Marist Fashion Students Earn Recognition Among the Industry’s Best
By Sofia Sarzosa
On March 23rd, nine Marist University fashion students attended the 2026 FSF Live Gala at the Glasshouse in New York City. The event brought them alongside some of the industry’s most influential figures, including Law Roach, Travis Scott and Tommy Hilfiger.
Within the fashion industry, opportunities are often shaped by resources and connections. But as a student who may not have that network, access is not always guaranteed. To shift that narrative, scholarships have emerged to provide meaningful entry points to launch a young creative’s career.
Among the most prestigious are the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Scholarship Fund, two initiatives committed to investing in the future of American fashion. With its most recent class, the CFDA announced a record-breaking $1.52 million in funding, while FSF awarded over $1.9 million to students nationwide.
Photographer | Alexis Ucci
The CFDA Scholarship Fund is recognized for its commitment to nurturing design talent through mentorship and direct access to leading figures in the industry. Similarly, FSFconnects students across disciplines within design, merchandising, marketing, and business. The program offers access to networking and internship opportunities with top brands.
This year’s FSF competition saw a record-breaking 1,400+ applications from students nationwide. From that competitive pool, 160 students were selected as FSF Scholars. The CFDA Scholarship Fund chose just eight students from over 300 applicants. Of this cycle,the following Marist students were recognized.
Class of 2026 FSF: Andrea Palencia ’26 (WHP Global x FSF Scholar), Claire Galli ’26 (Coach Dream it Real Scholar), Coryn Rebimbas ‘26, Lila Vivi ’26 (Weissman x FSF Scholar), Liznelly Pina ’26 (Carolina Herrera x FSF Scholar), Ogheneyoma Anighoro (Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” x FSF Scholar), Raniero Diaz ‘26, Tate Clough ’26 (Nordstrom x FSF Scholar), and Wyatt Walloga ’26 (Macy’s, Inc. Jeff Gennette Scholar).
Class of 2025 CFDA: Lena Alibrio ’26 (2025 CFDA x Veronica Beard Creative Futures Scholarship) and Sika Sena-Akoto ’26 (California Wildfires Relief Semi-Finalist).
Photographer | Alexis Ucci
“Getting this achievement with the FSF, and especially with children's wear, opened up a lot of job opportunities and more connections,” says Coryn Rebimbas ’26 about her project. As she reflects, the experience opened doors to potential career paths and new connections among other aspiring designers.
Photographer | Alexis Ucci
“There will be hard and long days, but never doubt your passion and creativity. Ideas will be shut down, but take it with a positive mindset and use it to better yourself and work,” emphasizes Andrea Palencia ’26. Palencia’s advice to future applicants reflects on trusting one’s vision: remaining confident, taking risks, and fully believing in the strength of their ideas.
After transferring to Marist, Ogheneyoma Anighoro ’26 initially doubted her creative ability, unsure if she would reach milestones like the Virgil Abloh Post-Modern scholarship,which she would later win. That doubt made her moment at the 2026 FSF Live Gala, standing alongside designer LaQuan Smith, feel especially rewarding “The journey is worth it, even though sometimes you have to start over and make mistakes, it all works out in the end.”
To any Marist students who wish to apply, do not be afraid to take the initiative and challenge yourself. These programs exist to act as a supportive hand, helping feed your creativity and seek new perspectives to build up the industry. Because ultimately, the future of fashion is defined by those who are given the chance to contribute to it.
