Leah Reid ’24 is Leading with Purpose and Vision: Her Journey as an Inaugural Textile Pioneer Scholar

As a natural-born leader, Leah Reid hit the ground running when she first stepped foot on NC State’s campus — never turning down opportunities to join new organizations or connect with inspiring mentors.   

Choosing to attend the Wilson College of Textiles was a simple decision; she knew the world’s top-ranked textiles institution would allow her to thrive in every aspect of her education. Reid’s major, fashion and textile management with a concentration in fashion development and product management, gave her the skills needed to further develop her passion for apparel design and creativity.

During her four years on campus, she became one of the most well-known faces through her roles as the head Dean’s Page, president of the Tompkins Textile Student Council and a frequent speaker at well-attended events, including the 2024 Scholarship and Endowment Dinner and her own collegewide commencement ceremony.

“My proudest moment from my time as a Wilson College student will be speaking at my graduation,” says Reid, an Asheboro, North Carolina, native. “To have been selected as the college’s undergraduate student speaker is an opportunity I will remember forever. In my speech, I showcased the authenticity that is so clearly found at the Wilson College of Textiles.” 

Additionally, Reid’s summer internship at Sunbrella in the product management department and her role as the college’s Packapalooza representative helped to further cultivated her leadership skills. Today, she is interviewing with prominent textile-based companies in search of a rewarding position in marketing, merchandising or sales.

Reid credits her Textile Pioneer Scholarship for placing her firmly on the path to success.

“I would like to thank my donors immensely for their contribution to the Wilson College of Textiles,” she shares. “Their gift has had a direct impact on the trajectory of my life. Not only have they eased a huge financial burden on my family, but they have helped me gain so much confidence in myself to get involved on campus and make a true impact in my community.” 

Established in 2018, the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program awards financial support to exceptional students from non-metropolitan areas of North Carolina, some of whom are first-generation college attendees, who have a strong interest in the textile industry. Serving as the Wilson College of Textiles’ first need-based scholarship, the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program awards a minimum of $14,000 to scholars and up to $4,000 in enrichment funds for transformative experiences. This unique scholarship program is made possible through generous donations to the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF), the philanthropic arm of the Wilson College of Textiles.

Below, you can learn more about Reid’s journey as a Wilson College of Textiles student and recent graduate.

What led you to apply to attend the Wilson College of Textiles?

I applied to the Wilson College of Textiles after a recommendation from my apparel teacher in high school. She highly advocated that the Wilson College would best prepare me for the textile industry and it would also make it easier to find a job post-graduation given the strong alumni network.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the Wilson College of Textiles?

One of my favorite memories from my time at the Wilson College would be working as the head dean’s page and preparing the Wilson College representation at Packapalooza. This was an extremely fun event I was able to plan with the goal of encouraging student and community engagement and acting as an ambassador of our college.

What is your proudest moment from your time as a Wilson College student?

My proudest moment from my time as a Wilson College student will be speaking at my graduation. To have been selected as the college’s undergraduate student speaker is an opportunity I will remember forever. In my speech, I showcased the authenticity that is so clearly found at the Wilson College of Textiles. 

Additionally, I feel like I have connected with students all over the college, and I am so happy to have been a familiar face when giving the undergraduate student address.

What knowledge and skills will you carry with you as you move forward in your life and career after NC State?

I will carry my strong interpersonal skills with me that I’ve developed and matured over these last few years. I have always been outgoing and our college has provided me an environment to truly grow and lean into that personality trait. I’ve realized my personal strengths of communicating, connecting with others and positivity. I am very excited to take this strong leadership style with me into a job post-graduation. I will also carry the knowledge of my large alumni network with me, which will always have my back throughout my career and life.

How has your Textile Pioneer Scholarship enriched your college experience? What has it allowed you to do that you didn’t think was possible?

My scholarship has enriched my college experience by allowing me many opportunities to be involved in our college that I otherwise would not have been able to participate in. For example, being a scholarship recipient has allowed me to become the head dean’s page for Dean David Hinks, join many endowment dinners and events, and serve as an undergraduate student representative on the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council and the Dean’s Council. 

There is nothing I enjoy more than expressing my gratitude to Wilson College donors and serving as an ambassador to this college. I really don’t think I would have been able to take on so many leadership positions without the confidence that being a Textile Pioneer Scholar has given me.

Are there any Textiles faculty or staff members who have been especially influential during your time on campus? If so, who and why?

I have connected with Dean David Hinks over the last four years as one of his student assistants, and more so this year as I have served on the Dean’s Council as president of the Tompkins Textile Student Council. 

Dean Hinks has encouraged me to become very involved on campus and to represent all undergraduate students. He has always cared so deeply about what I’ve had to say regarding the undergraduate student experience on our campus. I believe this is rare. I am so happy to have a very connected dean who values students and helping them pursue their passions.

What advice would you give to incoming Textiles students?

Jump on any and all opportunities you can to be involved on campus. I have taken on multiple commitments during my time at the Wilson College, and my advice to an incoming student would be: “Yes, you do have time for everything!” It will take discipline and will require you to be passionate about all kinds of work that you do, but in the end, being busy is a huge advantage within our college. It will allow you to make extremely strong connections with your peers, staff and faculty members.

What are your post-graduation plans?

Currently, I am in the pursuit of new professional endeavors.