Meredith Student Makes Semi-Finals in National Retail Federation Competition

Meredith student Marie Johnson, ’20, was named a semi-finalist in the National Retail Federation (NRF) Foundation’s Next Generation Scholarship program. Johnson was one of 25 to reach this level of the competition, which supports students pursuing careers or majors relevant to retail.

In the first phase of the competition, 103 applicants from 41 schools each submitted an essay, a personal brand video, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and school transcripts. A panel of retail executives from 17 companies judged those materials to select the semi-finalists.

Johnson is earning a double major in fashion design and business. Participating in the NRF competition supports her career goal of starting her own clothing retail business.

“This competition gave me a platform to share plans and goals in line with the future of retail,” Johnson said. “I really had to dive deep in the retail industry research, and this undoubtedly increased my knowledge.”

Johnson also participated in the NRF competition last year. Assistant Professor of Fashion Merchandising and Design Ali Howell was her advisor on this project.

Johnson felt well-prepared thanks to her Meredith education, which emphasizes rigorous academics, research, and writing intensive courses.

“The amount of research and writing I have done in my classes definitely prepared me for this competition,” Johnson said. “I am very thankful to Meredith and all my professors for giving me the room to learn and grow and get to where I am today.”

Learn more about Meredith’s fashion program