TERA WORKMAN
FASHION MARKETING
GRADUATED: 2006

“Network, network, network with students, teachers, staff and outside sources.”

In September 2006, Tera graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Marketing. She started her career as a Visual Merchandiser for XP Events, a merchandise/re-merchandise company for the Phoenix Suns, Diamondbacks Stadium and Team Shops. As the Visual Merchandiser, Tera works on display cases, walls and windows for 5 professional teams and 5 semi-professional teams. Since starting with XP Events, she has been promoted to Merchandise Buyer (events division). In her new role, Tera handles the retail operations for 9 professional teams and manages the merchandise from design, purchasing, receiving and displaying. XP Events is currently working on the 2010 Olympics taking place in Vancouver, B. C.

MATT DUVAL
FASHION MARKETING
GRADUATED: 2007

“Remember the degree is marketing and you should take all that you are able to from it and ask for more.”  In 2007 Matt graduated in the Fashion Marketing program at The Art Institute of Phoenix.  During his tenure as a student, Matt had the opportunity to begin his career with Nordstrom, a leading department store in customer service and quality merchandise. As an intern, Matt learned the fundamentals of the fashion industry.  After graduation, Matt moved to San Diego, CA as an Assistant Department Manager.  In 2009, Matt was promoted as a Human Resources Manager in Salt Lake City, UT for Nordstrom.  In his current role, Matt works in HR Management for a $60 million dollar store; utilizing his skills in marketing, performance management, selling and coaching.  On a typical day, Matt wears multiple hats, partnering with the store manager, managing productivity and performance and of course....hiring and coaching new employees for Nordstrom.

MARTHA PENA
FASHION MARKETING
GRADUATED: 2007

“The Art Institute of Phoenix taught me to handle multiple projects and hit deadlines. Attending MAGIC with the Fashion Uncensored Club also gave me a strong connection to industry contacts in New York.” 

Martha Pena obtained her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Marketing from The Art Institute of Phoenix in March 2007.  She currently holds two positions in the fashion industry – Assistant Manager of Styles for Less in Tolleson, AZ and Fashion Design Instructor for the New School for the Arts and Academics in Tempe, AZ. 

As Assistant Manager, Martha handles opening the store, updating visuals, handling markdowns, overseeing deposits, managing four sales representatives.  Since she began, the store’s sales ranking has advanced from 93rd to 53rd in the system nationwide.  As Fashion Design Instructor, Martha teaches high school students the foundational skills necessary to be successful in fashion design. 

Martha would advise new students to take all the classes that they can and to go to MAGIC. She says, “I got a lead for a potential internship in NY with Christopher Laquois at MAGIC.” Martha plans to take four of her students to MAGIC to share the great experience she had at the conference with these aspiring fashionistas.   

JILLIAN MCVOY
FASHION MARKETING
GRADUATED: 2007

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

Jillian McVoy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Marketing in June 2007. She now works as a Public Relations Contractor for Amanda Vega Consulting, a full service agency based in New York City that deals with all aspects of public relations, marketing and social media. Jillian handles public relations, media relations and client relations. She says, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Jillian encourages new students to network as much as possible and to establish connections by gaining an externship.

KAILEY NAGELA
FASHION MARKETING
GRADUATED: 2008

For Fashion Marketing graduate, Kailey Nagela, working for Zappos.com in Henderson, NV was a perfect fit!  Zappos.com is an online retailer that sells shoes, clothing, handbags, accessories, house wares, beauty and more.  In her role as Merchandising Assistant for Casual Women’s Sportswear, Intimates, Maternity, Plus and Petite, Kailey works primarily in inventory management, product selection and communicates with both vendors and customers.  As an employee of Zappos in the Merchandising department, Kailey will have the opportunity to attend a variety of trade shows and industry events including MAGIC, one of the top venues for clothing buyers.  As a graduate from September 2008, Kailey attributes much of her success to her education at The Art Institute of Phoenix, specifically the components of the Entrepreneurship Class.  Advice to new students and graduates would be….be proactive about your career, work hard and go after what you want!