Congratulations are in order for Morgan Hill’s Alyssa Tomasello, 21, who is one of 24 college students from across the U.S. who received a scholarship through the National Retail Federation Foundation’s Ray M. Greenly Scholarship fund.
Recipients were nominated by educators at their schools. Nominations were based upon high academic achievement and the students’ passion for retail. Each scholarship recipient will receive $5,000 to cover educational costs, as well as a stipend to attend the NRF’s Annual Conference and Expo in New York City this January.
On track to graduate from Santa Clara University in June 2013, Tomasello is a communications major with a minor in retail studies. In her scholarship essay, Tomasello wrote that “my passion for conservation has translated into a desire to establish a brand that places sustainability at the forefront of its mission. I believe it is time for a new kind of retail to emerge that does less with more, understands that eco-friendly clothing doesn’t need to sacrifice on quality, and challenges the consumer mindset. I believe that I will be that retailer.”
By the time she is age 30, Tomasello hopes to establish her own conservation brand, following in the footsteps of iconic retailers such as Patagonia and TOMS.
“I am humbled by this incredible opportunity and the doors that this scholarship has opened for me. I have always felt a deep responsibility to give back to my community, and I believe that this is a unique opportunity to further actualize my commitment to the triple bottom line of sustainability which accounts for people, planet, and profit.” Tomasello said, “My Jesuit education at Santa Clara University has instilled in me a commitment to social justice. I plan to actualize this commitment through the application of my business background to the establishment of a more just and sustainable world for all. I am beyond thankful for the exceptional support of my parents, who have instilled in me the core values that have made me the person I am today.”
The NRF plans to award more than $350,000 in scholarships during the 2012-2013 school year alone through its “University Partner Program.”
For more information on the NRF and their scholarship programs, visit their Web site at NRF.com
