Gemini Shippers Association Scholarship Awarded
Sapphire Michalakeas and Megan Antkoviak are the Co-recipients of the 2024-2025 Scholarship
The Selection Committee recognized Sapphire Michalakeas primarily for the full scope of her background and keen interest in logistics and
sustainable supply chain as well as her passion for developing her full potential
in international trade.
As Boutique Manager for Felix, Sapphire developed and maintained customer portfolios as well as trained, directed and motivated her sales team. At Pink Powder, now known as Artisun, among her many roles as Designer for its London and Greek offices, she sourced innovative eco fabrics and dyes as well as brought in, formed, and maintained relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and fabric printers, as well as represented the brand at Coterie NYC. She was also Associate Designer at Karl Lagerfeld GIII, Market Assistant at Coach, Boutique Manager at Drape, and Stylist Intern at Moda Operandi.
Sapphire volunteered as curator and organizer of the Becoming Our Story Women’s Art Show in support of She’s the First Girls’ NGO at Triangle Loft New York, a member of the Organizing Committee of Women’s Rights March in Athens, Greece, and Manager of Clothing Distribution at Hope Café NGO in Athens. She was also involved in the 35th US Fashion Industry Association conference and ITM’s Alumni Career guest lecture.
After graduating from ITM, Sapphire hopes to join an NGO to apply the expertise she is developing in the ITM program to work towards dealing with regenerative materials and formulating processes with minimal environmental and social consequences. While doing so, she intends to support her community through sustainability initiatives. Ultimately, she aspires to become Chief Sustainability Officer to spearhead the development and implementation of comprehensive sustainability strategies throughout the organization as well as its operations, supply chain, and overarching business strategy.
Megan Antkoviak impressed the committee with her demonstrated leadership in and extensive contribution
to the International Trade Student Association, where she has been organizing and
promoting events. She also impressed the committee with her academic achievements
and intent to earn minors in psychology, economics, as well as Ethics and Sustainability.
She is currently Sewing Instructor at Brooklyn Sewing Academy, assistant for multiple Backstage runway shows, and volunteers at Fabscrap, Alzheimer’s walk and card making. As Studio Assistant at Find me now Wholesale Company, Megan conducted inventory management, package logistics, and warehouse communication as well as the marketing of and customer service for e-commerce through social media. She was Sales Associate, Specialist, Lead Cashier, and Sales Lead Manager at American Eagle Outfitters.
Megan has volunteered for The Honorable Tina Brozman Foundation for Ovarian Cancer by assisting in one to two fashion shows a year to empower women fighting against this condition. She has also volunteered during New York Fashion Week as a backstage assistant for Cesar Galindo, Korto Momolu, and Robyn Bandele. Within her own community, she volunteers at the Outreach Club, Cards for Hospitalized Kids, gathered clothes for Housing Works, kept textiles from the landfill through Fabscrap, sent cards through Bring Smiles to Seniors, and checked in attendees of The Walk to End Alzheimers.
After graduating from ITM, Megan plans to own companies that value every single person affected by its actions. She aims to make a significant impact on people and the environment as well as continue volunteering within the fashion industry. To foster her creative side, Megan also hopes to be featured in some of the best museums around the world.
We hope that you will all join us in congratulating Sapphire and Megan as ITM’s new Gemini Shippers Association academic scholars!
Selection Committee
Scholarship selection committee members:
- Arlene L. Blocker, Membership Director, Gemini Shippers Group
- Pete Hagen, Director of Sourcing at Target
- Fariba Jalili, Strategic Advisor of TO THE MARKET
About Gemini Shippers
Gemini Shippers Association is a long‐time supporter of ITM students, having donated more than $166,000 to the ITM program. Through the long-standing history of Gemini Shippers Association, the company was also chosen by the New York District Export Council as recipient of its Global Logistics Award.