MEET THE DESIGN TEAM 2024

Rachel's career in design has been truly remarkable and multifaceted. Her journey from an internship in NYC with Dorothy Draper Inc. to teaching Applied Design at Pierpont Community & Technical College showcases her dedication and passion for the field. Her portfolio, ranging from visual merchandising to stage design, reflects her versatility and creativity. The recognition she has received, including awards from the National Society of Leadership & Success WVU Chapter and the NISOD Excellence Award, highlights her talent and contribution to the design industry. Rachel's commitment to education further demonstrates her desire to share her knowledge and experience with future generations of designers. With over 30 years of experience, Rachel's expertise and accomplishments continue to inspire and shape all things design. 

Sean is from Paden City, WV; he is a Fall 2023 graduate of the Fashion Merchandising program at Pierpont Community and Technical college. He is continuing his education at Pierpont in the business program. He has used his skills in graphic design and clothing construction to design clothing, some of which have been used for media purposes. Sean is affiliated with some musicians and has traveled to assist in branding, design, and cover art. Sean is passionate about design and his aspirations are to make a name for himself through the world of fashion, media, and art. 

Karleane Elmo is from Morgantown, WV; she has spent six years at Pierpont Community and Technical College studying graphic technology and interior design. Karlea enjoys fashion because it is an area where all can express themselves freely and creatively without judgment. In her free time, she enjoys doing many creating hobbies including reading, writing, and drawing. She enjoys both physical and digital art projects. She is skilled in many online software programs for design. 

Athena Hardesty is from Fairmont, WV; she is a first-year student at Pierpont Community and Technical College for Fashion Merchandising and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has experience in retail and hopes to broaden her knowledge of fashion to one day work for a clothing brand or start her own label. Athena aspires to be involved in the fashion industry however she can be, whether that be through buying, modeling, styling, or designing, she is ambitious to be involved in the world of fashion. She has plans of moving south after she graduates to work her way into that demographic of fashion. 

Jaykub Long is from Paden City, WV. He is a first-year student at Pierpont Community and Technical College for Fashion Merchandising. Jaykub enjoys the streetwear and grunge side of fashion; he is big into thrifting and vintage clothing. His aspirations are to continue in the Fashion industry through modeling or being a stylist for a brand. His passion is to create aesthetics that go against the grain of fashion standards, to prove that originality can be found within fashion.