Connecting Sustainable Fashion Initiatives Across Universities

Connecting Sustainable Fashion Initiatives Across Universities brings together faculty, staff, students, and university-based programs from across the NYC region to explore how higher education is furthering the field of sustainable fashion. Co-hosted by Columbia’s Fashion, Energy, and Climate Network and Yale’s Center for Business and the Environment, the event aims to map the current landscape of sustainable fashion initiatives and efforts across universities: where momentum is building, where gaps remain, and where there may be opportunities to learn from and collaborate with one another. Participating institutions include New York University, Pace Law School, and Fashion Institute of Technology

Following a keynote from Dean Alexis Abramson of the Columbia Climate School, the program will feature two panels. The first will focus on institutional initiatives and curriculum, exploring how universities are approaching sustainable fashion through their own strengths and perspectives, including climate, design, education, policy, and career development. The second will focus on student and institutional collaborations, highlighting student work, campus activities, and how stronger partnerships can help build a sustainable fashion economy. The event will conclude with a themed networking session connecting students and professionals with shared interests to continue the conversation.

Registration and Arrival

Please bring a government-issued ID for check-in. Registration is required, and we will not be able to accommodate walk-in attendance. Please also plan to arrive on time, as check-in may close shortly after the event begins.

Agenda

4:20–4:40 PM Arrival and check-in

4:40-4:45 PM Welcome

4:45–4:55 PM Keynote by Alexis Abramson, Dean, Columbia Climate School

4:55–5:45 PM Panel 1: How are institutions addressing issues in sustainable fashion?

5:45–6:20 PM Panel 2: What are students doing to help schools make progress on sustainable fashion issues?

6:20–7:00 PM Themed Networking

Confirmed Speakers:

• Alexis Abramson, Dean, Columbia Climate School
• Jennah Colborn, Graduate Student, Experimental Humanities, NYU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS)
• Samantha Cousino, President and Student, Impact Style, Columbia School of Professional Studies
• Katherine Escalante, Moving the Needle Coordinator at the Yale Center for Business and the Environment and Student, Yale School of the Environment
• Heather Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Yale Center for Business and the Environment
• Michelle Gabriel, Lecturer, Columbia School of Professional Studies; Advisor, Fashion, Energy, and Climate Network, Columbia Climate School & Lecturer at Yale School of the Environment
• Sandra Goldmark, Associate Dean for Engagement and Impact, Columbia Climate School
• Lauren Lynam, Student at Yale School of the Environment and Pace Law School
• Anna Osokina, Event Chair and Student, Ethical Fashion Working Group, School of International and Public Affairs
• Karen Pearson, Chair, FIT Sustainability Council
• Sally Qiu, Co-Director, Fashion, Energy, and Climate Network, Columbia Climate School; Senior Research Associate, Center on Global Energy Policy

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Host or Publisher Columbia Fashion, Energy, and Climate Network