Kaitlyn Foley
Alumni Office, Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors
FACS laid the foundation for Foley's path to U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Properties
- Major/year graduated
Fashion Merchandising, 2019
- Current occupation/location
Director of Ecommerce & Retail at United States Olympic & Paralympic Properties, Los Angeles
- What do you love about your current role?
This truly is my dream job! I get to do what I love while being part of something so much bigger than myself. Representing Team USA and helping to bring the Olympics to Los Angeles is an incredible honor. There’s no playbook for this role, but my previous experiences have prepared me to be pushed, challenged, and ultimately to thrive. I’m constantly thrown into areas of the industry I never imagined being part of — not only participating, but actively driving decisions. I love blending data-driven analytics with creativity, wearing multiple hats, problem-solving on the fly, and trusting my instincts as I navigate complex situations. Every day stretches me in new ways, and I’m proud of the retail program I’ve helped build along the way.
- How did your time at FACS help prepare you for your life or career?:
FACS laid the foundation for my retail industry knowledge and the path that followed. I learned how to wear many hats and develop knowledge across multiple industries and business functions. My experience at FACS was never limited to one area — I was exposed to the full scope of the business, learning to approach challenges from multiple angles and adapt quickly. The comprehensive variety of coursework provided me with the confidence to step into any situation, assess it from all perspectives, and continue learning and growing. It truly shaped the way I approach opportunities and challenges throughout my career.
- What advice would you give current students who aspire to a similar career?
If I could give advice, it would be these four things:
1. Be open to the unexpected. The path is rarely linear — especially in industries like retail, sports, or events. Some of the most valuable experiences in my career came from roles, projects, and challenges I never anticipated. Each one taught me something I still carry with me today.
2. Say yes to opportunities, even when they feel outside your comfort zone or job description. Be willing to learn, adapt, and problem-solve in real time. Stretching yourself in unfamiliar situations helps you think creatively, grow your skill set, and discover what you're capable of.
3. Build strong relationships. Your network will often open doors you didn’t even know existed. Don’t hesitate to seek advice, ask questions, and lean on others for guidance — more people are willing to help than you might expect. I wouldn’t have the opportunities or career I have today without the faith others placed in me, the chances they offered, and the support I was fortunate to receive along the way.
4. Remember that setbacks aren’t failures — they’re part of the process. There will be moments when things don’t go as planned, but those moments often lead to the biggest breakthroughs. Stay curious, stay resilient, and keep walking through every door until it closes. Trust that your path will come together in ways you may not see right away.
- What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were a student?
I wish I had known how valuable it is to stay open and fully engaged within classes, subjects and projects — even when they did not seem directly applicable to what I thought I wanted to do after graduation. You never know which skills or perspectives will end up shaping your path in unexpected ways.
When I was at school. I had a clear vision of what I thought my career would look like. But the truth is: careers rarely follow a straight line. The classes you take, the internships you pursue, and even those random projects you might dismiss in the moment — they all contribute to building a set of skills and experiences you’ll draw on later, often in ways you couldn’t have predicted.
Some of the most valuable tools I use today came from those unexpected places. It’s not always about having absolute clarity on your end goal — it’s about staying engaged, curious, and open to learning. Every experience, especially the ones that push you outside your comfort zone, adds something meaningful to your toolkit.
Looking back, the broad exposure I had at FACS and UGA provided a foundation I continue to lean on in ways I never anticipated. So I encourage you not to get too focused on having a set plan — avoid tunnel vision and instead focus on building skills, gaining experiences, and developing knowledge that will serve you in ways you might not yet see. Trust the process — your path will continue to unfold as you grow.
