T he Vault
When I founded The Vault at UW-Madison in 2023, we started with nothing—no members, no funds, and no roadmap. Today, The Vault stands as one of the largest and most impactful student organizations on campus, boasting over 500 active members. Through relentless effort and strategic planning, I scaled membership from zero to hundreds, driving member engagement through inclusive programming and consistent outreach. In under two years, my leadership helped raise over $40,000 in net profit, securing the financial stability of the organization. I also spearheaded over 25 collaborations per semester with local and global brands, enriching the student experience while enhancing the club’s reputation. Our marquee events have drawn thousands of attendees, making The Vault a hallmark of creative and professional development at UW-Madison.
Events + Shows
The Vault hosts a wide variety of events designed to cater to diverse interests within the fashion and business ecosystems. These range from professional workshops to creative showcases. Each event required meticulous planning, from ideation to execution, honing my skills in project management, logistics, marketing, and team coordination. They involved securing industry partnerships, managing student teams, and ensuring a seamless integration of creative and technological elements. Additionally, our field trips offered students real-world exposure to the fashion and retail industries, fostering invaluable learning experiences. These initiatives allowed me to cultivate a dynamic skill set that balances creativity with professional precision.
Shows Directed by Me
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GRIMM'S FAIRYTALES + CHORUS
LEAD ORGANIZER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
The Grimm’s Fairy Tales showcase was a multifaceted production that brought classic stories to life through literature, music, and fashion. I conducted in-depth research into the original tales, sourced traditional yet modernized outfits, and enlisted models, designers, and a live philharmonic chorus to create a cohesive narrative. Managing event logistics, from securing the venue to conducting rehearsals, was paired with leading promotional campaigns and fundraising efforts to ensure the event’s success. This showcase was a testament to collaboration and creativity, captivating the audience while honoring the timeless magic of the Brothers Grimm.
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THE ODYSSEY
LEAD ORGANIZER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
The Odyssey show, my first production with The Vault, was a deeply personal and creative endeavor inspired by my Greek heritage and the timeless themes of Homer’s epic. This showcase artfully merged fashion with storytelling, featuring a dynamic lineup of student designers whose pieces embodied mythical narratives. The event was elevated by a curated music mix that complemented each scene, enhancing the immersive experience. From organizing event logistics and enlisting designers to promoting and fundraising, I ensured every detail reflected the passion and creativity behind the project, captivating hundreds of attendees and marking a proud milestone as my debut production.
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METAMORPHOSIS
OFF-SITE DIRECTOR AND RESEARCHER
Although I was abroad during The Vault's Metamorphosis Show, I actively contributed to its success by working on event logistics, researching outfits, and planning funding strategies. The show was a groundbreaking collaboration with the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and renowned artist Federico Uribe. Inspired by Uribe’s transformative use of everyday objects in his sculptures, the show highlighted fashion as a form of metamorphosis, featuring designs crafted from recycled and unconventional materials. This innovative event blended sustainability, art, and creativity, offering an immersive experience that celebrated personal and environmental transformation.
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INDIGENIZE
OUTSOURCER AND ORGANIZER
The Vault proudly hosted the Indigenize Show, a groundbreaking celebration of Indigenous cultures and fashion that prioritized authenticity, storytelling, and inclusivity. To ensure the event represented a diverse range of voices, I personally reached out to every cultural, ethnic, and Indigenous organization on campus, encouraging their participation and fostering a sense of community. The show highlighted garments and accessories that honored Native traditions, featuring sustainable materials and time-honored craftsmanship techniques. This collaborative effort not only amplified Indigenous designers but also created a space for meaningful dialogue and celebration.
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WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY?
LEAD ORGANIZER AND DIRECTOR
As the lead organizer for The Vault's Technology Show, I spearheaded the exploration of the intersection between fashion and technology. The event highlighted how innovations like AI, 3D printing, and wearable tech are shaping the future of the fashion industry. I coordinated with student designers to showcase futuristic pieces that blended cutting-edge tech elements with style and functionality. Additionally, the event featured insightful discussions on the role of data analytics, sustainability, and digital tools in revolutionizing fashion design and production, offering attendees a glimpse into the transformative possibilities of tech within the fashion world.
Promotion + Marketing
Effective marketing was key to The Vault’s rapid growth. I developed a comprehensive communication strategy that included email campaigns reaching over 2,000 recipients, engaging content for nearly 3,000 social media followers, and event promotions through platforms like Brevo, GroupMe, and Partiful. I also designed the club’s website, which has attracted over 19,000 visits in the past year. By leveraging data analytics, I identified trends in member engagement and tailored content to maximize reach and impact. For instance, targeted campaigns for events resulted in record-breaking attendance and media coverage. These efforts not only elevated The Vault’s profile on campus but also set a benchmark for student-led organizations at UW-Madison.
Cross-Sectional Direction
A key aspect of The Vault’s success lies in its collaborative structure. I directed 10+ cross-functional committees each semester, overseeing everything from creative design to diversity initiatives. Each semester, I onboarded 40+ committee leaders, ensuring they had the training and resources needed to succeed. This approach fostered a culture of inclusivity and shared responsibility, enabling members from diverse disciplines to contribute meaningfully. For example, our Fashion Show Workshops brought together students from marketing, technology, and creative arts, demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. My role as a leader involved not only delegating tasks but also mentoring students, building confidence, and fostering a sense of belonging within the organization.
Inclusivity + Community
The Vault has become a source of inspiration for students at UW-Madison and beyond, with several prospective students citing it as a key reason for choosing the university. Its influence extends far beyond campus, serving as a model for creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity. As a founder, I’m proud to know that our work has enriched the college experience for current members while inspiring future generations to pursue their passions. The Vault is more than just a club, it’s a movement that has transformed lives, including my own, through its commitment to fostering creativity and connection. The Vault’s inclusive community has redefined what it means to belong at a large university. Its impact was even showcased in a UW-Madison documentary highlighting its efforts to unite students from diverse disciplines and backgrounds under a shared passion for fashion and innovation. By empowering students to collaborate and break down traditional barriers, The Vault has become a home for creativity and a testament to what’s possible when purpose meets passion.