Meet the Class of 2029 Textile Pioneer Scholars

Across North Carolina, bright new voices are ready to shape the future of textiles. 

The Wilson College of Textiles is proud to welcome five outstanding students as the newest class of Textile Pioneer Scholars, showing how support from generous donors opens doors to extraordinary opportunities.

The newest Textile Pioneer Scholars — Margaret Allsbrook, Sophia Hamilton, Mike Menchu-Yax, Elliot Shupe and Singer-London Stanley — are eager to bring their talents, curiosity and leadership to the college and global textile industry.

About the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program

Established in 2018, the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program provides financial support to exceptional students from non-metropolitan areas of North Carolina, including first-generation college attendees, who have a strong interest in the textile industry. The college’s inaugural need-based scholarship perfectly aligns with NC State’s land-grant mission to serve the state of North Carolina through innovation, research and extension.

Textile Pioneer Scholars receive a minimum of $14,000 each year for a span of four years, along with up to $4,000 in enrichment funds, which can be used for studying abroad and participation in leadership activities. 

This scholarship program is made possible through generous donations to the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF), which serves as the philanthropic arm of the Wilson College of Textiles. 

“Each year, I am amazed by our scholar classes, and this year is a perfect example of that,” says Michael Ward, the executive director of the NCTF. “I am sure that Margaret, Sophia, Elliot, Singer-London and Mike will contribute to our Wilson College community in extraordinary ways. We are thankful for the donors who have demonstrated their continued commitment to supporting our outstanding students.”

Get to know this year’s scholars and learn how the Textile Pioneer Scholarship will shape their experiences at NC State and beyond.

Meet the Class of 2029 Textile Pioneer Scholars

Now, it’s time to meet the 2029 class of Textile Pioneer Scholars and learn more about their plans for NC State and beyond. 

Click on the links below to be introduced to each student.

• Margaret Allsbrook — Carter Family Textile Pioneer Scholarship
• Sophia Hamilton — Windley Family Endowed Textile Pioneer Scholarship
• Mike Menchu-Yax — Goodnight Scholarship and the Textile Pioneer Scholarship
• Elliot Shupe — Armfield Endowed Textile Pioneer Scholarship
• Singer-London Stanley — Perkins Family Textile Pioneer Scholarship

Margaret Allsbrook

Carter Family Textile Pioneer Scholarship
Hometown: Waynesville, North Carolina
Major: B.S. Fashion and Textile Design; Textile Design Concentration

Growing up as the youngest of four siblings in an artistic and musical family was a springboard for Margaret Allsbrook’s own artistic endeavors. 

With a mother who is a talented pianist and a father who is a trained artist, it’s no surprise that Allsbrook loves creating. While growing up in the mountains of western North Carolina, she spent her free time painting, drawing and crocheting. When it came time to choose a college, her high school administrator guided her to her new home. 

“My principal told me about the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State, and I was immediately intrigued,” Allsbrook says. “I feel so thankful to have found a place where I can develop my creativity and acquire the technical skills needed to pursue a career in textile design.”

What extracurricular activities did you take part in while in high school?

I was an active part of my church youth group throughout high school. I also enjoyed singing with the Haywood Choral Society, a local 70-member community choir. I had several jobs in high school, but most recently, I worked at a boutique clothing store, where I gained experience in merchandising and retail. While I mostly painted on my own, I did take some oil painting classes, both from my dad and another local artist.

What has this scholarship enabled you to do that you may not have been able to do without it?

With two siblings still in college, my Carter Family Textile Pioneer Scholarship has eased the financial strain on my family.

Additionally, I’m excited to have the opportunity to study abroad, which is now possible because of my scholarship’s enrichment funds. In my junior year of high school, I was fortunate enough to visit Italy with my dad to see my older sister. This was a very impactful trip, and it made me eager to study abroad in college.

What are your professional goals or post-graduation plans, and how will your scholarship impact those goals?

Early in my senior year, I came across a documentary about Oscar de la Renta called, “A Sense of Beauty.” What inspired me the most about the documentary was the element of collaboration that is necessary to create these high-fashion pieces. From a young age, I knew I didn’t want to be an artist working alone. My dream is to be a textile designer in the fashion industry, weaving my creativity with the technical and design skills that the Wilson College of Textiles will provide.

If you could say anything to the individuals who made your scholarship possible, what would you say to thank them for their generosity?

I am so very thankful for this scholarship. While I already knew that the Wilson College of Textiles was the right fit for me, receiving the Carter Family Textile Pioneer Scholarship felt like confirmation. I’ve been impressed by the amount of support that faculty, alumni and past scholars have shown, and I am excited to be joining this college community.

