2026-27 University Ambassador Cohort

We’re proud to welcome 26 student ambassadors representing five universities across Pennsylvania.

Scroll to meet the students helping to advance the PA Fibershed mission on their campuses and in their communities

Drexel · Jefferson‍ ‍· West Chester · Penn State‍ · ‍Temple

Drexel University

Drexel University's second year in the Ambassador Program reflects a growing partnership rooted in design, sustainability, and real-world learning.

  • Junior, Fashion Industry and Merchandising

    Hi! My name is Nadia Crowley and I'm a sophomore at Drexel University studying Fashion Industry and Merchandising. I grew up in North Philadelphia and I have always had a love for fashion. In the future, I hope to create my own line of sustainable fashion garments. This year I am super excited to visit a Fibershed and learn more about textiles!

  • Senior, Fashion Industry and Merchandising

    My name is Maya Desmarais and I grew up in Lancaster, PA! I am a senior at Drexel University majoring in Fashion Industry and Merchandising with a Fine Art minor. I am excited to meet the other ambassadors and learn even more about PA Fibershed.

  • Junior, Fashion Design

    Hi! My name is Anna and I am a junior at Drexel University studying fashion design. I grew up in Wisconsin and have loved art and design from a young age. Outside of school and my studio classes, I love to paint and draw, play violin, and go thrifting. This year I am looking forward to learning more about sustainability in the fashion industry, taking what I learn and applying it to my design practice, and working with others to promote awareness and create a positive impact!

  • Sophomore, Fashion Design

    Hello! I'm Alaina and I'm a sophomore at Drexel University. Growing up in Cheyenne, Wyoming has fostered in me a love for the outdoors and protecting the environment. I created a Custom Design Major combining Fashion Design and Materials Science and Engineering. When I'm not in school I love to hike, read, and crochet. I'm super excited to be a part of PA Fibershed because it will allow me to apply what I'm learning in my classes and take the next step with sustainability activism!

  • Senior, Fashion Design

    My name is Zariah Simpson, I grew up in Charlotte, NC and I am a Senior at Drexel University. I major in Fashion Design, and have minors in Culinary Arts, Fine Arts, and Japanese. This year I am most excited to graduate and present my senior thesis which will work as my debut collection expressing my interest in art, sustainability, culture, and activism. While being apart of the PA Fibersheds ambassador program I aim to expand my sustainable network and gain valuable knowledge that can not only support my eco-conscious journey as a designer, but also find the means to encourage others to take-up sustainable decision making.

  • Senior, Fashion Design

    Hello! I am a senior at Drexel, studying fashion design. I have a passion for fashion history, specifically historical textile and lace making! I love going on a river hike, listening to music, and cats! I have been incorporating sustainability into my life for as long as I've known what sustainability means, which is still constantly changing. I am looking forward to connecting with and educating others who are enthusiastic about making a difference in the world of sustainability!

Thomas Jefferson University

A natural fit for the Ambassador Program, with nationally recognized programs in fashion and textile design, together we are preparing students to shape a more sustainable apparel industry.

Now entering a second year in partnership with PA Fibershed!

Photography, Video and Documentary

  • Junior, Fashion Design

    Hi! I’m Ren, I attend Thomas Jefferson University and am in the Fashion design program. I grew up in Mount Laurel, NJ and I am most excited for Studio this year ! In my free time I enjoy crochet and upcycling.

Vice President

  • Junior, Fashion Merchandising and Textiles

    Returning Ambassador

    Hello my name is Hannah Leopard-Davis, I am a Textiles Major at Thomas Jefferson University. I grew up all over the United States of America. My father was in the army but I always called Philadelphia home. I am most excited to go into my 2nd year of being Student Ambassador for PA Fibershed. Also bring more events and things for students to do at Thomas Jefferson. Like clothes swaps, natural dyeing workshops and working with the other cohorts. Also going into my 3rd year in the Textiles Major Program and learning many more skills.

Events Manager

  • Junior, Fashion Design

    My name is Loi (pronounced “lye”), and I am from Souderton, PA, studying Fashion Design with a minor in Textile Dyeing and Printing at Thomas Jefferson University. My practice prioritizes sustainable, low-impact design, with a focus on incorporating natural materials and upcycling deadstock textiles sourced from commercial production. I look forward to collaborating with local artisans, farmers, and manufacturers to support and strengthen our regional textile ecosystem.

