Marist Fashion Student Achieves Success On Netflix and Off

Kelly DeFinis '25, pictured on the campus of the college she dreamed of attending -- and is now attending so with great accomplishment. Source: Nicole DeFinis '27

Throughout her life, Kelly DeFinis ‘25 has consistently exemplified a strong work ethic.

Graduating as the valedictorian of her middle school class and ranking within the top four students of her high school class, she showcased her commitment to excellence from an early age. And even beyond academics, her passion for creativity manifested into professional pursuits, from a YouTube channel to a fashion blog.

But DeFinis’ most significant accomplishment to date has come during her time at Marist College.

Upon entering her dream school to pursue a degree in fashion merchandising, DeFinis found herself surrounded by a world of new opportunities. Guided by the advice of an upperclassman to take advantage of everything during the years that fly by, DeFinis participated in various clubs and activities, from the National Retail Federation Student Association to the Ethical Fashion Initiative. 

Then came her pivotal role in establishing the Runway of Dreams at Marist, a student-led chapter of the national Runway of Dreams Foundation, which aims to empower disabled individuals through fashion. Fueled by her people-centered personality and love for fashion, DeFinis became the first social media manager of the chapter, creating and managing its Instagram account and growing its follower base to 385 people as of Feb. 5.

The Adaptive Exhibit by Runway of Dreams at Marist. Source: Kelly DeFinis '25

Acting as a liaison between her positions at both Runway of Dreams at Marist and MPorium, she raised 92% of the chapter's annual fundraising goals in just two days. With ‘The Adaptive Exhibit’ project, a showcase of adaptive clothing at Steel Plant, DiFinis caught the attention of filmmakers and will be featured in a Netflix documentary set to be released sometime this year.

“I like creating things that are beautiful and creating experiences for people that they will remember,” said DeFinis. “I want to be a part of people’s happiness.”

But DeFinis herself is on her own runway of dreams. From the fall to the beginning of this year, she took on a marketing internship with Maverick MKG, contributing to the event planning and marketing company’s increased social media following. And over the summer of 2023, she completed a social media internship at Evie Magazine, a women’s publication she had followed since high school.

“I appreciated the opportunity to work for a company that stood behind my values,” said DeFinis.

In the words of Cheryline Calcagni, adjunct instructor of fashion, DeFinis is well on her way to an authentic professional career, one that serves as a role model for others who also wish to achieve success.

“She’s true to herself, her values, recognizes her interests, and goes for it,” said Calcagni. “She will be doing what her heart says.”