TALA Scholars 2012
The Textile Association of Los Angeles presented its 2012 scholarship awards at the organization’s annual luncheon on June 15 at the California Market Center in Los Angeles.
Students from California State University, Los Angeles; Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Los Angeles Trade Technical College; Mt. San Antonio College; Otis College of Art & Design; Pasadena City College; Santa Monica College; and Woodbury University received awards presented by AIMS 360, the Betty Baumgardner Foundation, the CMC, the Cooper Design Space, J Brand, Karen Kane Inc., KWDZ Manufacturing, STC-QST, Stony Apparel, Swat Fame Inc., Tukatech and California Apparel News. In addition, students received gift bags from The Fashion Bookstore and 24Seven.
Brian Weitman, president of TALA and of STC-QST, thanked the members of the industry for their support of the scholarship program. “It’s an important thing we do for the community,” he said. “Our industry is an agent for change. That’s the one constant in this industry—change.”
Tammy Chatkin, executive vice president of 24/Seven, had some practical advice for the students, including making sure their portfolios are up to date, finding a way to stand out in a crowded job market and considering in-demand jobs such as patternmaker and technical designer.
This is an exciting time to enter the industry, said Nicole Legacki àBeckett of the Los Angeles mayor's office. “L.A. is where the world comes to create, to innovate,” she said. “It’s a great time to be in this industry.”—Alison A. Nieder