Marketing Manager

  • Junior, Textile Design

    I am a textile & fashion artist/designer at Jefferson University! I am Puerto Rican, and grew up in Northeast PA. I’m excited to meet new people through fibershed, and to make a difference in textile sustainability!

Treasurer

  • Graduate, Textile Product Science

    My name is Eureka Smith! I grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and I just graduated from Thomas Jefferson University where I got my bachelor's in Textile Product Science. This year, I am returning to Jefferson to pursue my master's in Textile Engineering. I'm excited to work with the Fibershed in working towards sustainability!

President

  • Senior, Textile Product Science

    Returning Ambassador

    Hello! I'm Maggie, a senior at Thomas Jefferson University. I study Textile Product Science with a focus on sustainable production and natural alternatives for textile goods. I am excited to build a community that supports and further outreaches other textile and agriculture enthusiasts!

Secretary

  • Graduate, Textile Technology

    I am a graduate student at Thomas Jefferson University studying Textile Technology. I grew up in India, where fabric and fashion are deeply tied to celebration and family tradition, and that upbringing shaped my love for textiles long before I studied them formally.

    I am a believer in slow fashion. For years, my sister and I have swapped our closets every year instead of buying new, giving old pieces a second life and restyling them in new ways. That small tradition shaped how I think about sustainability, not as sacrifice, but as creativity.

    I am excited to bring this mindset to PA Fibershed this year. I want to explore how Pennsylvania’s local fiber systems, from wool to hemp and flax, offer a real path toward a more circular textile economy, and share simple, practical ideas like closet swapping to help make slow fashion feel accessible on campus.

Policy and Waste reduction

  • Sophomore, Fashion Design

    Hi, I'm May and I'm currently attending Thomas Jefferson University and majoring in Fashion Design. I was born and raised in Philadelphia and am excited to learn about circular fashion and textile systems. I hope to use the information I learn to design in a sustainable way and inform and encourage others to do so as well.

West Chester University

New addition for Fall 2026

West Chester’s hands-on community engagement and strong programs in art and design, business, environmental studies, and communications, aligns beautifully with PA Fibershed's mission to strengthen regional fiber systems.

Marketing Manager

  • Junior, Graphic Design

    Hi! I'm Lily Ferretti, a Graphic Design student at West Chester University. As both an artist and community member from Wilkes-Barre, PA, I'm passionate about helping people understand the connection between creativity, sustainability, and connection. I believe art can be a powerful tool for inspiring environmental awareness and positive change. Through PA Fibershed, I'm excited to learn more about Pennsylvania's local fiber and textile systems and connect with others who share these values. As the President and Founder of the Student Design Club, I will be bring engaging events and conversations about sustainable fashion and materials to my campus.

Secretary & Treasurer

  • Graduate, MA Special Education

    Hi, I'm Sonya Harris, an alumna and current graduate student at West Chester University, where I'm pursuing my M.A. in Special Education with a certificate in Trauma-Informed Teaching. I'm passionate about sustainability and helping children build lifelong relationships with the earth through gardening. I believe education should include teaching children to grow plants that provide food, natural fibers, and dyes, helping them understand the full potential of the natural world while fostering environmental stewardship. After graduation, I plan to pursue an Ed.D. with focus on Curriculum and Instruction, and develop a free, inclusive, garden-based curriculum for elementary educators. I'm excited to deepen my understanding of regional fiber systems through the PA Fibershed Ambassador program and explore new ways to connect fiber arts with education. When I'm not studying or gardening, you'll usually find me crocheting.

Events Manager

  • Junior, Marketing

    Hi I'm Nathan Kratz, a current West Chester University student. I study Marketing and work as a full time Real Estate Agent. I grew up in Pottstown PA and I'm super excited to connect with others and learn more about sustainability and it's roots (soil joke).

President

  • Junior, Biology

    I am a junior at West Chester University where I am majoring in biology with a concentration in ecology and conservation! I am also minoring in sustainability and am passionate about being involved in climate justice on a local level! Some of my hobbies include drawing and painting, collecting CDs, and birding! I have precious experience planning clothing swaps and up cycling events and am very excited to be a part of the PA Fibershed program and promote sustainable fashion in West Chester!

