By Kamilah Heslop
Equipped with an unparalleled, hands-on education, Wilson College of Textiles graduates hit the ground running as soon as they leave NC State’s campus.
After graduating in 2010, Devon Person used his knowledge from his textile engineering degree program to shine as an operations associate for GE Energy in Houston, Texas. Across the country, Monica Warsaw took her talents to Ventura, California, to begin her career as a product developer for Patagonia after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in fashion and textile management in 2012.
Since then, both graduates have continuously risen throughout the ranks within the textile industry.
Today, Person serves as the vice president of supply chain for Hanesbrands, Inc., makers of Hanes and Champion, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Warsaw still calls California home and is the senior technical developer at Lunya, a rest wear company that’s on a mission to elevate rest. In addition to their prominent roles, both Persons and Warsaw have gone above and beyond to better their communities, give their time, treasure and talents to their alma mater, and mentor the next generation of Wilson College students.
To recognize their professional achievements, alignment with the college’s core values, service to the textile industry, and community involvement, the college named Person and Warsaw the esteemed recipients of the 2023 Distinguished Young Alumni Awards.
Each year, the quality of the nomination pool for our Distinguished Young Alumni Awards becomes even more remarkable. Devon and Monica are excellent examples of our college’s best and brightest minds. Not only are they leaders in the textiles industry, but they also dedicate their time to making their communities better. I couldn’t be prouder of this year’s award recipients.
— Matthew Iezzi ’18, ’19
Chair of the DYALC’s Awards Committee
Established in 2021 by the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC), the Distinguished Young Alumni Award program recognizes graduates under 40 who have made significant contributions to the textile industry and their communities. The DYALC fosters engagement among young alumni, and promotes the Wilson College of Textiles and the college’s fundraising arm, the North Carolina Textile Foundation.
Meet the Recipients of the 2023 Wilson College of Textiles Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Devon Person ’10
B.S., Textile Engineering (2010)
As a natural-born leader, Devon Person has succeeded inside and outside the boardroom. Since graduating from the Wilson College of Textiles, he’s been promoted nine times within three Fortune 500 companies. Today, Person serves as the vice president of supply chain at Hanesbrands, Inc., where he has made significant contributions to the multinational apparel company. He’s been tasked with leading global initiatives in support of the company’s plan to grow its popular brand Champion by $1 billion over the next four years. His passion for inclusivity inspired Person to lead employee resource groups for African American employees at General Electric, Eaton Corporation, SPX Flow and Hanesbrands. Additionally, he has developed corporate community service initiatives with the African American Leadership Society, the YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club, and 15 historically Black colleges and universities.
Monica Warsaw ’12
B.S., Fashion and Textile Management, with a Fashion Development and Product Management concentration (2012)
Monica Warsaw is an innovator, a woman, a mother and a leader in the textile industry. Her advocacy for paid parental leave is encouraging a change in the landscape for leaders with children who come after her. Today, she is proud to serve as the senior technical developer at Lunya, a rest wear company. On a mission to elevate rest, Lunya makes considered rest wear that feels as good in bed as it looks. One area within the textile industry that especially interests Warsaw is the integration of technology in the apparel creation process. Her technical design and product construction expertise have empowered her to further her exploration of the 3D garment simulation and automation space. Even though she lives and works in California, Warsaw has stayed deeply connected to the Wilson College since graduating. She served a three-year term as an inaugural member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council, which encourages young alumni to stay engaged with their alma mater.
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