THE VAULT
uw madison’s premiere business, fashion, and creative student organization.
The Vault is proud to be partnered with both UW-Madison’s School of Human Ecology (SOHE) and Wisconsin School of Business (WSB).
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it becomes clear that the sector encompasses a wide range of fields beyond design, blending business, technology, marketing, communications, and more. This realization was the driving force behind the creation of The Vault: Business Behind Fashion, a student-run organization at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) designed to expand the horizons of students passionate about fashion by exploring its many facets beyond the runway.
Founded in 2023 by UW-Madison sophomores Melina Zarboulas and Marlo Pulliam, The Vault aims to dismantle the narrow perception of the fashion industry. By focusing not just on the design element, but on the intersections between business, technology, and creativity, the organization offers students an opportunity to engage with the fashion world in a more holistic way. Zarboulas and Pulliam recognized that the industry is a complex ecosystem, where professionals in marketing, communications, technology, and even sustainability all play essential roles in driving the industry forward. Their goal with The Vault is to provide students of various disciplines the chance to explore how their unique skills can contribute to fashion’s multifaceted landscape.
The inspiration behind The Vault came from a desire to change the way students perceive the fashion industry. “Many people think of the fashion industry as just clothes and design, and while these are inarguably important focuses in the industry, there is immense overlap with so many other branches of study, including business, technology, communications, and marketing,” explained Zarboulas. Rather than focusing solely on the design of garments, The Vault works to illuminate the variety of career paths within fashion and encourage students from all academic backgrounds to engage with the industry in meaningful ways.
By offering a platform for students to explore these different facets, The Vault also fosters an inclusive community where members can exchange ideas and collaborate across disciplines. This cross-pollination of knowledge is one of the organization’s defining features. Pulliam, cofounder and vice president, emphasized that the group is designed to be a space for people from diverse fields of study to come together and explore the intersections of their passions. “In our eyes, they are not mutually exclusive,” she said. “We welcome as much diversity as possible through any perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that people are willing to express in our club”.
From the start, The Vault has been committed to offering hands-on learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom instruction. One of the organization’s primary objectives is to create professional development opportunities for its members. This includes networking events, workshops, and panels featuring industry leaders who share their expertise with students.
In addition to these educational opportunities, The Vault is dedicated to giving back to the community through service projects. Their volunteer efforts, including clothing donation drives and nonprofit collaborations, highlight the organization’s commitment to social responsibility. The cofounders hope that these service initiatives will not only raise awareness about important causes but also create opportunities for students to connect with one another and make a tangible impact.
A particularly exciting initiative is the annual student-run fashion show, which serves as the organization’s largest event. This fashion show, held at the end of each academic year, provides a platform for students to showcase their creativity while promoting diverse brands, from large labels to smaller, emerging designers. From analyzing metaphors in Greek+Germanic literature, inviting acapella choirs, using natural resources to create a metamorphosis with museums, and studying technological advancements, The Vault has always createc an immersive, educational, never-seen-before fashion show experience for attendees. The goals of Vault shows are not only to entertain but also to educate the audience, demonstrating how fashion can be a powerful storytelling medium.
At its core, The Vault is about community. It’s about creating a space where students can come together, share their ideas, and learn from one another, whether they are interested in fashion design, marketing, technology, or any other aspect of the industry. “This is something to get excited about,” said Pulliam.
The impact of The Vault is already being felt on campus, with a growing number of students eager to get involved in the organization. Members of The Vault have the opportunity to participate in a range of committees, from creative and technical teams to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, allowing them to tailor their experience based on their interests. This collaborative approach ensures that every member can explore their passions, whether it’s fashion-related or not, while also contributing to the organization’s overall success.
The true value of The Vault lies in its ability to connect students to each other and to the broader fashion industry. “We’ve created a space where individuals feel welcomed and supported, and the connections formed here are truly transformative,” Zarboulas said. As The Vault continues to grow and evolve, it promises to be an integral part of the UW-Madison experience, helping students find their place in the ever-expanding world of fashion.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
DEI POLICIES: DEI COMMITTEE
Zero Tolerance Policy
The Vault has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination and prejudice based on race, sexuality, gender, religion, and other protected identities.
Open Doors Policy
Anyone that wishes to report any experience of discrimination, prejudice, or bias from another member of The Vault can do so to any board or committee leader (they can also do this anonymously through The Vault’s Report form if they desire).
Disciplinary Rules
If a formal report is presented to a member of The Vault board and its committee leaders, the case will be transferred to the DEI disciplinary board. They will review to make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Probation: If a member has been reported to have inflicted an act of microaggression, they will be subjected to probation and will be monitored by the disciplinary board.
Expulsion: If a member has been reported to have verbally and/or performed acts of racism, sexual harassment. homophobia, etc., that intentionally excludes or harms someone, they will be subjected to immediate expulsion from The Vault. They will also be reported to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for further review and, depending on the case, can be reported to law enforcement.