Meet Ava Stanley, a textiles, fashion merchandising, and design major with a minor in sustainability. Her passion for sustainable fashion led her to an internship this summer with Kate McGuire of convertedcloset in New York City, an independent designer and sustainability advocate. Ava commutes three days a week from her home on Long Island to assist Kate, who reworks vintage and high-end garments into new, unique pieces. Scraps are repurposed into matching accessories or used for repairs and alterations. Ava sews new labels on garments, accurately measures and repairs pieces, and photographs items for Converted Closet’s upcoming shop launch. “I’ve most enjoyed being able to work in a collaborative atmosphere with individuals who share my values. I'm able to give my input on things I would change about a garment or finishing details, and my opinions are heard, and sometimes even put into action,” Ava said. Ava looks forward to making a lasting impact on the industry. In her own word...