Anna Wildes '22 Finds Her Path in Fashion, Leadership, and Global Engagement

Since graduating from Marianapolis, Anna Wildes ’22 has seized every opportunity to explore the world, grow as a leader, and confidently move toward her dream career in the fashion industry. This month, she graduated early from Sacred Heart University with a degree in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising and a minor in Advertising and Public Relations. Anna is eager to begin her next chapter and has been reflecting on the experiences that shaped her path, as well as the Marianapolis foundation that supported her growth.

At Sacred Heart, Anna made the most of her academic and global opportunities. She spent a semester studying abroad in Rome, Italy, where she immersed herself in the city’s rich cultural history and deepened her understanding of European fashion through visits to both Rome and Milan. Her time abroad also allowed her to travel to six different countries throughout Europe, each offering new perspectives and inspiration that fueled her passion for the industry. Anna also participated in a service trip to Ibagué, Colombia, where she volunteered in senior centers and worked with children through local school programs, an experience she describes as profoundly meaningful and eye-opening.

This past fall, Anna took another exciting step into the fashion world when she worked New York’s Luxury Bridal Fashion Week with designer Justin Alexander, an experience she absolutely loved. Being part of live runway shows further solidified her interest in fashion production, public relations, and the energy of the industry’s most high-profile events.

Determined to get a head start on her professional journey, Anna has already secured an exciting position. After interning over the summer with TJX Companies as a Planning and Allocation Intern, she accepted a full-time offer as an Allocation Analyst! This role places her on the company’s Merchandising Career Path, setting her firmly on the trajectory toward becoming a Buyer, a goal she has held since her freshman year of college.

Anna’s college experience has also been defined by strong involvement and leadership on campus. As a member of Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta), she has served as Director of Financial Operations and Director of Lifetime Membership, taking on significant responsibilities within her sorority. This year, she also served as Senior Class President and worked as a Global Ambassador, offering guidance to prospective study abroad students and sharing her firsthand insights about international education.

Reflecting on her Marianapolis experience, Anna credits the school with helping her become adaptable, confident, and open to new challenges. “Marianapolis prepared me to be comfortable with the uncomfortable and to adapt to change,” she shares. “They also encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and to always be open to trying new things.” These lessons, she says, have guided her through college, travel, leadership roles, and her early career steps.

When asked what advice she would offer current Marianapolis students, Anna emphasized that uncertainty is a normal and even beneficial part of life. “It is okay to be unsure of your future,” she says. “Take full advantage of all the opportunities that present themselves to you. Every experience will help you grow as a person and lead you to where you are meant to be.”

Above all, Anna remains grateful for the enduring support of the Marianapolis community. “Marianapolis has always made it known that it’s more than a school, it’s a home,” she reflects. “After I graduated, I was always welcomed back whenever I visited campus. I know that I will always have a community to support me at all times.”

As she steps confidently into her new role and the next chapter of her fashion career, Marianapolis is proud to celebrate Anna’s accomplishments and excited to see all that she will continue to achieve!