I merge creativity, ethics, and sustainability to drive innovative product development in fashion.

Hey, welcome!

My Name is Jordan Burke -

By blending research, strategy, and a love for the natural world, I aim to make fashion more responsible, thoughtful, and forward-thinking.

Resume

“Be the change.”

B.A Fashion Merchandising

B.A. in Fashion Merchandising (Expected December 2026) | Minor in Marketing Insights | Certificate in Sustainable Innovation

Fashion Student Advisory and Ambassador Board Member (October 2025 - Current)

Study Abroad, Summer 2025

Focus: Trend Forecasting & Sustainability in the Fashion Industry

Zero Waste Internship

August 2025 - May 2026

The Curated Closet

A passion project near and dear to my heart—

My passion project for my zero-waste internship was to integrate textiles into our VCU Free Store. This initiative involved launching a "closet," a no-cost thrift-style space that expands access to clothing and textiles and further advances circular resource use on campus. The first step to making this goal a reality was to draft a logistics proposal and get it approved by my supervisor.

Once approved, I led the development of the closet by establishing key operational frameworks, including hours of operation, data collection methods, donation and inventory strategies, budget considerations, collaborative partnerships, mending processes, and a long-term sustainability plan to ensure continued operation beyond my internship. A critical component of this project was my collaboration with PopUpStop, a VCU-based organization focused on reducing textile waste in landfills. Working closely with their senior research assistant, I supported inventory development through participation in clothing swap events, facilitated the curation and sorting of donated items based on student needs, and contributed to creating an accessible and inviting shopping environment.

To measure impact, all incoming donations are weighted to quantify waste diversion, and the closet operates on a credit-based system consistent with the broader Free Store model. Since its launch, the initiative has had strong student engagement. The project was also recently featured in a VCU News story, further highlighting its impact within the campus community.

Curated Closet News Feature!

Successfully Diverted 320+ Pounds of Clothing from Landfills!

FRYE X VCU

Photography Credits: Kimanh Tran

As one of 30 VCUarts Fashion students selected for a collaboration with Frye, I developed a social media campaign proposal that rebranded a classic boot for a college audience—blending contemporary styling with visual storytelling to rejuvenate brand perception and expand its target audience.

Career Goals

I’m a fashion merchandiser combining expertise in product development with a strong focus on sustainability. With a certificate in Sustainable Innovation, I use research and strategic insight to create responsible, progressive approaches in the fashion industry.
1. Visionary Innovation – Imagining original ideas and transforming them into meaningful, forward-thinking solutions that inspire change.
2. Adaptable Resilience – Thriving through challenges with flexibility, maintaining focus and grace in dynamic environments.
3. Empathetic Leadership – Guiding with compassion, collaboration, and inclusivity to create spaces where every voice contributes to collective success.
4. Purposeful Integrity – Pursuing ambition with authenticity and ethics, aligning creativity and impact with meaningful intention.
5. Conscious Sustainability – Making mindful choices that promote lasting, responsible progress for both people and the planet.
Endlessly Curious Spirit:
A style rooted in exploration—blending eras, influences, and ideas with fearless creativity and an open, evolving point of view.

Studying abroad in Florence has profoundly shaped my creative vision by immersing me in the city’s rich artistic heritage, architecture, and vibrant culture. Observing how people interact with their historic surroundings and resources informs my approach to sustainable design, inspiring thoughtful and intentional creation.

These experiences allow me to transform ideas into work that balances imaginative creativity with a commitment to preserving both cultural and environmental heritage.

Behind the Lens -

Florence, Italy – Study Abroad at Santa Reparata International School of Art, Summer 2025

From Concept to Runway

My love for fashion began during my senior year of high school when I got accepted into a Fashion Careers Academy class. The course offered a comprehensive introduction to the world of fashion, exploring topics such as fashion history, textiles, and the fundamentals of clothing design. For our final project, we were tasked with upcycling secondhand clothing into entirely new, original outfits to showcase on a runway. This transformative experience fueled my creativity and reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a career in fashion at the college level.