Kyla Chapman

Hi! My name is Kyla Chapman. I am a 5th year senior studying Retail here at UW Madison.  I am from a small town in northwest Indiana. I am a student athlete competing on the women's cross country and women's track teams. My typical week of training includes running about 80 miles per week, lifting, and doing yoga- some might call me crazy, sometimes I would have to agree! My cross country season just wrapped up one week ago. I qualified for the NCAA National Championships and raced at the meet last Monday. Unfortunately I had a very "off" day, but the overall season was wonderful so I won't let one race spoil that for me!
In addition to being a student athlete, I am an executive member of the Student Athlete Advisory Council. I serve as the Executive Chairman of Community Service. One of my latest projects has been the planning of a Toys for Tots Drive at an upcoming Men's Hockey Game! We are really looking forward to it and expecting a great donation from the Hockey fans this year! I have also been lucky enough to earn the position of Community Service Co-Manager for the Student Retail Association. Can you tell I like community service?? :) At the next SRA meeting the club members will be making Holiday Cards for the local veterans hospital, and following that project we will be putting together goodie bags for homeless though the Porchlight Organization here in Madison. I like to keep myself busy by staying active in student organizations, however I also love my down-time. In my spare time I really enjoy reading, baking, crafting, and knitting ( I know, I sound like I'm 70 years old!).  I promise that in the summer my activities are much more active- and they usually include water-skiing, boating, and triathlons.

I am looking forward to the travel abroad trip so much! I have already started a countdown: 102 days!  I have never traveled outside of the country, and I feel so blessed to start my traveling abroad with the China Retail Study Abroad trip!

Lauren Wooll

Hello! My name is Lauren Wooll and I am a senior retailing major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am very excited to be able to travel to China with everyone. I have always had a passion for retail and cannot wait to see the retail epicenter that is China. This is a unique opportunity to see how the retail process and industry functions in a different country. I have never been out of the country so I look forward to being able to travel with everyone. Thanks to Kohl's, the Kohl's Center for Retailing Excellence, and Li & Fung for making the opportunity possible and allowing us the opportunity for this once in a lifetime experience. 

Rachel Brecher

Hello everyone!  I am a senior majoring in marketing in the Wisconsin School of Business.  I am very interested in the retailing industry so I am beyond excited and grateful to be able to travel with you all to China!  I cannot wait to learn more about the retailing processes while also learning about a culture so different than my own.

I want to thank everyone involved with the trip and I know it will be something we will always remember!

Caroline Wilson

Hi there! My name is Caroline Wilson and I am a junior studying Textile and Apparel Design at UW-Madison. I'm excited to travel further than I ever have before to experience the fascinating culture that Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong have to offer. While I am extremely interested in the aspects of design that I will come across on our trip to China this spring, I'm really looking forward to learning more about the retail industry. It's important to be well-rounded and knowledgeable about every aspect of your field to be the best that you can be. As a design student, considering retail is important when creating anything from apparel to textiles. This trip to China will allow me to better understand the entirety of the design industry, and a more global perspective will make me a more successful designer.

I can't thank Kohl's, Li & Fung, or UW-Madison enough for this incredible opportunity. This journey will definitely be a highlight of my career as a student at UW-Madison and I can't wait to embark on it!

Katie McGovern

Hi Everyone! My name is Katie McGovern and I am a junior majoring in Textile and Apparel Design with a certificate in Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to travel abroad and immerse myself in the Chinese culture. Through my work to achieve a certificate in Business, it has really opened my eyes to the versatility of the retail industry and I am excited to experience it first-hand internationally. With a background in apparel design, I am interested in learning more about the retail industry and how it interacts with the fashion industry. This journey will help to further my education in both the business and design fields. This experience will give me the opportunity to grow in many ways, giving me a new perspective of the world.

I would like to give a special thank you to Kohl's, Li and Fung, and the Kohl's Center for Retailing Excellence at UW-Madison for giving me this amazing opportunity and making this trip possible. I cannot wait to meet everyone and go on this once in a lifetime adventure.