Thank you for choosing me. I see my gratitude for this scholarship as motivation to work even harder during my time at the Wilson College of Textiles.

Sophia Hamilton

Windley Family Endowed Textile Pioneer Scholarship
Hometown: Lexington, North Carolina
Major: B.S. Fashion and Textile Management; Brand Management and Marketing Concentration

After attending the Wilson College of Textiles’ Summer Textile Exploration Program her junior year of high school, Sophia Hamilton’s mind was made up. 

She knew she wanted to attend the college to pursue her dream career of working in marketing within the textile industry. Since learning about the Wilson College’s dedication to sustainability, Hamilton hasn’t been able to contain her excitement to have found such a perfect fit for her future goals.

“I want to use my education to spread awareness about sustainability in the fashion industry,” she says. “Ultimately, I want to search for a way to significantly decrease global textile waste and greenhouse gas emissions.”

What extracurricular activities did you take part in while in high school?

My proudest extracurricular activity was my time at the North Carolina Governor’s School, because it was a transformative experience that helped me understand the values of community and art. I was also a sales associate for Aerie and American Eagle, and after working there for a year and a half, I learned a great deal about retail marketing and customer engagement. I was a member of my school’s chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, and I participated in the State Leadership Convention for a fashion design event. I was also a member of my school’s National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta clubs, and I have participated in numerous service projects through these organizations.

What has this scholarship enabled you to do that you may not have been able to do without it?

NC State has been my dream school for years, and with one of the best textile programs on the planet, I knew it was the perfect place for me. Without the help of my scholarship, I never would have been able to pursue my dream career at my dream school.

What are your professional goals or post-graduation plans, and how will your scholarship impact those goals?

After college, I plan to pursue a career in fashion marketing. I want to focus my efforts on promoting sustainability in the textile industry. My scholarship will help me achieve these professional goals by allowing me to focus completely on making the most out of my education without worrying about how I am going to support myself financially.

If you could say anything to the individuals who made your scholarship possible, what would you say to thank them for their generosity?

I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am to be a recipient of the Windley Family Endowed Textile Pioneer Scholarship. I feel so lucky every day to be able to attend NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. I fully intend to make the most of this wonderful opportunity and will continue to embody the college’s values of compassion, collaboration, equality, sustainability and innovation. Thank you for giving me these next four years!

Mike Menchu-Yax

Goodnight Scholarship and the Textile Pioneer Scholarship
Hometown: Vilas, North Carolina
Major: B.S. Textile Engineering

As a first-generation college student, Mike Menchu-Yax has found both opportunity and belonging at the Wilson College of Textiles. He praises the college’s inclusive family for connecting him with friends, faculty and staff who are rooting for his success.

“The values and closeness of the Wilson College were the reason I chose NC State to be my home,” he says. “The individuals within the college have shown me that my goal of a better life for others will grow to its fullest potential within this community.”

With support from both the Textile Pioneer Scholarship and the Goodnight Scholarship, Menchu-Yax is eager to make the most of his college experience at NC State.

What extracurricular activities did you take part in while in high school?

I participated in the French Club, my school’s Distributive Education Clubs of America chapter, and I started a climbing club with one of my close friends. My participation in sports was through wrestling and cross country, which helped build some of the closest friendships I have today. During breaks, I also enjoyed volunteering at a pay-what-you-can cafe.

What has this scholarship enabled you to do that you may not have been able to do without it? 

My Textile Pioneer Scholarship and Goodnight Scholarship have brought me and my family great freedom and hope for a better future. As a first-generation college student, I hope to use this scholarship to bring opportunities to others so that they can make a difference. I also think this scholarship will connect me with others who have the same goals as me.

What are your professional goals or post-graduation plans, and how will your scholarship impact those goals?

I would like to work closely with others who share the same sustainability goals as me. My goals are to bring a better world to future generations through education and opportunities. My scholarship will help me by giving me more opportunities to make an impact throughout my college career.

If you could say anything to the individuals who made your scholarship possible, what would you say to thank them for their generosity?

I am extremely appreciative of the opportunity I have been given. I cannot put into words how thankful I am for the trust and investment that have been made in my education. You have brought my family great pride and hope for a greater future. Although I am just starting my journey, I am excited to show you the difference that has been made to my life.

Elliot Shupe

Armfield Endowed Textile Pioneer Scholarship
Hometown: North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Major: B.S. Fashion and Textile Design; Textile Design Concentration

Elliot Shupe knew she had found a community of like-minded peers after she first stepped foot on NC State’s campus.

