2016 Geoffrey Beene Scholarship Winner: Daniela Gallo McCausland, Washington University

Major: Finance & Economics

Graduation: May 2016

Where are you from? I was born in Cali, Colombia and raised in Panama City, Panama

Why did you choose a career in fashion? I have been fascinated by fashion for as long as I can remember, but my interests within the industry have evolved as I´ve grown up, moved countries and studied business.

When I was younger and living in Colombia, I discovered fashion as a reflection of my country’s history and I always paid attention to what my mother and those around me wore. The bright colors and intricate fabrics from the Atlantic cities or small towns like Nariño developed my visual and aesthetic interests. Now, as a student at Washington University in St. Louis, I am strongly motivated by the business-side of the industry, which I have been able to explore throughout my classes and the FSF and Geoffrey Beene Scholarships. I am curious to learn more about all the different components of the industry and hope to one day lead a company and have a hand in all of its departments.

What are other interests outside of fashion?  Outside of school, I enjoy reading in both English and Spanish, watching standup comedy and spending time with my new puppy, Lucas. I also love to cook and bake with my friends and travel and explore new cities with my family.

Where do you see yourself after graduation? After graduation, I hope to work in a company that will continuously offer me opportunities to face challenges and learn. More specifically, I would like to work in a merchandising role that will leverage and further develop both my analytical and creative skills.