Lizzie Wierdsma

Hi everyone! My name is Lizzie Wierdsma and I'm a senior majoring in Retail at UW-Madison. I am beyond excited to have this amazing opportunity! I cannot wait to immerse myself within the Chinese culture and can't wait to meet everyone on the trip! I am looking forward to learning more about the supply chain and product development process as we travel the country. I have recently accepted a position as a Merchandise Analyst Trainee with Kohl's after I graduate, so this trip will be extremely beneficial in my future career with the company.

I want to thank Kohl's, Li & Fung, and the Kohl's Center for Retailing Excellence for this invaluable experience. I will make the most of every second I am there!

Gina Babiash

Hey Everybody!

My name is Gina Babiash and I am a junior at UW-Madison studying retailing with a certificate in business. I’ve never been out of the country so I am very excited to be traveling to China for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m hoping this trip will help expand my knowledge of the retailing industry as well as the Chinese culture. I’m so excited to meet all of you and wanted to thank Kohl’s, Li & Fung, and Kohl’s Center for Retailing Excellence for this awesome opportunity!

Maggie LaMuro

 

Hello! My name is Maggie LaMuro.  I’m a senior majoring in Consumer Affairs at UW-Madison and I’m originally from Fort Atkinson, WI.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to work for Kohl’s as a Field Human Resources Intern.  I was able to participate in the Store Management Internship for the first half of the summer and spend the second half learning about store-side Human Resources.   As someone who had never worked in retail prior to this experience, I wasn’t aware of all the people and processes that come together to make a retail store successful.  I especially enjoyed learning different management and leadership styles and witnessing those styles firsthand in a retail setting.      

 

As someone who has never been out of the country, I look forward to seeing things from a different cultural perspective and expanding my knowledge of the retail industry.  I am so excited to be going on this trip and I am extremely grateful to Kohl’s, Li & Fung, and the Kohl’s Center for Retailing Excellence for making it possible. 

Kevin Vollmer

Hey there!

My name is Kevin Vollmer.  I am a sophomore Marketing major with a specialization in Supply Chain Management, originally from Sun Prairie, WI.  I am a world-class intramural volleyball player who also enjoys cooking and relaxing with my friends.

I am honored to be selected to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.  I will be in Milwaukee this upcoming Summer as a Web Merchandise Presentation intern for Kohl's, so I am doubly grateful for all the opportunities they have given me.  I will take full advantage of them, using this remarkable experience exploring a different culture as well as seeing the processes involved in global merchandise production and retailing.  I cannot wait for this trip, because I know it will deeply benefit my academic development, career development, and self-development.  Thank you Kohl's, Li and Fung, and the Kohl's Center for Retailing Excellence!  I look forward to sharing this cross-continental journey with everyone.

JoDee Martin

Hello!

My name is JoDee Martin and I am a senior at the University of Wisconsin - Stout.  I am a double major in Retail Merchandising and Management and Business Administration.  I have had the pleasure of completing two Store Management internships with Kohl's and have been offered a Merchandise Analyst Trainee position with the company when I graduate.  I am anticipating using what I learn through this trip daily and gain understanding about the early process that many people do not get to see.

I am so honored to have been chosen for this opportunity!  Studying abroad this past year in Europe, I learned the great importance of understanding global views and how business works on an international level.  This experience will not only open my eyes to new perspectives, but will allow me to understand the Chinese culture.  It has always been a goal of mine to travel to China and I am thrilled that I am able to partake in an educational opportunity while there.  Learning manufacturing and sourcing techniques from Li & Fung will be an enriching and rewarding experience.

I am grateful to Kohl's for allowing me to participate in such a valuable opportunity.  Kohl’s has demonstrated that they truly care about their employees, students, and the community.  I would also like to thank Kohl's Center for Retailing Excellence and all of the staff and faculty that will be joining us on this journey.  I am very excited to travel with others who share my passion.  I know we will build great relationships and make many memories together.  

Sydney Sua

Hello everyone!


