Fashion Forward: UDC Students Get a Glimpse Inside Saks

Students at University of the District of Columbia (UDC) are gaining unique access to the fashion world thanks to a dynamic new partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue.

The collaboration enabled students to engage directly with Jenn Malle, a director at Saks Fifth Avenue and members of the company's visual management team. The students participated in hands-on training sessions, styling workshops and visual merchandising exercises-gaining valuable, real-world experience in the fashion industry. Students were also introduced to internships and job opportunities within Saks, opening doors to future careers in fashion.

The initiative was led by Iran Paylor, a professor in the UDC Community College fashion merchandising department, whose commitment to connecting academic learning with real-world industry engagement continues to drive innovative opportunities for UDC students.

"This is just the beginning," Paylor said. "We're building more partnerships that will continue to elevate UDC's presence in the fashion and creative industries."

This initiative reflects the university's mission to prepare students for success through immersive, real-world learning opportunities.

For more information, visit https://www.udc.edu/news/2025/07/fashion-forward-udc-students-get-a-glimpse-inside-saks

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The University of the District of Columbia is the only public university in Washington, D.C. and the second-oldest HBCU in the United States, with roots dating back to 1851. UDC is home to more than 80 academic programs on multiple campuses, including a nationally recognized law school, a bustling community college and workforce development programs.

This release was published on openPR.