Fashion Alumna Wendy Manasse Returns to Inspire the Next Generation of Designers
When Wendy Manasse ’81 walked back onto the Stephens College campus this fall, it was a full-circle moment — a return to the community that launched her career in fashion design.
Though she has visited many times before as a critic and juror, this was her first trip (in nearly a decade) as a mentor, eager to help students dream boldly and prepare thoughtfully for their futures.
“I came back to reengage with the students,” Manasse said. “I wanted to see what opportunities I can provide to them and to the faculty — to help make their dreams come true when they graduate.”
Empowering Roots
Manasse’s Stephens story began in the late 1970s, an era she remembers as vibrant with women’s empowerment.
“It was the late ’70s, early ’80s — there was a lot of energy around women finding their voices,” she said. “And going to a women’s college amplified that.”
She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design, building the creative and technical skills that fueled her career. Stephens, she said, gave her the tools, the courage to take risks and the exposure to different perspectives that shaped her path as an artist, entrepreneur, and ultimately a mentor.
“Stephens exposed me to so many different lifestyles and perspectives,” she said. “That combination of skills, exposure, and opportunity really shaped me.”
Over the next three decades, Manasse built an impressive career in the fashion industry. She began at Sansappelle in Chicago as an assistant designer. Next was designing for Jantzen Swimwear in Portland, Oregon, where she discovered her passion for swimwear. She then made a move to Catalina Swimwear in Los Angeles, which then became Authentic Fitness Corporation, where she rose from Merchandiser to President of Design and Development.
In 2007, she launched her own line, Quenchwear, a swim and activewear brand she operated in Long Beach, California until 2015. Since then, she has focused on mentoring students, offering career coaching and guidance through workshops and one-on-one support.
Returning to Give Back
“Students are my real passion,” Manasse said. “Fashion is so different today than when I started, and everyone deserves a chance to go after what they want.”
At Stephens, she led a workshop focused on what she calls “life pointers”—practical, real-world lessons designed to build confidence and help students navigate their early careers.
“Before I offer anything, I want to understand who the students are,” she said. “It’s a whole different world than when I was here, so I designed a session about practical, real-world lessons.”
She was especially glad that freshmen were included. “It’s never too early to start thinking about your career,” she said.
Beyond the workshop, Manasse met individually with every fashion student — a highlight of her visit. “Workshops are great, but one-on-one time is where real growth happens,” she said. “Those personal conversations are where real connections form.”
Finding Confidence Through Connection
For Arin-Christina Hawk, a senior fashion design major, Manasse’s visit came at the perfect time.
“As a fine arts major, it’s scary your senior year, wondering if you’ll find a job,” Hawk said. “Knowing she went to Stephens and built such a successful career — it’s comforting and inspiring.”
The workshop, Hawk said, gave her a clearer view of what’s possible after graduation. “It’s nice to know success is possible — and that she started right where we are.”
A Stephens Signature: Mentorship and Access
Hawk credits experiences like this with setting Stephens apart.
“We have quite a few speakers here,” she said. “It feels unique to Stephens — hearing directly from alumni who’ve been in the industry is so beneficial.”
She also praised her professors for connecting classroom learning with real-world readiness. “They give incredible insight into their careers,” Hawk said. “It helps us focus on what really matters — networking, building a strong portfolio, and being prepared to step into the industry.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
For both Manasse and Hawk, the Stephens experience is about more than fashion — it’s about confidence, creativity, and connection.
“Stephens has given me experiences I don’t think I could’ve had anywhere else,” Hawk said. “It’s set me up to succeed — not just as a designer, but as a person.”
Manasse agreed. “Stephens gave me so much,” she said. “Being able to give back now feels like coming full circle.”
