{"id":41487,"date":"2023-02-06T13:18:01","date_gmt":"2023-02-06T18:18:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/?p=41487"},"modified":"2023-03-10T18:18:23","modified_gmt":"2023-03-10T23:18:23","slug":"monica-warsaw-12-named-a-2023-distinguished-young-alumni-award-recipient","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/2023\/02\/monica-warsaw-12-named-a-2023-distinguished-young-alumni-award-recipient\/","title":{"rendered":"Monica Warsaw ’12 Named a Distinguished Young Alumni Award Recipient"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
By Kamilah Heslop<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recently, when Monica Warsaw was asked to define herself in four words, she thoughtfully chose the following: innovator, woman, mother and leader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One meaningful way that she\u2019s leading within the textile industry is through her dedication to the establishment of a critical work-life balance for working parents. The mother of one\u2019s advocacy, which centers on promoting paid parental leave, is encouraging a change in the landscape for leaders with children who come after her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFinding a balance between parenting and working can be difficult for female leaders,\u201d Warsaw says. \u201cWhen an organization is able to connect you with an opportunity that you love along with a positive work-life balance, it creates a space for you to be the most successful version of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She credits her world-class education from the Wilson College of Textiles<\/a> and experience as president of the Phi Psi Textile Fraternity<\/a> for giving her a strong foundation to now lead with integrity, empathy and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI love our washable silk products, and I\u2019m inspired creatively in this role,\u201d Warsaw shares. \u201cLunya is aligned with my personal values and ethos. It’s nice to see all of the pieces fall into place. I have the technical knowledge to be successful and the drive to become even more passionate about what the brand is creating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n One area within the textile industry that especially interests Warsaw is the integration of technology into 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. This will lead to significant financial gains and a time reduction in the clothing development process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In recognition of Warsaw\u2019s professional achievements, community involvement and alignment with the college\u2019s core values, she was named the recipient of a Wilson College of Textiles 2023 Distinguished Young Alumni Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Established by the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC)<\/a>, the Distinguished Young Alumni Awards program<\/a> recognizes graduates under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to the textile industry and their communities. The DYALC works to promote the Wilson College of Textiles and the college\u2019s fundraising arm, the North Carolina Textile Foundation<\/a>, and foster engagement among young alumni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warsaw\u2019s journey to the Wilson College of Textiles began in 2008 when she became one of only ten students selected to receive a Centennial Scholarship<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The college\u2019s top scholarship, valued at up to $95,500, provided her with full-tuition assistance and allowed her to focus solely on her educational pursuits. During Warsaw\u2019s junior year, she used her Centennial Scholarship\u2019s enrichment funding to study abroad at the University of Manchester. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While at NC State, Warsaw immediately connected with the college\u2019s faculty members, especially Distinguished Professor Cynthia Istook<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe will always have a special place in my heart,\u201d Warsaw says. \u201cThis wasn\u2019t just a job for Dr. Istook. She was instrumental in inspiring students, myself included, to create and design. She did so much more than her job description entailed to make our experience memorable.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2012, Warsaw crossed the stage to earn her bachelor\u2019s degree in fashion and textile management<\/a> with a concentration in fashion development and product design<\/a>. From there, she took her talents to Ventura, California, to work as a product developer at Patagonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, her connection to the Wilson College of Textiles didn\u2019t end when she left Raleigh. <\/p>\n\n\n\nRecognized for her leadership and textiles expertise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Committed to Wilson for life<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n