Meet our Mentees!

We are thrilled to introduce our incredible group of mentees- they are talented, insightful, and pushing boundaries in unique + meaningful ways.

Please give a warm welcome to Naledi, Lucia, + Krystal!

IIDA (International Interior Design Association) has created an incredible opportunity to match university design students with mentors in the professional world. We are so grateful to be joined by this amazing crew of women who have inspired us from day one! We are honored to provide guidance, pass on knowledge, and learn from their experiences + perspectives as well. Please enjoy learning a little more about them + stay tuned for more updates!

“Hello Marathon Day readers! I’m Naledi Ushe — a New York-based interior design student at FIT and the fortunate mentee of Krista Sammons. I’m also a former reporter who is often asked, “Why did you make the switch from journalism to design? They’re so different.” To answer, in short, I have always wanted to do both. Design and writing are both storytelling mediums that have the ability to unite, provoke and educate people. When I’m not trying to do the aforementioned, I can be found on a flight somewhere (20 countries and counting!), reading my Virgo horoscope,  watching trashy reality TV or enjoying a curated dinner party to give the illusion of “adulting.” Thank you for reading and talk soon!”

Featured project: Casa Esherick

Stay tuned for an upcoming issue featuring Naledi’s incredible journalism skills as she dives deep into a topic critical in continuing our pursuit to decolonize design!

“Hello! I am currently a Junior at Syracuse University, studying Environmental and Interior Design. At school, I am a part of several extracurriculars, one being the IIDA program on the eboard as the Vice President of Social and Policy Initiatives. I am interested in going into commercial and hospitality design with a passion for elevating the human experience. Currently, I am partaking in the study abroad program in London.”

Featured project: Clouds in the workspace

Stay tuned for a collaboration inspired by Lucia’s passion for fantasy in design!

“In the course of my exploration and learning, I came to understand the profound joy derived from using design to improve and enhance people's experiences and well-being while also recognizing its potential to nurture and support various cultures and people. This realization further encouraged me to dive deeper into its cultural and historical contexts, constructing a new narrative of the space. Through my design, I wish to blur the boundaries between art, interior design, and architectural design. At the same time, I am particularly interested in the intersection of old and new, as well as restoration and preservation.” 

Featured project: sampling from “the film house”, “time monolith”, “fragments”, + “art + sculpture park”

Stay tuned as we collaborate with Krystal on design concepts + storytelling!