By | Zharia' Elizabeth McGlothin
Over the past month, I've had the extraordinary privilege of receiving a warm invitation to New York City by Christian Dior Couture, as a participant in the prestigious Women@dior mentorship program.
This program spans a year, connecting women from diverse corners of the globe. I am honored to be one of the 25 mentees chosen from across America. Each of us is paired with a mentor directly affiliated with Christian Dior Couture, providing invaluable guidance.
Throughout the program, we engage in educational sessions led by leaders within Dior, culminating in the opportunity to present our innovative ideas through the Dreams For Change project in Paris.
My recent trip involved a captivating three-day immersive experience alongside fellow mentees from America. Undoubtedly, this journey marks a pivotal moment in my career path in the fashion industry.
January 30, 2024
Beginning the first day of the Dreams In Dior trip, the First on our agenda was to meet in the lobby of the hotel the other mentees and I were staying at and grab breakfast. We were then escorted to Dior’s corporate office in New York City. Upon arrival, we were introduced to the talent acquisitions team that curated this event. We started with a “speed dating” activity where we met on one with the other mentees. For many of us, this was our first time meeting in person and this activity allowed us to formally introduce ourselves.
Next on our agenda was an immersive tour of Dior's flagship store on 5th Avenue. 5th Avenue is significantly known for its luxury shopping stores, museums, and high-class real estate. During this time we were given the full experience of learning the history and culture of the brand as we toured the boutique. Delving into the intricacies of this luxury brand and learning the intimate details of things such as the arrangement of the boutique to the intricacies of garment craftsmanship, each detail illuminated the essence of the Dior legacy, leaving us inspired as we departed and headed back to the corporate office.
Listening to executives from Dior in a panel discussion called “Women In Fashion” was next on our agenda for the day. Keynote speakers shared their inspiring journeys within Dior, offering invaluable insights and guidance as we chart our paths in the industry. Engaging with executives, we gleaned wisdom and advice, paving the way for our transition from academia to the professional arena.
Next was a talent recruitment info session with LVMH where we heard from officials from Maison’s such as Tiffany & Co., Sephora, Dior, and more. During this time we learned of different career opportunities within the fashion house. We were also introduced to the core values of LVMH as the Maisons under the house follow. This intuitive experience allowed us to envision what a career path at a company under LVMH would look like for us.
Being surrounded by individuals who have such hindsight into the industry on a global scale was truly such an amazing experience and an opportunity that I will truly never forget.
In closing our heavy informational-filled day we ended the evening with dinner at The Smith. This was another opportunity to mingle with the other mentees and truly begin to build these long-lasting relationships. We reflected on the day and used this time to truly connect.
January 31, 2024
Starting my day bright and early today at 7 am, I prepared myself for my last day in New York City with Dior. I first began packing and laying out my outfit for the day.
As I said my goodbyes to my hotel room I went downstairs to the lobby where I checked out and met with other mentees to grab breakfast before starting our day. We had a quick breakfast and quickly walked over to the corporate office where we were greeted by the talent acquisitions team and began our first activity for the day. Here we heard from past Dreams For Change winners of “Talitha Together”. This organization “empowers pregnant teenage girls in Africa through holistic support, education, and skill building.”
Listening to the heartfelt narrative of how this idea originated, understanding the hurdles these women encounter, and witnessing how this organization empowers young mothers by amplifying their voices and addressing the adversities they confront, all while equipping them with the tools for success, was genuinely inspiring.
After hearing from the winners, some of our mentors joined us as we began an activity where we created baby boxes for these mothers in Africa to be sent to them. We wrote personalized notes of encouragement to the mothers, designed baby bibs, and more.
Partaking in this experience was truly so fulfilling and heartwarming as we all worked together to create something special to give to these mothers.
Lastly, to close out, we had lunch with our mentors where I got to spend some quality time with my mentor whom I've had the pleasure of building such a meaningful relationship this past year. We all shared laughter and smiles as we reflected on the program this year. With a heartfelt goodbye, the talent acquisitions team ahead of the program provided us with a goodbye gift of two Dior current season fashion books as well as a key charm that showcased Mr.Dior’s good luck charms.
Leaving the corporate office was so bittersweet as we all said our goodbyes to one another. Before my flight that evening, another mentee and I went to tour some of the other stores on 5th Avenue such as the Bape, and Tiffany and Co store.
As I sat in my window seat on my departure flight back home to Ohio, I couldn't help but shed a tear as I left the city where I had grown such a deep love and passion. This experience served as a reminder that the impossible is possible. That dreams can be made into reality, and that my accomplishments of hard work have led me to this point and will continue to carry me throughout my career in the fashion industry.