The Calling
On May 8, 2024 I was asked to speak at California College of the Arts’ Graduate Commencement on May 11, 2024. I was quickly filled with a strong message that flowed through me in a way that I hadn’t felt in years. This calling broke something open in me, something wanting to be released. Here it is:
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Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024! Choosing California College of the Arts for your education was a courageous decision. This institution is more than the typical arts education— CCA prepares students to shape culture and society. Embracing this mission is a true calling. It requires bravery to embark on this journey, to stay with it, and now, to succeed. Welcome to the next chapter of your lives.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the administration, the esteemed faculty, and the dedicated members of the Board of Trustees. To Lynda Grose, my mentor, and sustainable fashion midwife, she’s one the main reasons why I stand before you today.
To my husband, whom I met during my final year at CCA, who has lovingly supported my journey, and to our daughter, Violet, who has given profound meaning and purpose to all my endeavors.
A special congratulations to President David Howse—welcome to your first graduation ceremony at California College of the Arts. We are honored to have you as our president.
I received a call to be here just four days ago - "Timely Invitation" — was the subject line of the email I received from President Howse, inviting me to today's commencement.
Twelve years after my graduation from CCA, these callings have become familiar and wonderful. They are stark, imbued with clarity of purpose—that’s what I felt when I received David’s email. It led me back to remembering the Calling that led me here to this institution.
In 2008, at the age of 28 and newly sober, I sought to no longer be a source of pollution to my environment or to those around me. Surviving near-demise at 27 left me with a profound impression that I was no longer meant to contribute to the suffering of the world—I was meant to relieve it. But I questioned my newfound clarity that I was destined to go to art school and relieve suffering through design—wasn't this work supposed to be the realm of healers and doctors?
However, this urge was undeniable, and I soon realized that we, as artists and designers, are uniquely positioned to drive this kind of change.
I explored various art schools, but it was a meeting with Amy Williams, the then Fashion Chair, that crystallized my path.
The focus on sustainability in our conversation brought everything into sharp focus; it was as if a new dot had been added to the systems map of my life, with arrows converging towards it.
I left the building invigorated yet terrified, burdened by the looming questions of financing and explanation to family and peers. But I listened to that inner voice, that Calling, and it led me to CCA.
Perhaps you have a similar story—that undeniable pull towards CCA, that ‘oh crap’ moment where you realize you’re going to have to figure out how to pay for it, and yet, here you are, at your graduation. We all heeded that call, some of us driven by a scream, others by a whisper, some by gentle nag. Hearing that voice saying to us - “I think there might be something more …”
The faculty here understand because they live The Calling. My mentor, Lynda Grose, navigated me through my darkest moments of anger and mourning as I learned about the harsh realities of the fashion industry. she was there when my hands danced around the fabric I draped on the form, no fabric waste in sight; and she recognized that sparkle in my eyes when I looked at those alpaca deep in their eyes. She recognized the passion in my gaze, a reflection of her own life's Calling.
Heeding the call isn’t easy. It's like a weed pushing through concrete—challenging, frustrating, emotional and often uncomfortable. Like that time the dress I made that was supposed to filter air just looked like a witches costume. Or Realizing I had to leave a job because our values were no longer aligned.
But the calling isn’t supposed to be easy—because the reward is bigger than money, or an fancy title, or getting to divert 3M pounds of textiles from the landfill. It’s feeling that strong sense of vitality and connection from getting through the challenge. Only challenges can do this.
After earning my degree and completing internships at a sustainable factory in India and at Gap, I had developed a sustainable design portfolio of which I was immensely proud.
Each of my collections were more than clothing - they were systems. Yet, presenting this at interview at a large fashion retailer, I was met with laughter and the question “What are you doing here?!”
I left the interview with tears pouring down my face, blurring my vision as I rode my bike down Embarcadero thinking two things simultaneously “I am never going to belong anywhere” and “this is going to be a story I tell to a big group of people later.” A week later, I would be riding that same route to an interview at Cradle to Cradle, the founding design methodology for circular economy. There, I met my now long-time friend, Lewis Perkins, who truly recognized my potential that day. I was called.
Today, I only engage in work that aligns with my values and calling—work that both fulfills my purpose but also enables me to support and nurture the callings of others.
We are in this together. As Lynda always said, we can't do this alone—we link arms. Life on this planet, from swarms to pods to flocks, operates within systems of interconnectedness. Lynda Grose was the spark that ignited change within me, helping me see things in new ways and guiding me toward grounded action. The Fashion Class of 2012—artists like Satchi Henrietta, James Zormeir, Steven Soundara, and Lauren Biggs, Jackilyn Roberts—they dreamed up new visions, new possibilities, gave us all hope. My challengers stirred deep emotions within me and provided significant opportunities for growth. My skate coaches, Richard Humphrey and Emani, helped me find my way back to myself in times of pain. My husband and best friend taught me how to truly see others by truly seeing me. To the hundreds of women I’ve mentored, who shared their lives with me and reminded me of our collective journey—you are proof that we are never alone.
You likely have your own list of pivotal people, perhaps sitting right next to you, who have played unique roles in your journey. And there will be many more as you move forward.
As you step forward from here, carry with you the courage you had when you walked into school that first day— and the grace to listen deeply and act boldly. Let your values continue to be your compass. Link arms with others, offering and receiving support and encouragement.
The world needs your calling —to apply ways of thinking that you were taught here. We need those visions as expressed through art and design —give yourself to it and you will come alive. And as a result, the world will come more alive too.
Thank you once again for this incredible honor.
xoxo
