The Network

Meet the people and organizations that make-up RENEW

Fellows

Meet our latest cohort of change-makers participating in RENEW

Abbie is a recent graduate from Indiana University. She majored in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in marketing. At Repurpose she is an Operations fellow. Her tasks consist of organizing merchandise and helping keep inventory on track. 


“I love being around people who love fashion as much as I do. Having the opportunity to work with others who are passionate for the fashion business has helped me better understand my future endeavors in my career."

Devin is a Senior at The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her major is Entrepreneurship. At Repurpose her role is an Operations fellow. Her tasks consists of organizing calendars, scheduling meetings, following up on emails with partners, and researching prices. 


“I love reworking my clothes and being in this environment has helped me fuel my inspiration to continue following my dreams of being a fashion entrepreneur.”


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Sophie is a Senior at The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her major is Fashion Design with a minor in Fashion Theory, History & Culture. At Repurpose she is an Upcycling Fellow. Her tasks consists of designing, receiving feedback and executing the designs. 


“My experience has allowed me to contribute to sustainable fashion by allowing clothes to live a longer life. I am planning on pursuing a career in fashion conservation and working with garments everyday allows me to practice this.” 




Yobanca is a Freshman at The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her major is Fashion Business Management. At Repurpose her role is an Operations fellow. Her responsibilities are managing inventory and merchandising that help keep the showroom organized properly.


“This has extended my understanding of the importance of advocating for positive change in the fashion industry, and having a community who is supportive and productive has been a great learning experience.” 


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   Ozzy is a recent graduate from Fordham University. She majored in Communications in Media with a minor in Film and Television. Her role at Repurpose is a Marketing and Social Media fellow. Her role consists of contributing to social media engagement, conducting research on inventory, and contributing to boosting engagement and sales. 


“Being part of this fellowship has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve gained a community who has helped me better understand the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry. This experience has pushed me to grow in my career and is something I'm very grateful for.” 


Mentors

We are proud to work with the following organizations and individuals

Program Leaders

Our team is the backbone of The RENEW Program

Alexi Mortenson, Associate Director & RENEW Program Coordinator

Alexi is a Fashion Institute of Technology alum and former SRW Intern. While studying Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Fashion, Alexi was able to directly apply her education to support Repurpose's growth. She's thrilled to blend her love for fashion with her commitment to a greener world, all while making a positive social impact by leading the next generation through the The RENEW Program. Over the years, she has worn almost every hat at Repurpose. Her passion for community service is a driving force in her career. From being the champion fundraiser at her childhood dance studio by selling plants door-to-door in a little red wagon to now serving as the Volunteer Affiliate Chair for New York City Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Alexi has always been eager to support her community. 


Jessie Freschl, Founder & Executive Director

Jessie Freschl has a wealth of experience in the Fashion industry. Having previously founded Freschstyle, a personal styling business, in 2011, Jessie founded Repurpose in 2019, to merge sustainable fashion and workforce development opportunities as a way to promote community and connection. Currently, Jessie is focused on Turnstyle - a community tech platform where fashion meets function. Aside from work, Jessie enjoys being active in her community and balances her schedule with the practice of yoga and mindfulness, and loves spending as much time as she can in nature with her husband, their three teenage girls, and Bernadoodle, Rocky.  


Placement Partners

We are thrilled to work with the following programs and institutions to place fellows in RENEW

Testimonials

See what our fellows have accomplished

"My experience at the RENEW program has been something that I will always keep in a special place in my heart. It taught me the importance of core values and how to embrace them and make sure the places you work at align with who you are. The experience in the workforce development program created the foundation of my footsteps coming straight from high school and it will help throughout college!"


- Ruthanny, Marketing Trainee Summer 2024 

"My time at Repurpose gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience in a supportive and uplifting environment, while concurrently supplying me with invaluable mentorship opportunities and industry connections. I was able to grow in new ways and create a true impact on the organization. The experience I gained during my summer at Repurpose will prove to be invaluable as I continue my education and future career."


-Lily, Executive Assistant Summer 2023


"I couldn’t have jumpstarted both my journalism and collegiate careers without Repurpose. Not only did I hone my craft while writing weekly blogs, but I was able to dip my toes in new and exciting industries like fashion, marketing and social media. All of SRW’s community members created such a welcoming work atmosphere that allowed young interns like me to thrive and explore our passions."


- Sofi, Copy & Blog Writer Summer 2023


"I met many people and expanded my knowledge on brands, repurposing, and job experience. I have had many opportunities to expand at Repurpose such as hosting sales events, joining fashion shows, and meeting many popular brands. I love meeting new people and trying new things that take me out of my comfort zone as well as helping me improve and Repurpose is perfect for all of those things and many more! I will continue to learn and advance in my work environment because of Repurpose."


- Savannah, Operations Associate Spring 2023

"The significance Repurpose had on my life is immeasurable. I met so many amazing customers that wanted to support our mission. I also learned about leadership and was allowed to mentor fellow volunteers. Repurpose and the group of people that are involved with this organization are truly spectacular. Jessie and Alexi have been able to create a strong sense of community for anyone involved of all ages and walks of life. I have been able to learn what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself and create relationships that will last a lifetime. I will forever cherish the experiences I had in Repurpose."


- Ana, Sales Associate

"Working at Repurpose helped me learn more within photography, when it comes to product shots, flat lays and creative content. It even helped me build connections and build new skills to have in the future. I'm glad I was able to learn more about Repurpose and the makings of it alongside Jessie and Alexi."


- Leslie, Photographer Summer 2022

"Interning at SRW over the summer was an amazing experience that I am so grateful to have been a part of. I met many amazing people of so many different backgrounds and got to learn their stories while also sharing mine. The work community was so warm and welcoming, truly a great way to start and end my summer."


- Taylor, Executive Assistant Summer 2022


"Working with Repurpose was my first venture into the fashion industry, and I am so grateful for the experience! I enjoyed the opportunity to work creatively, which felt more fulfilling due to the environmentally conscious mission of the organization, and appreciated the organized mentor speakers, who always had interesting and constructive perspectives. I was able to work with a very friendly and team oriented group that contributed to the productive environment and produced work that I was proud to do. Overall it was a great opportunity for professional development in a field that I previously interacted with only as a personal pursuit." 


- Madison, Upcycling Designer Summer 2022


"Throughout my time at Repurpose, I got a full grasp of how much they do for people in need as a non-profit. I was able to collaborate with different teams on a variety of interesting tasks and projects. Repurpose has inspired me to make a sustainable impact in the fashion industry and in my community in my career journey."


 - Anna, Operations Associate Summer 2022

"My time interning at Repurpose was so rewarding as I was able to gain experience in the fashion industry while supporting a great cause. It was a great opportunity to have while still in school and be able to meet others in the industry. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to donate their time!"


- Danielle, Operations Associate Spring 2022