In this episode we’re turning our attention to a couple of talented young men from very different circumstances, each at the beginning of their careers in two very different industries. What they have in common is that they’ve both been recipients of Nordstrom scholarships. We’ve created and supported several scholarship programs over the years. Some that are more community-based, like our newly added Blake Nordstrom Scholarship in 2022, help to cover basic needs, including housing and food for highly underserved college students in the Seattle area. Others more directly focus on increasing equity and inclusion in the fashion industry, like our contributions to the Virgil Abloh Scholarship through our partnership with the Fashion Scholarship Fund. Today you’ll hear from Joel Bervell, a current medical student at Washington State University, dubbed “The Medical Myth-Buster” by his 1M+ followers on social media. Joel also happens to have spent a summer selling menswear at Nordstrom. After that, I’ll chat with two-time Nordstrom Made Scholar and founder of the brand Hikari no Yami, up-and-coming fashion student and designer Jakarie Whitaker. Joel and Jakarie represent only a couple examples of our efforts to support talented and deserving young people, but their stories prove just how important these investments are, and we’re extremely proud to have played even a small part in helping them to achieve their goals.

Thanks for tuning in to episode 54. We hope you enjoy it!

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