Penn State University

New addition for Fall 2026

As a long-standing leader in agriculture, land-grant research, and interdisciplinary innovation, Penn State offers a unique connection to the full fiber supply chain.

Event Manager & Secretary

  • Junior, Animal Science

    I am in my 3rd year at Penn State as an animal science major. I grew up in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania. The thing that excites me the most is about this year is meeting and working with so many new people.

President & Marketing Manager

  • Junior, Agricultural and BioRenewable Systems Management

    Hello! My name is Elizabeth Huston and I go by Libby. I am a rising junior at Penn State University, majoring in Agricultural and BioRenewable Systems Management while also pursuing a minor in Supply Chain and Information Systems. I'm excited to plan PA Fibershed events on my campus and bring awareness on the importance of our local textile industry in Pennsylvania, while also developing a deeper understanding on the subject as well! I’m passionate about sustainability and hope to work in manufacturing as a sustainability specialist focused on responsible materials management once I graduate.

Treasurer

  • Senior, Animal Science

    Hi everyone! My name is Eva, and I’m an Animal Science major at Penn State University. I grew up in New Jersey, and I’m excited to work with other students to promote sustainability and make a positive impact on campus this year.

Temple University

New addition for Fall 2026

Temple combines it’s nationally recognized programs at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, including its renowned Fibers and Material Studies program, with strengths in sustainability, community engagement, and urban innovation

Marketing Manager

  • Junior, Environmental Studies

    Hello! My name is Keisha Henriquez Frias; my major is Environmental Studies with a concentration in public policy at Temple University. I am most excited to learn about sustainable textile practices and brainstorm community-based solutions. My beliefs are deeply rooted in finding the right sustainable strategies that reflect each community's unique needs and strengths.
    Throughout this year, I hope to expand Fibershed's values within Temple University by working alongside the EcoReps Sustainability Club. I believe it is vital to connect environmental awareness with everyday choices and encourage students to take action. Beyond academics, I enjoy creative writing and exploring how storytelling can inspire change. My goal is to bride creativity and environmental advocacy to help build a more equitable and resilient future.

Secretary

Events Manager

  • Sophomore, Fibers and Material Studies

    Hello! I am Sadie Primack, a sophomore Fibers and Materials Studies major at Temple University. I am passionate about animals, rollerskating, and building community through craft. I am thrilled to be a part of PA Fibershed this year, and I am most excited to share how fiber arts can be accessible to all. Fiber arts have always been a way to tell stories and share physical space to connect with one another. I can’t wait to explore the ways fiber can bring people together, and to help make these practices feel welcoming and joyful.

President

  • Senior, Fibers and Material Studies

    Hi! I’m Joey Wright and I’m a senior at Temple University majoring in Fibers and Material Studies with a minor in Art History. I grew up in New Jersey and involved in local politics surrounding sustainability and environmentalism. My own artistic practice is rooted within ecology, with an emphasis on foraging and eliminating the use of synthetics and highlighting the strengths of our local environment. I’m looking forward to joining the PA Fibershed and getting to know my own local fibers economy and being able to share my knowledge with others!

  • Senior, Sociology (Art minor)

    I am a sociology major and art minor. I love to knit, weave, and spin fiber!

A Cohort of Many Perspectives

Our 2026–27 cohort brings together students with a wide range of interests, fields of study, and perspectives.

Animal Science ·

Agriculture & Raw Material Production ·

Fiber & Material Science ·

Textile Design & Development ·

Textile Technology ·

Product Design & Development ·

Merchandising ·

Marketing ·

Graphic Design ·

Arts Administration ·

Special Education ·

Fiber Arts ·

Biology ·

Sustainability and Resilience ·

Environmental Studies ·

Philosophy ·

Politics ·

Economics ·

Animal Science · Agriculture & Raw Material Production · Fiber & Material Science · Textile Design & Development · Textile Technology · Product Design & Development · Merchandising · Marketing · Graphic Design · Arts Administration · Special Education · Fiber Arts · Biology · Sustainability and Resilience · Environmental Studies · Philosophy · Politics · Economics ·

Interested in joining a future cohort?

Learn more

Email programs@pafibershed.org to speak to someone about the program and learn more about Ambassador opportunities at your school