The Goal
In 2007, I was invited to take over a five-week workshop on fashion events planning at Fashion Institute of Technology’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
The Strategy
Expanding the course to include public relations planning, I tasked students to formulate a one-year strategic plan for the launch of a fashion collection that was to be presented to industry experts at the end of the course. Students were taught to work as team members who played pivotal roles in the project, including sourcing venues and vendors, building a budget, creating a time and action calendar, sourcing goodie bag items, and creating a press outreach plan.
I recruited fashion industry professionals to serve as panelists to view the students’ final presentations and provide expert feedback. Over the years, panelists included media, PR, and event-planning professionals from Women’s Wear Daily, IMG, Men’s Health, Biz Bash, Latina Magazine, Carmen Marc Valvo, MR, Cosabella, Elle Magazine, and CouturePR.com, among others.
The Results
In 2011, the workshop was renamed to include team-building skills, reflecting my successful track record of mentoring students to become resourceful collaborators who planned professional-level events.
Below is a selection of reviews I received from students over the years:
Thank you for exposing me to the REAL elements of PR. Your passion and knowledge about the course content was evidenced by walking us through the final project, with care, concern and advice at all times. – Susan R.
Edgar Trinidad is another mentor of mine. He was my professor for a Fashion Events Planning certificate course for the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) I took on while working full-time. Edgar’s fresh approach to public relations and his professionalism, no matter what clients threw at him, has always stood out to me. – Alyson C. (from the Voyage LA blog).
What an amazing class!!! I’m glad this was my last class. Thank you for all your tremendous advice. – Veronica W.
You are very patient and very knowledgeable. Thank you for your time. You were amazing!! – Canesha A.
What a great class!! You made all this work fun!! – Lisa F.
Thank you for a wonderful positive class experience. It has been a pleasure to learn from you! – Leslie S.
LOVED THIS CLASS! One of my favorites of this certificate. – Raquel A.