Cassia Lewis Cameron ’13, Senior Material Developer at Patagonia, Joins the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council

Growing up in a Wolfpack family with a father who proudly earned a textile engineering degree, Cassia Cameron became passionate about the industry and the Wilson College of Textiles early in her life. 

After hearing about her father’s time at the college, Cameron decided to attend the Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP) the summer before her senior year of high school. This experience helped her realize her passions. Following STEP, Cassia returned to NC State the next year as a student. 

While at NC State, Threads — where students from the Fashion Development and Product Management concentration showcase designs that have been developed in Senior Collection Studio — was one of the most important experiences Cameron participated in. Through that one-of-a-kind opportunity, she developed a unique line of clothing that displayed her passion and creativity, and it was the culmination of knowledge she gained over her time at the Wilson College of Textiles. 

I am responsible for being a subject matter expert to my cross-functional partners and teams, so I will often reference my foundational learnings from the Wilson College of Textiles!

Today, Cameron is a senior material developer at Patagonia, where she works alongside many of her fellow Wilson College of Textiles graduates, and puts her world-class education to frequent use.

“With my position focused on developing performance synthetic materials, I have implemented so much from my textile technology and fashion and textile management courses,” she says. “I am responsible for being a subject matter expert to my cross-functional partners and teams, so I will often reference my foundational learnings from the Wilson College of Textiles!”

She’s proud to maintain her connections to the Wilson College of Textiles as a new member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC). The DYALC, which consists of alumni members under the age of 40, provides guidance to the dean of the college. Since joining the DYALC, her enthusiastic participation, along with the entire council’s leadership, has directly benefited the college’s success in alumni engagement and fundraising in partnership with the North Carolina Textile Foundation. The foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of the Wilson College of Textiles, propels the college’s groundbreaking and industry-leading work. 

You can learn more about Cameron’s career journey in the Q&A below.

Degree: B.S. Fashion and Textile Management, with a concentration in Fashion Development and Product Management, 2013
Job Title: Senior Material Developer, Patagonia
Current City: Huntington Beach, California
Hometown: Garner, North Carolina

Why did you choose NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles?

My father was a textile engineering graduate, and I grew up excited to follow in his footsteps! After learning about the possibilities during the Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP), I was convinced that a career in the fashion and apparel industry was the right direction!

What activities were you involved in as an NC State student and how did they impact your experience?

I was fortunate to be involved with many NC State organizations, including the Arts at NC State Dance Company, Swim Club, University Scholars, Sigma Tau Sigma, the Student Advisory Board and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

What is your fondest memory as a student at NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles?

I have so many incredible memories during my time at the Wilson College of Textiles, but I would have to say my Threads Senior Collection Showcase experience was one of the biggest highlights of my education. The culmination of all my learning, the previous shows I participated in, and supporting the overall show management gave me a sense of accomplishment and excitement for my career that still resonates today.

Who influenced you most during your time at the Wilson College of Textiles? And why or how?

While I had such an incredible support system in the faculty, advisors and colleagues during my time at the Wilson College of Textiles, two names really come to mind and stand out: Philip Dail and Kent Hester. 

Philip Dail was my bonus advisor and was actually also an advisor to my father during his educational life! I feel grateful that I had “P Dail” as a sounding board and life mentor while at NC State. His calm and practical approach to life influenced me then and now! 

Kent Hester felt like the lifeblood of the Wilson College of Textiles during my time as an undergraduate student! The ultimate resource for all activities, Kent was infectious, and he always welcomed you into his open-door office. I appreciate his guidance, encouragement and overall passion for the college. It helped and motivated me to take action at the college and made me feel a part of the Wolfpack!

How did your education at the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for what you are doing today?

I frequently boast about the textile foundation that was laid by the college for my career! From basic terminology, textile processes and functional applications, I use so much of what I learned in my degree!

In what ways are you currently involved with the Wilson College of Textiles and NC State?

Before COVID, I was one of the regional representatives for the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council and hosted a hike to the Hollywood sign for the local Wilson College of Textiles alumni living in the Los Angeles area! I also hosted a virtual panel discussion for alumni who work at Patagonia for Professor Ellie Jin‘s class this past year, where we answered student questions about our roles and positions at Patagonia. Also, my father and I both donate to the Lewis Family Scholarship through the North Carolina Textile Foundation.