SAB Member Bios
2022-2023 TATM Student Advisory Board
Colby Hopper is a second year M.S. candidate from Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated summa cum laude in 2021 from NC State University with a B.S. in Fashion and Textile Design, concentration in Textile Design. Colby has completed contract work for Cotton Incorporated and an apparel design internship with American Eagle Outfitters. She also received the Jacques Weber Centennial Scholarship from the North Carolina Textile Foundation and Philadelphia Scholarship from the International Furnishings and Design Association. Her thesis focuses on the development of home textiles for users with mental health impairments. She is expected to graduate in the spring of 2023 with a Master of Science in Textiles. Colby plans to pursue a career in the developing sustainable and inclusive fashion industry.
Becky Koch is a second year graduate student from Raleigh, North Carolina, pursuing her Master of Textiles. She is expected to graduate in May of 2023. In May of 2021, she graduated cum laude from NC State University with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion and Textile Management, concentrating in fashion development and product management, with a minor in design studies. Throughout her time as an undergraduate, Becky was a student athlete on the NC State Cheerleading Team and served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. She just loved NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles so much that she couldn’t leave quite yet. While in grad school, she works part-time in custom menswear at Alton Lane. She has past product and retail experience with Reborn Clothing Co. and American Eagle Outfitters. Upon graduation, Becky plans to pursue a career in product development.
Sarah Jarrell is a senior majoring in fashion and textile design and is a first-year Master of Textiles candidate through the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program. Sarah is a Park-Centennial Scholar, a college ambassador, a research assistant and a brand ambassador for Kohl’s. She has also completed work with Platform Magazine, served as the PINK Campus Team photographer, and has been involved with the multicultural greek sorority, Kappa Phi Lambda, since her first year. She is expected to complete her undergraduate degree program in fall of 2022, and graduate with her Master of Textiles in spring of 2023. After graduation, her plans are to move to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she has accepted a full-time position as an associate designer for Kohl’s.
Nicole Micchia is a sophomore from Wake Forest, North Carolina, studying fashion and textile management, with a concentration in brand management and marketing, and a minor in business administration. Nicole is a recipient of the Syd. B Alexander Scholarship through the Wilson College of Textiles. She currently serves on the executive board as house manager for the Iota Phi Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha and is a member of the National Retail Federation. She is expected to graduate in the spring of 2025 before pursuing a marketing or merchandising career in the industry. Nicole is thrilled to serve on the TATM Student Advisory Board and plans to take on a leadership role in the future.
Olivia Cormaci is a sophomore majoring in fashion and textile management, with a concentration in brand management and marketing, and a minor in environmental science. Olivia is a part of the Wilson College Ambassador program and the Greater Good Textile Group. Since joining the Greater Good Textile Group, she has helped with campus events such as the Sustainable Business Forum and the Clothing Swap. After graduation, Olivia hopes to be involved in a sustainably-led textile company in a role focused on supply chain management or merchandising. Olivia is passionate about textiles and sustainability, and believes the SAB will be a great way to increase knowledge of sustainable textile companies.
Meredith Gaskill is a junior majoring in fashion and textile management, with a concentration in brand management and marketing, and a minor in business administration. She is also earning a M.S. Textiles degree through the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program. Meredith is a Park-Centennial Scholar, a lead ambassador for the Wilson College, the president of Tompkins Textile Student Council and a member of NC State’s chapter of Consult Your Community. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career in brand marketing or consumer behavior and business consulting. She absolutely loves the Wilson College of Textiles and is excited to serve the college on the Student Advisory Board.
Abby Mahl is a senior majoring in Fashion and Textile Design, with a concentration in Fashion Design. Abby has furthered her design studies with a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, where she explored different styles of design across new cultures. She has also been involved in the University Theatre and several service projects on campus. Abby is currently working on her senior collection, and is looking into a variety of paths and opportunities post graduation in May. She is thrilled to be a part of Wilson College of Textiles and the TATM Student Advisory Board.
Katelyn Cooper is a sophomore majoring in Fashion and Textile Management, with a concentration in Brand Management and Marketing, and a minor in Business Entrepreneurship. Katelyn is a member of AATCC and Greater Good Textile Group. Participating in both organizations has given perspective into different aspects of the industry. Through the Greater Good Textile Group, she has had the opportunity to collaborate with events such as the Sustainable Business Forum and the Clothing Swap. Katelyn is passionate about textiles, marketing, and sustainability. Upon graduation, Katelyn hopes to assist a sustainable focused company in a marketing and consumer behavior role. Katelyn is looking forward to serving on the TATM Student Advisory Board in the Wilson College of Textiles.
Elyse Boldizar is a sophomore majoring in Fashion and Textile Management with a concentration in Brand Management and Marketing. Elyse is a writing intern for the Wilson College of Textiles’ communications department, where she writes articles for the college’s website to help promote textiles to potential and current students. Elyse is also the Assistant Opinion Editor for NC State’s student newspaper, Technician, and writes for Platform Magazine. Additionally, she is a Sales Associate at Anthropologie in Raleigh, NC. Elyse is beyond excited to be a part of the Student Advisory Board and promote industry connections in the Wilson community.
Gracey Ripley is a sophomore majoring in Fashion and Textile Management with a concentration in Brand Management and Marketing and a minor in business administration. She is also a class of 2025 Centennial scholar as well as an employee with the North Carolina Textile Foundation. Within the Wilson College, she is a member of the Greater Good Textile Group and a Sophomore Representative for the Tompkins Textile Student council. She also serves as the director of fundraising for Delta Gamma at NC State. Gracey is expected to graduate in the spring of 2025 and hopes to pursue a career in the marketing and sales of textile goods. She is excited to be a member of the TATM Student Advisory Board and to expand her knowledge of the textile industry.