NINA ROZIN (She/Her)

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

After more than twenty years as a footwear designer and entrepreneur working across Europe and the Middle East, I moved to Canada to expand my career. I chose the Fashion Marketing program at KPU's Wilson School of Design because I wanted to better understand the North American fashion industry and strengthen my marketing expertise. The program gave me practical research and analytical skills while exposing me to a new market and a different way of thinking. It complemented my international background and continues to influence how I approach business, education, and the fashion industry today.

Can you briefly describe your current position and your main day to day responsibilities?

Currently, I am the Program Director of the Lonsdale Leather Shoemaking School in Vancouver, which I established in collaboration with Lonsdale Leather. I oversee the school's growth, developing new educational programs, creating content that engages our community, and building opportunities that connect students with the global footwear industry, including our educational tour to Milan's Lineapelle trade fair. The role allows me to combine design, education, marketing, and strategic thinking in a meaningful way.

Which skills, knowledge, or experiences from KPU have been most valuable in your career so far?

The greatest value of the program was the way it broadened my perspective. It complemented my design background with a stronger understanding of the business side of fashion, giving me new ways to research, evaluate, and develop ideas. I continue to draw on that perspective in every new role I take on.

What advice would you give current KPU students who want to build a successful career after graduation?

Don't think of your education as the end of your learning. Every new skill you acquire adds another layer to your experience and expands the value you bring. Be curious, stay open to new perspectives, and don't be afraid to step outside your original field. Some of the most rewarding opportunities come from combining knowledge in unexpected ways.