My name is Sydney Sua and I am a sophomore at UW-Madison majoring in Textile and Apparel Design with a certificate in Entrepreneurship. I am beyond excited to experience my first UW-Madison study abroad trip. The opportunity to explore and immerse myself in the Chinese retailing industry is one that will be incredibly beneficial for me both professionally and creatively. I would like to extend a big thanks to Kohl's, Li & Fung, and the Kohl's Center for Retailing Excellence for creating this opportunity. I am excited to meet everyone and begin this journey together. 

Samantha Gehl

Hey everyone! My name is Samantha Gehl and I am a junior Retailing major with a certificate in Business. I am currently studying abroad in London and have loved every minute of experiencing and immersing myself in a different culture, and I cannot wait to do the same in China. I am anxious to learn about the supply chain process of retailing, and apply what I've gained to my future career in retail.  I am so grateful and excited for this opportunity, and would like to thank Kohl's, Li & Fung, and the Kohl's Center for Retailing Excellence for it. I cannot wait to meet all of you and embark on the experience of a lifetime!

Chase Ellman

Hello everyone, my name is Chase Ellman and I am senior majoring in Marketing in the Wisconsin School of Business. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be a part of this journey to China in the Spring. I had planned to study abroad in Hong Kong but was unable to due to various circumstances. When I saw this trip, it sounded like the perfect chance to truly have a life-changing experience and learn more about how business operates in the Far East.

I look forward to meeting and getting to know everyone. A huge thanks to Kohl's and Li & Fung for granting me  the opportunity and I am excited to get started next semester.

Meghan Hille

Hi Everyone!

My name is Meghan Hille and I'm currently a senior at UW-Madison with a major in retailing. I'm beyond excited that I was chosen to participate in this experience. I recently switched my major to retailing and have really been loving learning about all the aspects of this industry ever since. Having the opportunity to travel to China to further my education and learn more about the proccesses of retailing is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am extremely grateful for and really looking forward to!

Studying with Li & Fung in China is an invaluable experience that I will be able to take so much away from. I will be able to take the knowledge and the experiences I gain from this trip and apply it to my future career in retailing. I can't wait to learn about corporate manufacturing processes first hand while at the same time taking in all of the culture China has to offer.

I'm thrilled that I get to be a part of this once in lifetime opportunity and would like to say a big thanks to Kohl's and Li & Fung for making this possible for all of us! Look forward to meeting everyone in the spring!

Kelsey Puddington

Hi everyone!

My name is Kelsey Puddington and I am a sophomore studying Retail with a certificate in entrepreneurship and textile science. I am very thankful to have been chosen as a participant on this trip. I am looking forward to experiencing retailing in China; a major component of retailing throughout the world. I have had the opportunity to travel to many places, but this will be my first time traveling to Asia and I can't wait to experience a different culture.

Maghan Kuehl

Hi Everyone!

My name is Maghan Kuehl and I am a Senior studying Marketing and Management at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This past summer I had the opportunity to be a Store Management Intern at the Kohl's Department Store on the east side of Madison. It was my first experience working in retail and has sparked a strong interest in the retail industry. Prior to working with Kohl's, I failed to realize all the components that make up the retail industry as well as the limitless opportunities it provides. With this trip, I look forward to expanding my knowledge of the diverse aspects of retail and discover first hand how China plays a significant role in making our retail industry in the U.S. a success. Come June, I will be starting a full-time position with Kohl's as a Manager in Training, and I look forward to being a part of an amazing experience that will enhance my future career in retail.

I am enthused to be part of a once in a lifetime opportunity and would like to thank Kohl's, Li and Fung, and the Kohl's Center for Retailing Excellence at UW-Madison for making this opportunity possible. I look forward to meeting you all and making this an unforgettable experience.

Hannah Sugars

Hi Everyone!

My name is Hannah Sugars and I am a senior studying Accounting & Spanish at UW-Madison.  Although I study accounting, my current internship at a retail company has sparked my interest in the industry,. Ultimately, I would like to work in retail internationally and believe this program will take my experience to the next level.  While studying abroad in Europe was an unbelievable experience, I am thrilled to explore the Chinese culture and business world. I am especially interested in learning about Kohl's supply chain process and costing associated with it.

