Alexandria is this year’s President/Vice-President for Fashion for Change, one of the largest student-run clubs on campus. She has worked her way up over the last three years through the club, all while remaining focused on school and other outside activities. She is definitely a hard-working, determined girl who has achieved much success throughout her four years at UWaterloo!
What are you studying?
I am currently in my 4A term of Honours Science.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I have been in a relationship for six years! Highschool sweethearts. :)
PC: Rowena Rodrigo
For those of us who don’t know, give us a brief description of Fashion for Change.
Fashion for Change (FC) is one of the largest clubs under the Federation of Students on the University of Waterloo campus. We strive to provide our members and the students of UW with the opportunity to express their artistic talents. We achieve this by hosting our Annual Charity Fashion Show where we introduce a modern twist to fashion runways by incorporating dance into the fashion scenes. Fashion for Change also hosts many events throughout the year providing opportunities for students to indulge in talents they may have never had the chance to explore. Our events range from Dance and Music Workshops, to Coffee Houses, etc. All of our proceeds benefit WE Charity’s “WE Village” campaign in which we are sponsoring the war torn village of Moyamba, Sierra Leone in order to help improve the quality of healthcare and water in their communities. Since the club began, we have raised over $80,000 for this cause we feel so passionately about.
How many years have you been with Fashion for Change and how did you first get involved?
This will be my third year with Fashion for Change. I first heard about FC in my first year of school during Clubs Day, but I wasn’t brave enough to join. Two of my friends had joined and I vicariously lived through their FC experiences. Before the year was over I knew I wanted to be a part of this amazing club.
What positions have you held within the club?
In my second year of school, I became a Sponsorship Executive and last year I was the Sponsorship Director, as well as a model. Currently, I am the Fashion for Change 2017 President & Vice-President.
What has been your favorite part about every position you have held?
Each role has given me so many opportunities to meet new people, enjoy new experiences and to learn a little more about myself. As a Sponsorship Executive I loved getting to meet store managers and getting to dress all the models. It was like dressing real life Barbie dolls! Clearly, I enjoyed the role because I applied for Sponsorship Director. I had an incredible team last year – we were able to acquire some amazing non-monetary sponsors as well as build on remaining relationships with sponsors. As a model, I had the opportunity to step away from “behind the scenes” fun and take the stage. Learning the choreography from the club’s talented choreographers was an amazing experience and having a team of models next to you on stage supporting you is an incredible feeling.
What do you like the best about your job?
Show Day, regardless of what position you are in, is emotional! Seeing all of your hard work come to life is such a rewarding experience! Truthfully, I can’t put into words how Show Day feels, you will just have to join us to see what I mean! The events throughout the year and the seeing your team/family weekly is pretty awesome too.
You’ve taken on the role as President and Vice President this year. How has that transition been?
The transition has been fun, it helps being a part of two great Boards of Directors. Last year’s team has been so helpful in not only my own transition, but to any Director taking their role. My current Board of Directors has been spectacular! Maintaining the roles of both President and Vice President is only possible because of my fellow Directors, I’m a lucky girl!
PC: Erin Bernardo
What is one struggle that you have found moving into the role as president this year?
The biggest struggle is finding time for everything. It’s hard to juggle it all; school, clubs, eating well, and finding time to go to the gym. Scheduling my life and remembering to take one step at a time helps. The cherry on top is having a great support system, family and friends are the key to everything.
What are your goals for the club this year?
My main goal for this year is to emphasize the good we do, in addition to our show! While preparing for our events and the Annual Fashion Show, it is easy to forget the “Change” aspect in Fashion for Change during all of the excitement. Though I want to focus on our WE Village, I also want to bring some new and exciting twists to Fashion for Change, so be on the lookout!
How can we get involved with Fashion for Change?
Want to be involved? Join us Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat! Use these outlets to keep updated, support us by coming out to our events and our Fashion Show! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fashionforchange
Twitter: @fshnforchange
Instagram: @fashionforchange
Snapchat: @fshnforchange
Website: www.fashionforchange.ca
If you are interested in being a Model or an Executive, applications will open in Fall 2017 on our website!
What advice would you give anyone wanting to get involved in clubs?
JUST DO IT!!! It will be the best experience! Don’t close yourself off to trying new things, clubs are a great way to learn more about yourself and grow. For Fashion for Change I was honestly very worried about being a model. I did not think I was brave enough, but after my first year as an executive, it was a great stepping stone to prepare me for my role. Regardless of what you want to apply for just go for it!
Can you share a funny story about something that has happened to you during your time with the club?
Last year my team liked to joke around a lot. After any event, some of executives would Snapchat me horrible photos of myself mid-talk or moving around, with the caption “My Capitan” or anything along the lines of that. Photos of myself are not exactly my favourite thing in the entire world but to see those cringe-worthy pictures, I couldn’t help but laugh.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Come out to our Winter 2017 events! We will announce when our Theme Release Launch and Annual Fashion Show is through our social media outlets. Keep your eyes peeled and I hope to see you all there!
Cover Photo PC: Natasha Choo