of creating our approved product before it goes into production and is placed in our beautiful stores.   

Other NC State/Wilson College activities:

I was chair of the fashion show committee for African American Textile Society, I was an AYA ambassador for the African American Cultural Center and I coordinated an alternative service break trip while working for the Women’s Center. I also had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Boras, Sweden for a semester.

Looking back, what was it like being a dean’s page?

I was interested in being a dean’s page because it was a great introduction to the professional world! It was also super convenient being that my classes were just steps away. I loved getting to meet all of our guests as well as get to know everyone who kept Wilson College running behind the scenes. Although all of the pages worked at different times, everyone in the Dean’s Suite felt like family. I also was one of the many broke college students and needed money.

What did you take away from the Dean’s Page Program that helped you in your current position?

Being a dean’s page exposed us to the professional world that we all were about to step in. Helping with small projects taught us time management, teamwork and flexibility.

What advice do you have for those who are new dean’s pages or interested in becoming a one?

Enjoy the time and learn as much as you can! Amanda is a great mentor and resource so don’t take the opportunity for granted. Bring your full self to work and show up! Bring great energy and be willing to learn, grow and connect.

What is the funniest time or most interesting experience you had as a dean’s page?

During the time I was a page, the university held a town hall to address recent issues and racial tensions on campus. Following the town hall, while working as a page, Dean Hinks took time out of his very busy schedule to chat with me about my thoughts and perspective as an African American textile student. This moment meant the most to me because it showed that we had a dean who cared about all students feeling welcomed, comfortable, and safe. As a dean’s page, the proximity created the space for this dialogue and I was able to speak on behalf of students who looked like me and that was empowering.