“I chose the Wilson College of Textiles because of the opportunities provided to their students and the state-of-the-art programs available,” she says. “I look forward to learning alongside other students who are passionate about the textile industry and finding new ways to use my creativity.”

As an Armfield Endowed Textile Pioneer Scholar, Shupe is eager to study abroad, connect with industry leaders and pursue her goal of creating sustainable alternatives to synthetic fabrics.

What extracurricular activities did you take part in while in high school?

In high school, I was involved in several clubs, including Poetry Out Loud, Student Council, Beta Club, Quizbowl, Envirothon, Key Club, Art Club and the newspaper. I was also an intern and volunteer at my local art gallery, and I participated in Girl Scouts for 12 years.

What has this scholarship enabled you to do that you may not have been able to do without it? 

I am looking forward to making connections with other scholarship recipients and experiencing a study abroad program using my enrichment funds. I am thankful for the ability to attend college without the financial stress it would put on my parents and me.

What are your professional goals or post-graduation plans, and how will your scholarship impact those goals?

I aim to work in the fabric industry to create more sustainable alternatives to synthetic fabrics. Throughout my four years at NC State, I know I will build relationships through scholarship events and have meaningful opportunities, such as studying abroad, that will stay with me throughout my professional life.

If you could say anything to the individuals who made your scholarship possible, what would you say to thank them for their generosity?

I would like to thank the donors of the Armfield Endowed Textile Pioneer Scholarship for the opportunities that the scholarship will give me in my time at the Wilson College of Textiles. I have already made many wonderful memories within the college, at Open House and during Textiles Scholarships Interview Weekend. I am very grateful. I look forward to all of the people I will meet throughout my four years and how this scholarship will positively impact my time at NC State University.

Singer-London Stanley

Perkins Family Textile Pioneer Scholarship
Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina
Major: B.S. Fashion and Textile Design; Fashion Design Concentration

A background in dance, choreography and performance sparked Singer-London Stanley’s passion for movement-based fashion design.

“As I danced and drew throughout my childhood, it seemed natural that my next venture would be sewing,” she explains. “During the Summer Textile Exploration Program, I was introduced to CLO 3D fashion design software, toured textile labs and researched and created a self-drafted digital dress pattern.”

This unique experience also opened Stanley’s eyes to environmentally friendly science, technology and fashion design at the Wilson College of Textiles. Her time on campus will be dedicated to championing sustainable creativity on a larger scale. 

What extracurricular activities did you take part in while in high school?

I have studied ballet, jazz and modern dance with Greensboro Performing Arts for fifteen years. I enjoyed leading my high school’s National Art Honor Society as president and historian, while also volunteering at my church and on our farm and nursery, as well as taking on various art and sewing commissions.

Most recently, I co-founded The Woven Project with New Garden Park Farm, where I created braided rugs out of recycled t-shirts for newly arrived refugee families.

What has this scholarship enabled you to do that you may not have been able to do without it? 

The Perkins Family Textile Pioneer Scholarship will enable me to further my education in a diverse environment through a study abroad program. The textile industry has so much to offer outside of North Carolina, or even the United States, and my once distant goal of studying the fashions of foreign nations is now within reach through my scholarship and enrichment funds.

What are your professional goals or post-graduation plans, and how will your scholarship impact those goals?

My post-graduation plan is to pursue a career as a costume designer. I am open to many avenues of work in the textile industry, but I am determined to make a difference in the ethical creation and use of fabrics. I want to create art with my designs that tells a story while simultaneously bolstering sustainability. I aspire to graduate from NC State debt-free, and this generous Perkins Family Textile Pioneer Scholarship makes that dream possible. I can’t wait to begin a successful profession that allows my talents to prosper.

If you could say anything to the individuals who made your scholarship possible, what would you say to thank them for their generosity?

I never imagined that my passion for creating unique garments from sustainable materials would be rewarded with such generosity from the Perkins family. I have been given a gift that will be cherished and valued, not just for the next four years, but for the rest of my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for laying the groundwork that will allow my dreams to come true. I will study, create and bloom at the Wilson College of Textiles thanks to your kindness.

Support the next generation of Textile Pioneer Scholars

Are you interested in supporting future textile leaders by donating to the Textile Pioneer Scholarship Program? Click the link below to give to the Textile Pioneer Student Enrichment Fund.

To learn more about how you can support textiles students, please contact the North Carolina Textile Foundation at nctextilefoundation@ncsu.edu or (919) 515-3878.