Business Gators awarded at the National Retail Federation Foundation student program
The National Retail Federation Foundation student program in New York City stands out as a premier opportunity for college students aspiring to careers in retail. During the four-day long program, students engage in immersive learning experiences; gain industry insight at the NRF big show with technology providers like Google, IMB, Adobe, and Zebra; and network with retail executives and young professionals through talks, panels, and mentor sessions. This January, nearly 30 University of Florida Warrington College of Business students received scholarships from the NRF.
Schayenne Hernandez (BABA Retailing ’25) and Rudy Arroyo (BSBA Management ’25) received the CVS Health Retail Leaders Scholarship which recognizes and supports undergraduate students who demonstrate a strong interest in retail and store leadership. Along with this recognition is a $10,000 tuition reward. Hernandez will be joining American Eagle Outfitters Inc. in their Pittsburgh office upon graduation. Arroyo, who served as a corporate merchandising intern for Walmart at their headquarters in Arkansas in summer 2024, currently works as the vision center manager for Walmart in Indiana.
Hope Underwood (BSBA Marketing ’25) received the NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship, which is the highest honor awarded to college students pursuing careers in retail. Recipients of this recognition are awarded for demonstrating strong leadership, retail experience and a passion for industry innovation. The NRF connected Underwood to Kohl’s, where she served as an assistant merchandising intern for the kid’s basics, accessories, seasonal & sleepwear department in summer 2024.
Rachel Bai (BSBA Information Systems ’24, MIB ’25), Hristina Kostadinova, (BS Mathematics & BSBA Information Systems ’26) and Bipasha Shrestha (BSBA ’25) were awarded the Ray Greenly Scholarship, which provides technology and supply chain students with free travel and accommodations to attend the program. In summer 2024, Bai served as a technology risk intern for big four accounting firm Ernst & Young. In summer 2023, Kostadinova served as a data analyst for MadCow Digital in Ireland. Shrestha served as a digital marketing and e-commerce intern with Bealls Inc. in summer 2024.
Lily Silber (BSBA ’28) received the Rising Star Scholarship of $1,000, which is awarded to only one freshman or sophomore. Along with the scholarship was a sponsorship to attend the NRF Foundation student program.
For the last three years, Jensen Dole (BSBA Marketing ’24, MS ISOM ’25) has served as the NRF student ambassador and was among 19 students who received the JCPenney Scholarship. She currently serves as the merchandising intern for Coach’s woman’s outlet ready to wear at Tapestry in New York City. Gracie Rotman (BSBA Marketing ’25, MS Marketing ’26), JC Penny Recipient, serves as a marketing intern for the UF David F. Miller Retail Center and was responsible for capturing the NRF student program.
Many students awarded scholarships at the NRF program are active members of the University of Florida Retail Society. UF Retail Society fosters a strong network and education for students interested in retail by hosting guest speakers, holding recruiter information sessions and providing mentorship opportunities that help them prepare for internships and careers in the industry. Andrea Handal, JCPenney Recipient, is the president of the organization.
James Lewis (BSBA ’91), founder and CEO at Enhanced Retail Solutions, mentored many of the students in the program. Gina Avila (BS Advertising ’86), chief merchandising officer for Perry Ellis International, also connected students with the Perry Ellis International team in New York during the program.
JCPenney Recipients ($1,000)
Jensen Dole (BSBA Marketing ’24, MS ISOM ’25)
Julia Scarton (BSBA Marketing ’27)
Mallory Tutton (BSBA Management ’25)
Gracie Rotman (BSBA Marketing ’25, MS Marketing ’26)
Kayla Jhagroo (BA History ’25)
Nicole Calero (BSBA Management ’25)
Hayden McPharlin (BSBA ’27)
Nadia Matouka (BSBA Marketing ’25, MIB ’25)
Nicole Hernalsteen (BSBA Marketing ’25)
Tessa May (BSAc ’26, Advertising ‘26)
Andrea Handal (BSBA Marketing ’24, MS Marketing ’25)
Sandy Zheng (BSBA Management ’26)
Chloe Layton (BABA ’25)
Reese Biggerstaff (BSBA Marketing ’26)
Maria Espinosa (BSBA Management ’25)
Bianca Palacio (BS Advertising ’25)
Marina Chen (BSBA ’26)
Adriana Roth (BSBA Finance ’28)
Amanda Veltri (BSBA International Studies ‘25)