It is a privilege to  have the chance to learn first-hand about a country that has such a large impact on business in the U.S.  I can't quite express my excitement to be a part of this generous opportunity Kohls and Li & Fung have provided to the rest of the program participants and me.  I look forward to meeting you all!

Alex Schlueter

Hello! My name is Alex Schlueter and I'm currently a junior studying Retailing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am extremely honored and excited to be a part of this amazing trip to China . I haven't had a chance to take a semester to study abroad, nor have I ever left the country before, so I think this trip will really be a great opportunity to see a different side of the world and the retailing industry I am so interested in. I am hopeful this experience will further educate me about the manufacturing and sourcing processes that can often be forgotten when thinking about retail. This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am so thankful to Kohl's and Li & Fung for providing such a great resource to us as students. I'm anxious to get an inside look at the functioning of both of these wonderful companies and I look forward to meeting you all in the Spring!

Tiana Theiss

Hello!
My name is Tiana Theiss and I am a Retail Merchandising and Management student at UW-Stout. My concentrations include Buying and Product Management as well as Fashion Marketing. I am also pursuing a minor in Business Administration. It is an honor having the opportunity to partake in such a culturally enriching experience. I am thrilled to be immersed into China's rich culture and learn about Kohl's and Li & Fung's international business relationship!

While studying abroad in Scotland, I came to understand the importance of keeping an open mind, being prepared, and staying flexible when presented with exhilarating opportunities such as this unique program. What I hope to learn from this experience is insight into the manufacturing, sourcing, and supply chain processes and how these are impacted from corporate office decisions on a daily basis. It is certainly a pleasure to be venturing overseas with such a diverse group of students from both UW-Stout and UW-Madison. I look forward to building great relationships and experiencing unforgettable memories altogether!

This truly is an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity that is indescribable. Thank you to Kohl's for funding this opportunity! And thank you to Li & Fung, Kohl's Center for Retailing Excellence, UW-Madison, and UW-Stout faculty for making this opportunity a reality!

Caelainn Donnellan

Hello! My name is Caelainn Donnellan and I'm a junior in the Textile and Apparel Design major at UW-Madison. I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to see such a unique country and culture! I've only been able to see design and architecture of a western perspective, so being able to observe the results of designing from a different perspective will be fascinating. I'm also excited to see how manufacturing and design relate in the retail process and how the clothing we wear progresses from an idea to reality. This trip is the opportunity of a lifetime for me and I can't wait to share my experiences with others! I know it will open up the world to me, both professionally and personally.

Brianna Schwinden

Hello All,
My name is Brianna Schwinden and I'm currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I'm majoring in marketing and management. My time spent at Madison has been fantastic and I will cherish my memories here forever, but one thing missing from my college experience is the opportunity to study abroad. This is why I am beyond thrilled at this opportunity to explore the other side of the world while learning about not only another culture but also things that will help me in my future marketing career!

I can't even begin to describe how thankful I am for this wonderful opportunity from Kohls and also Li & Fung. Thank you so much, I'm truly honored.

Looking forward to meeting everyone from Madison and Stout come spring!

Kora Plucinski

Hey Everyone, My name is Kora Plucinski and I am so excited to be going on the China Retail Trip this spring. I am currently a Senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I am a dual major in Marketing and Operations Technology Management with a Specialization in Supply Chain Management. I will graduate this upcoming May which is a bitter sweet feeling but I am looking forward to starting my professional career.  On a personal note, I love being a student at Wisconsin and I have extreme badger pride. I enjoy attending and watching Wisconsin Badger sports, Packers, and Brewers. I also like running around the lakes in Madison and dining on State Street with friends.

  

I am really excited to go on the trip to learn about the supply chain side of retail and to experience a new business culture. I have never traveled outside of the country and cannot think of a better first time to do so. I appreciate the support of Kohl’s and I look forward to learning more about the company through the program and our adventures.