For Marisa Chen ’20, winning the Oregon State University Foundation and Alumni Association’s Changemaker award was an honor that underscored her commitment to making a positive impact on the fashion industry in Portland and worldwide.

A global marketing professional, popular content creator and mentor, Chen creates meaningful connections in her design community and fosters relationships between College of Business students, recent graduates and design professionals.

Here, product and merchandising management senior instructor Brigitte Cluver speaks to Chen about her college experience, her career trajectory and what it means to win the Changemaker award.

COB: What drew you to OSU and majoring in merchandising management?

The first time I stepped onto the Oregon State campus I knew I could see myself there for the next four years.

COB: What was your experience in the program like?

When I discovered that merchandising management was a possibility for me to study, I said, ‘Check. That’s everything I want for my education. The blend of fashion and business piqued my interest personally and set me up well to work in the industry.’

I felt so supported, whether it was by a professor, Career Success Center staff or alumni I met

through networking events. The dedication and commitment from the faculty was always really encouraging. You are all incredibly engaged with the student population and the industry. So many of the principles I learned from merchandising classes apply in my job now, so I feel like it really prepared me for the job I have today.

Tell us about your career trajectory and what you do at Columbia Sportswear.

I am currently in product line management at Columbia Sportswear. I started here in a contract job as a marketing coordinator for our international team.

My career path has been a bit unexpected, but something I want to share with anyone who reads this article is to be stubborn about your goal but flexible about the means.

I started a fashion blog in 2016, and it quickly evolved into influencer marketing. Covid made the merchandising industry unpredictable when I neared graduation, and I saw an opportunity to go into social media marketing and hit the ground running.

I also spent my time in marketing roles in small businesses, agencies and freelancing, and then I landed at Columbia Sportswear.

My role in product line management is a mix of creativity and data. Each season we set the product line by collaborating with merchandisers, demand planners, sales and designers. It’s our job to take those nuggets of information from our partners and turn it into business growth opportunities.

“Something I want to share with anyone who reads this article is to be stubborn about your goal but flexible about the means.”

What inspired you start your own content channel and continue it?

I knew it was important to have a portfolio to show future merchandising employers, and I wanted to stretch myself creatively.

I did what was attainable for me at the time, like, ‘How can I style this $20 H&M blazer three ways for someone in college?’ It was very relatable and casual.

I started getting traction as the social media marketing industry grew. I discovered how much fulfillment I got from building a community.

I have around 100,000 followers across my social media platforms now, and I think it’s incredible that I get to share my life online and connect with people around the world.

Can you talk about what Soho House is and the work you do with it?

Soho House is a worldwide network of private, creative social clubs with a location in Portland. It’s also a co-working space, gym and a place to network.

It’s incredible, but it’s not attainable for everyone. A few years ago, I participated in a mentorship program through a partner called Creative Futures Collective that uplifts people of color and anyone who has faced socioeconomic hardships in their life.

After I finished the program, I encouraged a senior OSU design student to apply, too. It was great to see him use this resource that he wouldn’t have been able to unlock without the mentorship program.

I’m passionate about those full-circle moments. It’s why I continue to speak at Oregon State as a volunteer. I love being involved with creative and community programs and giving back.

What was it like for you to receive the Changemaker award?

It was surreal when I found out about it. To me, being a changemaker means making a lasting impact on the community.

Whether that means changing a woman’s life through giving them something like fashion advice or sharing vulnerable stories about my career path or life in my 20s.

It’s an honor to think about, because I loved my time at Oregon State, and all I want is to be able to give back to those students and help blaze a trail for them to follow their dreams.