October 20, 2026 -- Four Marist Fashion students earned prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) scholarships for their inspiring work, passion, and brilliance this past year. They have received national recognition and opportunities to advance their education and careers in the fashion industry. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate Caterina Assi '27, Alejandra Pabon '27, Madison Valenta '27, and Cassandra Williams '27 on this elite national stage as CFDA scholarship recipients,” said Jennifer Finn, Associate Dean for the School of Communication and the Arts. “Their achievement is a resounding testament to the caliber of our Fashion Department and the exceptional, boundary-pushing talent driving our school forward.” 

Caterina Assi '27 at Steel Plant Studios. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University. 

Caterina won the inaugural CFDA x Bezos Earth Fund Next Thread Scholarship, which challenges students to advance innovation and deepen their understanding of sustainable fashion. The $15,760 in scholarship funds will support her tuition and thesis materials for the upcoming year. 

“My winning collection, The Anatomy of Belonging, is a zero-waste tailoring project inspired by the immigrant experience,” said Caterina. “I explored how structure can represent resilience, memory, identity, and the process of building a sense of belonging over time.” 

The scholarship also opened the door to several fashion industry opportunities. Caterina presented her portfolio virtually to industry professionals and leading designers, participated in the Step Up for Fashion event, and attended the Carolina Herrera Spring/Summer 2027 show as a guest. 

Beyond her devotion to fashion, Caterina is a Division I student-athlete on the Marist Women’s Tennis team. She’s a member of the Deans’ Circle and the Emerging Leaders Program.  

“This experience has reminded me that being a student does not mean you have to wait until graduation to make an impact,” Caterina said. “No matter where you come from, if you work hard enough for your dreams, good things come your way.” 

 
Alejandra Pabon '27 holds her sketchbook. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University. 

The 2026 Melvin and Monique Rodriguez Family Foundation Scholarship awarded $50,000 to Alejandra to support her studies. Her collection, Un Celebración de Vida, was created to honor her mother’s life following her passing. 

“The collection I submitted for the scholarship was a tribute to my mother,” said Alejandra. “It helped me process my emotions through art and fashion.” 

She integrated her mother’s poetry and handwriting throughout the collection and incorporated the colors of the Puerto Rican flag to reflect her heritage. The scholarship made Alejandra feel seen, and she expressed how much she learned about design, memory, and emotion. 

This year, applicants from across the country underwent a highly competitive selection process. For Alejandra, the scholarship provides an opportunity to continue her fashion journey with a greater sense of purpose. 

“I needed a way to continue school and process my grief at the same time, so this collection is how I did it,” said Alejandra. “Fashion can remind you to live after grief has made you forget to.” 

 
Cassandra Williams '27 working at Steel Plant Studios. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University. 

Cassandra is a winner of the 2026 Melvin and Monique Rodriguez Family Foundation Scholarship, making her the second Marist recipient of the prestigious award this year. 

Her collection, Gone Wild, was inspired by Black hair and self-expression. “Identity is at the core of who I am as a designer,” said Cassandra. “In my collection, I referenced the community I grew up in, the people I was exposed to, and the authenticity of expression.”  

A double major in fashion design and fashion merchandising, Cassandra also pursues her interests outside of the Marist Fashion program. Music is one of her biggest passions; she is a co-director of Sirens A Cappella and a long-time member of Marist Singers. 

“I think it’s so crucial to have those other outlets that really bring you joy, and music is definitely one of those things for me,” said Cassandra. “While I love fashion and I’m so happy I’m able to pursue it as a career, music has given me friends I’ll have for the rest of my life.” 

As part of her experience with CFDA, Cassandra earned $50,000 towards her studies. She completed an internship over the summer that allowed her to network with industry professionals, further explore her love for fashion, and build connections that can support her career after graduation.  

 
Madison Valenta '27 working on design sketches. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University. 

Madison received the 2026 Veronica Beard Creative Futures Scholarship, earning $50,000 to support her education. In addition to the scholarship, Madison joined the Veronica Beard Denim team for a 10-week summer internship at the company’s New York City headquarters. 

While there, Madison developed designs from initial sketches to finished products. One of the looks she designed will be sold online and in stores for the Veronica Beard Spring 2027 collection. 

“During my time at Veronica Beard, I learned about being a denim designer, the business of fashion, and the importance of community and teamwork,” Madison said. “I am grateful for the connections and friendships I made, which I will take with me as I enter the workforce after graduation.” 

Madison credits the Marist Fashion Program with helping her prepare for a career in the fashion industry. She points to the excitement she feels each day in the studio, the endless support from her professors, and her undeniable growth as a fashion designer. 

“This is only the beginning of my story as a fashion designer,” Madison said. “This achievement has encouraged me to never give up and to chase after all of my dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.” 

Preparing Marist Fashion Students for Industry Careers 

For Caterina, Alejandra, Cassandra, and Madison, the CFDA scholarships represent both recognition of what they have already accomplished at Marist and opportunities to take the next steps toward their careers in fashion. Their accomplishments reflect the hands-on experiential learning available to Marist fashion students both inside and outside of the classroom.  

“Marist Fashion distinguishes itself through immersive, experiential learning that bridges classroom theory with real-world industry success,” said Finn. “The remarkable achievements of these four students prove how classroom learning, hands-on design work, internships, and industry experiences are helping Marist Fashion students prepare for careers in the global fashion industry.”