Whitman Students Experience a First-Hand Look Inside the Retail Industry
Two Whitman undergraduate students were awarded scholarships to participate in the National Retail Federation (NRF) Student Program in New York City from Jan. 8-11, 2026. Martina Garcia ’28, a retail management and accounting major, won the Rising Star Scholarship, and Katherine Foley ’28, a retail management and supply chain management major, won the Ray Greenly Scholarship for those in Supply Chain/Digital Retail.
The NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City gives college students the unique opportunity to launch their future careers in retail and experience all that the industry offers. Retail executives in marketing, merchandising, talent, entrepreneurship, sustainability, supply chain, technology and more share their stories, insights, and what they learned in their careers, and students explore various careers paths in the retail industry, meet with dozens of recruiters from their favorite brands and create visions for their futures, all in just four days among student attendees.
The Rising Stars Scholarship was created to teach younger students about the variety of career opportunities available in the retail industry, and to encourage them to attend the NRF Foundation Student Program early in their academic careers.
The Ray Greenly Scholarship Fund awards students across the country who have the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking to create new ways to connect retail customers to brands and products.
Both students were impressed by the program which they attended in person. According to Katherine Foley, "Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the NRF Foundation Student Program, where I engaged with industry professionals and peers while gaining valuable insight into the future of retail. Through experiences like a site visit to Kohl’s design office in the Garment District and panels on mentorship, technology, adaptability, and leadership, I gained a deeper understanding of how retailers are evolving to meet changing consumer demands. As a Ray Greenly Scholar, I attended additional sessions led by executives from Best Buy, Foot Locker, Target and Kohl’s, and I connected with recruiters across the industry, helping me explore how to apply my supply chain knowledge within the retail industry. Overall, the experience was incredibly valuable and reinforced my interest in continuing to learn, grow and build within the retail industry!"
Martina Garcia shared her experiences as well, "Throughout my four days in NYC at the NRF Foundation Student Program, I had the opportunity to go on a private tour of Pandora, learn from industry experts and network with hundreds of students and employers. From panels on AI in retail and leadership to small-group mentor sessions, the experience gave me a deeper look into how brands are adapting to today’s changing consumer. It was truly such a great experience.”
Whitman students are nominated for this special program and scholarships by Whitman faculty members and Career Center staff. Another way Whitman helps provide experiential opportunities for our students.
For more information about the program or scholarships, contact Alicin Welsh, associate director, Whitman Career Center at aawelsh@syr.edu.