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Fullerton College\u2019s fashion design\u00a0and merchandising\u00a0department\u00a0is a historic mix of artistry, creation and innovation that prepares students for successful careers in the\u00a0field.\u00a0Overseen by\u00a0Professor\u00a0of Fashion,\u00a0Renee Young,\u00a0the department has shaped students into successful alumni\u00a0who have embarked on their dream careers.\u00a0This feature explores the story\u00a0of\u00a0four alumni that\u00a0have\u00a0found success in the fashion program\u00a0and truly made\u00a0communal\u00a0impacts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Taylor Castro\u2019s\u00a0journey\u00a0through\u00a0Fullerton College\u2019s fashion design\u00a0and merchandising\u00a0program\u00a0led to her career as a product developer for\u00a0PSD\u00a0Underwear, where she brings creative visions to life. From translating designs for factory production\u00a0to\u00a0working\u00a0as\u00a0the mind behind finished products that many wear, Castro\u00a0proudly attributes her success to Fullerton College.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before embarking on\u00a0her\u00a0career at PSD Underwear, the fashion program helped\u00a0her\u00a0secure an internship at Manhattan Beachwear\u00a0that instilled a sense of\u00a0confidence\u00a0and technical skills as leader of Quality Control Fittings.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for Professor Young, the\u00a0fashion department staff and\u00a0my\u00a0fellow fashion-hungry classmates, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am today,\u201d said Castro. \u201cFor that, I will be forever thankful.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mario Santiago (\u201821)\u00a0also\u00a0found his\u00a0robust\u00a0career as a technical designer and stylist for\u00a0Kellwood Apparel Company.\u00a0A crucial\u00a0role\u00a0in the\u00a0industry, Santiago is in\u00a0charge of\u00a0ensuring clothing\u00a0patterns\u00a0are\u00a0ready\u00a0to\u00a0go into production.\u00a0His\u00a0process includes\u00a0receiving\u00a0and adjusting\u00a0patterns\u00a0from fashion designers, all while managing fittings that require technical\u00a0expertise, attention to\u00a0detail\u00a0and\u00a0perception.\u00a0A collaborative effort, his designs\u00a0have made their way into well-renowned companies,\u00a0such as\u00a0Target, Macy\u2019s, Zara,\u00a0Adidas\u00a0and Costco.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe everything I know is from Fullerton College. I won the fashion scholarship, and this fashion department has a comprehensive program that helps students succeed in their future careers. I cannot be more thankful for that.\u201d said Santiago.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
RJ Santiago is a senior footwear designer specializing in CMF (Color, Material and Finish) at Skechers.\u00a0An\u00a0avid researcher of trend\u00a0analysis, Santiago\u2019s work is both domestic and international.\u00a0Knowledge of\u00a0sales data, consumer\u00a0behavior\u00a0and global fashion movements\u00a0are what drive\u00a0him\u00a0to\u00a0build strong products that resonate with customers.\u00a0He is also a creator\u00a0that focuses\u00a0on concept development and visualization\u00a0through\u00a0strategy and creation \u2013 a foundation that Fullerton College helped\u00a0establish.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Santiago embraces his unique journey at Fullerton College. As an international student and the only male\u00a0in many of his classes, he\u00a0developed resilience,\u00a0adaptability\u00a0and an understanding of the fashion industry\u2019s rewarding challenges.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI had always dreamed of becoming a footwear designer, and the professors at Fullerton College gave me the opportunity and encouragement to pursue that path,\u201d said Santiago. \u201cThey helped mold my perspective and pushed me to think creatively while also preparing me for the realities of working in a competitive field.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n For\u00a0Samantha Flores\u00a0fashion\u00a0became\u00a0an outlet to serve underrepresented populations.\u00a0Today, she is\u00a0a\u00a0career\u00a0pathways\u00a0coordinator\u00a0for\u00a0the Office\u00a0of Early\u00a0College Initiatives at\u00a0Long Beach\u00a0City College.\u00a0Flores found a mentor in Professor Young during her time in the fashion program.\u00a0When the program\u00a0helped her land\u00a0a paid\u00a0internship with Kiyonna Clothing in Anaheim, she\u00a0continued to\u00a0serve\u00a0her community\u00a0as an undergraduate fashion tutor at Fullerton College\u2019s tutoring center.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFrom this opportunity,\u00a0I found my calling for working with disenfranchised and underrepresented students of color,\u201d said Flores. \u201cI am eternally grateful for Fullerton College\u2019s student support services Transfer Achievement Program, Extended Opportunity Programs Services and above all,\u00a0Professor Young for nudging me along.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_4916.png\")
<\/a>Santiago poses with classmates and Professor Young. Classroom experiences have helped Santiago\u00a0cultivate a sense of confidence and growth thanks to Young\u2019s mentorship and classroom amenities, including the latest technology,\u00a0an exciting professional\u00a0environment\u00a0and access to life-changing internships.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n