Students of Fair Trade

Student Experience Profiles. Volume 1. 

           Featuring:                         

                                                             Shawna Ostiguy

                                                  Class of 2015 

         Business Administration Major 

             Concentrating in Management & Marketing 

        Minoring in Communications 

Putting her managerial skills to work on a daily basis, Shawna is heavily involved in Amani and has played a large part in helping Fordham's Fair Trade business grow. We reached out to Shawna to see what she has to say about Amani and her coursework in Fair Trade. 

1. How did you initially get involved with Amani? 

I dropped a liberal arts class last fall and my friend had told me that Kate Combellick ran an amazing class that involved a student run business and a trip to India (all surrounding fair trade) I just switched into it and took the management role of the business the first day.

2. What is your favorite part of managing Amani? 

Getting to know all the new student sellers each semester.It is amazing how different each class is and I enjoy learning about my peers and giving them the support to take their unique ideas and putting them to action.

3. What makes Amani stand out from other Fair Trade organizations? 

Amani is completely student run. From the sales, to management, to marketing. We all collaborate inside and outside the class room to make this business the best it can be. Amani is special because not many classes (well none I have taken at Fordham) have a business as the core of the class. By the end of the semester Kate Combellick's classes are the most close knit environments. It is a great way to run a course and business because not one person feels that they can not contribute their ideas. Kate Combellick's classes are the best three classes at Fordham. 

4. Do you plan to continue your advocacy of Fair Trade post graduation? 

Yes, and I hope to continue to support Kate and Amani as much as I can. I really hope we can get a hired Business Manager one day so that we can actually make big changes. We are doing great now with the business being student run, but it would run even smoother knowing that there is one person in charge of the behind the scenes of the business. 

5. Do you have any advice for students whose experiences with Fair Trade and Amani are just beginning? 

Take full advantage of this wonderful experience. It will not only be eye opening but it will give you a whole new perspective on things. There is so much good that can come out of Amani and Kate's classes. You will love it!