In celebration of Black History Month, LIM College hosted a virtual panel discussion on Feb. 18 titled "Black History Month: Industry Leaders Making an Impact." The event brought together four alums who have made significant strides in the fashion industry, offering current students and aspiring professionals an opportunity to learn from their experiences.
Co-moderated by Fashion Merchandising & Marketing department faculty members Terance Coffee and Diamante Logan, the panel featured an inspiring lineup of speakers:
- Clay Lute ‘23 – Global Merchant for Men’s Denim at Calvin Klein
- Velissa Vaughn, MPS ‘16 – Co-Founder of JXV Collective
- Dante Johnson, MPS ‘21 – Product & Licensing Manager at Fanatics
- Ivonna Young ‘15 – Founder & Fractional CMO of The Lavender Agency
The panelists shared their career journeys, talked about the mentors who inspired them, and discussed their experiences navigating challenges in the workplace.
Lute recalled attending industry conferences early in his career and struggling to find representation, until he met Theresa Watson of True Religion.
“I did not see anybody that looked remotely close to me,” he said. “Then, at one of my first conferences, I saw a woman with huge curly hair, like down her back. I went up to her and said, ‘You know, you're the first high-ranking person I ever met with my hair.’”
Lute described Watson as a “second mother” who became a mentor, always just a text away with career advice.
Lute emphasized the importance of community and support within the industry, stating, “People of color, especially Black people, have such a willingness to go the extra mile to make sure their own people are supported.”
Discussing the connection between career and mental health, Young shared her personal experience of developing alopecia due to job-related stress while working in Germany.
“That was the point where I had to really take control of my mental health and start putting healthy boundaries in place,” she explained. She urged attendees not to wait as long as she did before seeking help. “I was lucky enough to find a Black psychologist and a Black psychiatrist, and they got me the right balance,” she said, encouraging others to prioritize their well-being.
The panelists also reflected on the triumphs and challenges surrounding DEI in their professional journeys. Johnson spoke candidly about the importance of these initiatives.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion, just like affirmative action, is crucial,” he said. “Regardless of how good you are, how smart you are, or how unique your perspective is, it's way too easy to be overlooked. And for me, that’s the biggest barrier.”
