Five University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) students recently attended the National Retail Federation (NRF) Student Program in New York City, Dr. Jane Opiri, associate professor and merchandising, textiles and design program coordinator in UAPB’s Department of Human Sciences, said. The NRF student program fosters opportunities to connect with some of the world’s largest retail brands.
Participating students included Jonathan Black-Ross, Gabrielle Hightower, Kerrah Charles, Gerald Shimo and Simon Chambo.
“Attending the NRF Foundation Student Program was an invaluable opportunity for our students to connect with industry leaders, gain insights into the latest retail trends and explore career pathways beyond the classroom,” Dr. Opiri said. “Exposure to real-world applications of their studies, including advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, helps bridge the gap between education and industry, inspiring them to think innovatively about their futures.”
Dr. Opiri said attending this conference enhances students’ understanding of business operations, marketing strategies and crucial leadership skills, as well as the latest technology in the industry. It also allows them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, preparing them to be competitive in the job market.
Charles, a senior majoring in merchandising, textiles and design, said the trip to New York expanded her educational and professional horizons. She feels she has a much better understanding of the retail industry now.
“My main takeaway from the National Retail Federation Conference is the new career perspective I obtained,” she said. “All the speakers were very transparent about their beginnings before achieving success, which gave me complete confidence in my future. I now see there is space for everyone to succeed in retail.”
After graduation, Charles plans to work as a merchandise displayer for a large chain store such as Lowe’s Home Improvement, Home Depot or Home Goods.
Chambo, a sophomore majoring in computer science, said one of the most impactful aspects of the event was learning how technology, specifically digital twin technology, is used in the retail industry.
“It was amazing to realize how pivotal technology is to the life cycle of products,” he said. “I was fascinated to learn how they predict and adapt to trends in style using this technology. I also was intrigued by discussions on leveraging data analytics to drive personalized marketing strategies and improve customer experiences.”
He said he appreciated hearing Best Buy representatives talk about how they have implemented AI in their website to help with customer interactions with certain products.
“Aside from the tech segments, the program also emphasized the importance of leadership and adaptability in a rapidly changing business environment,” Chambo said. “Additionally, the networking opportunities allowed me to connect with professionals and fellow students, providing valuable insights into current trends and future innovations in retail.”
After graduation, he plans to work as a software engineer. In the meantime, he is working to gain skills that can be transferred to any role of his choice.
“I’m particularly interested in positions where I can contribute to developing customer-centric strategies and integrating advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency,” he said. “Whether it’s within a leading retail organization or a forward-thinking startup, I look forward to being at the forefront of transforming the retail landscape.”
Shimo, also a sophomore student of computer science and the 2025 NRF student program ambassador at UAPB, said his main takeaway from the conference was that AI is revolutionizing retail.
“Being in attendance for this program makes me feel like I can go so far,” he said. “There is space for everyone to succeed in retail. Attending the NRF foundation inspires, opens minds and gives inside knowledge.”
He attended sessions on AI-driven personalization, predictive analytics and automation.
“It was incredible to see how companies use technology to enhance customer experiences,” he said. “I’ve always viewed AI from a more technical perspective, but NRF
opened my eyes to its real-world business applications, from chatbots handling customer service to AI optimizing supply chains.”
Beyond the technology, Shimo was struck by the importance of storytelling in marketing.
“I attended a session where retail executives spoke about how brands connect with customers on an emotional level – something that data alone can’t accomplish,” he said. “This gave me a fresh perspective on how businesses leverage psychology and technology together.”
He also appreciated the chance to network at the event.
“Meeting industry leaders, fellow students and recruiters was inspiring and eye-opening,” he said. “I had the chance to talk to professionals from significant retail and tech companies such as Kohl’s, Walmart, Amazon and Target. Hearing about their career journeys reassured me that there are many paths to success. The best advice I received? Stay adaptable and always be open to learning.”
After graduation, Shimo sees himself working in AI development, data science or software engineering, ideally in a field in which technology drives innovation. He wants to be part of a team using AI to solve real-world problems in retail, healthcare or financial technology. In the long term, he is also interested in entrepreneurship.
“This conference showed me that the best innovations often come from people who think outside the box,” he said. “More than anything, this experience reaffirmed that I want to keep
learning, building and pushing boundaries. I’m incredibly grateful to the NRF Foundation for this opportunity, and I hope to use what I’ve learned to impact my future career.”
The travel expenses for this experiential learning opportunity were partially supported by grant funding from 1890 Capacity Building Grants project ARX012020-11182. The 1890 Capacity Building Grants (CBG) program, administered by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), aims to strengthen teaching, research and Extension programs in food and agricultural sciences by building the institutional capacity of 1890 land-grant institutions.
