Your Launchpad to Careers Across Retail, Supply Chain, and Business
WGU’s National Retail Federation Student Association (NRFSA) Chapter connects you to real-world experiences, industry insights, and a growing network, so you can turn what you’re learning into career opportunity.
The NRFSA provides virtual and in-person programming to connect the biggest names in business with exceptional talent across the country through career fairs, mentoring, and more. Every year, the NRFSA launches the careers of thousands of college students where business, technology, and supply chain come together.
Scholarship Opportunities
Learn how you can apply for scholarship opportunities that offer real-world case study experiences.
Take on the 2026/2027 University Challenge
Gather a team of WGU students and create a business case you’ll present to industry leaders. The top team will split $30,000 in tuition scholarships.
Why Join WGU's NRFSA Chapter?
When you become a chapter member, you get access to valuable opportunities that will help you build real-world experience, industry connections, and stand out in today’s job market. Your membership unlocks:
- Professional development: Workshops, résumé and interview prep, and career skill building
- Scholarships and competitions: NRF exclusive scholarship programs and student challenges.
- Internships and job opportunities: access to internships, full-time positions, and entry-level roles from retail industry leaders
- Networking: Connections with retail and supply chain professionals, alumni, and corporate partners
- Events and conferences: Discounted attendance at NRF’s Student Program, Retail’s Big Show, and other events
- Credibility: NRFSA Credential to list on résumé and professional profiles
How You Can Get Involved
Start building your network, skills, and career momentum in three simple steps:
- Join the chapter. Complete the membership form to get started.
- Attend events and workshops. Participate in live or virtual events and apply to join our university challenge team.
- Connect and grow. Build relationships with peers, mentors, and industry professionals.
Upcoming Events
Why Shoes? Why Now?
As future business leaders in the WGU School of Business, we believe in creating value, not just in the marketplace, but in the lives of others. That's why the NRF Student Association is proud to partner with Soles4Souls to turn your unworn shoes into someone else's fresh start.
Every year, 300 million pairs of shoes end up in U.S. landfills while 1.5 billion people worldwide don't have access to proper footwear.
Meanwhile, the average American has 20+ pairs of shoes and regularly wears only 3-5 of them.
The math is simple. The solution is in our closets.
NRFSA
Join the WGU NRFSA as we hear from Industry expert at Kroeger as they share insights into the company's culture, talent programs, and diverse career opportunities.
October 13th @ 6pm MT
NRFSA
Join the WGU NRFSA as we hear from Industry expert and WGU Graduate from the Tiffany and Co. organization as they share insights into the company's culture, talent programs, and diverse career opportunities.
December 8th @ 6pm MT
NRFSA Webinar Recordings
Retail Hiring Unfiltered What Talent Leaders Are Looking For - June 2026
Learn about how talent hiring decisions really get made, tips for resumes, interviews and networking, and also how to avoid common mistakes. Learn from experts Liz Hylton, Manager Recruiter from 7-11 and RJ Ponesse, Sr. Employment Engagement Manager from Western Governors University. You will also meet the student leaders at the NRF Student Association at WGU.
Recording link: https://wgu.webex.com/wgu/ldr.php?RCID=07e8d4b6c1fa33e6981c71238aa02d75
Password: RcC5nAw$
Becoming a Journey Maker Diverse Career Opportunities with Pilot Company August 2026
Learning directly from Sam Wong, Sr. Recruiter at Pilot about the organizational culture, history, and career opportunities at Pilot Company.
Recording link: https://wgu.webex.com/wgu/ldr.php?RCID=d58370d11f1b0be7c39a546cb2c1874b
Password: hKCnHW9@
Student Leaders
Taylor Zobel, Chapter President
Taylor Zobel serves as President of the WGU National Retail Federation Student Association chapter while pursuing a B.S. in Supply Chain and Operations Management. She also works as a production planner at GAF, supporting manufacturing and supply planning processes that keep products moving through the retail supply chain. Zobel is passionate about connecting WGU students with NRF programs, industry leaders, and career opportunities in retail and supply chain management.
Jazmin Jones, NRFSA Student Ambassador
Jazmin Jones is a student in WGU’s B.S. in Supply Chain and Operations Management program and a manufacturing production manager in the supply chain industry. Her professional experience provides firsthand insight into the operations that support modern retail. As the NRFSA Student Ambassador for WGU, she helps connect students with National Retail Federation opportunities, industry insights, and networking experiences that support careers in retail and supply chain management.
Cynthia McConnell, VP Community Engagement
Cynthia McConnell serves as Vice President of Community Engagement for the WGU NRFSA Student Chapter. A senior administrator at H-E-B, she oversees a 500-partner store in Victoria, Texas, bringing five years of retail leadership and a reputation for developing people. A 2025 Distinguished Citizen of Victoria, she believes strong communities are built through investment in people, drawing her to NRFSA to bridge retail professionals and their communities. She is completing her B.S. in Business Administration at WGU, graduating in 2026.
Efrain Ramirez, VP Communications
Efrain Ramirez serves as Vice President of Communications for the founding WGU National Retail Federation Student Association chapter while pursuing his MBA at WGU. An executive healthcare operations leader with experience in patient access, pharmacy operations, and AI-enabled service models, he believes communication is the infrastructure that turns awareness into action. As a founding chapter leader, Efrain brings executive-level structure and service-driven strategy to help students access industry insight, professional networks, and career opportunities through NRFSA.
Vickie Gill, VP Membership
Vickie Gill is completing her MBA at Western Governors University and serves as VP of Membership for the WGU NRFSA chapter. Passionate about creating an engaging, connected experience for students, she brings experience improving communication workflows and building member-focused systems. With academic strengths in accounting, financial management, and operations, Vickie blends analytical thinking with a people-centered leadership style, and is energized by building onboarding experiences and connecting students to career pathways through the NRF Foundation.
Jalynn Dunn, VP Scholarship
Jalynn Dunn serves as the inaugural Vice President of Scholarship for the founding WGU National Retail Federation Student Association chapter while pursuing his B.S. in Accounting at WGU. A Sales Associate at Texas Appliance, he brings retail experience and financial acumen. Jalynn is building a scholarship framework connecting members with financial resources and professional development, believing scholarship access is a gateway to confidence and career success. He applies his accounting discipline to help students invest in themselves.
Zipporah Vaughn, VP of Programming
Zipporah Vaughn is a Business Management student at WGU with a particular interest in the retail industry. She is excited to be part of the WGU NRFSA, a chapter for students who share a passion for retail and want to grow professionally. As Vice President of Programming, Zipporah looks forward to designing events and speaker sessions that connect her peers with industry insight, helping fellow students pursue or advance in the diverse career opportunities the retail space offers.
Faculty Leaders
David Hassen, Faculty Advisor
David Hassen is a Program Mentor in the WGU School of Business, supporting students in programs such as accounting, finance, and supply chain and operations management. He is passionate about helping learners apply business concepts to real-world challenges and prepare for careers in retail and related industries. As a faculty advisor for WGU's National Retail Foundation Student Association (NRFSA) chapter, Hassen helps connect students with industry insights, professional development opportunities, and retail career pathways.
Dr. Maria Malayter, Faculty Advisor
Dr. Maria Malayter is an instructor for WGU’s supply chain and operations management courses and member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. With a doctorate in applied management and decision science and extensive consulting and teaching experience, she is dedicated to helping students develop the leadership and strategic skills needed in today’s business environment. As a faculty advisor for WGU's National Retail Foundation Student Association (NRFSA) chapter, she supports students in exploring retail and supply chain careers while building valuable industry connections.
