My Journey through the Kroc School
Since high school, I knew I wanted to create a brand that was both creative and had a social impact. I knew what I wanted to create, but had no idea how to get there. The master’s in social innovation program at the Kroc School was transformational in organizing my ideas into realistic, measurable building blocks. In my first semester, I learned the various structures of social entrepreneurship, took a class called ‘Finance for Social Change,’ and was able to create what would become the first rough draft pitch deck for Rehumanize.
Jessica Schwartz (MASI '24) modeling one of her clothing pieces from her brand, Rehumanize
Reimagining Capitalism cemented the idea that businesses have a transformational role to play in catalyzing social change and a responsibility to people and the planet. My favorite professor and now mentor, Dr. Juan Roche, completely changed the trajectory of my life with his unwavering belief in me. After a successful career in corporate America, he came to understand the importance of long-term decision-making, centered on empowering people and protecting the planet.
Jessica Schwartz (MASI '24) pictured with Professor Juan F. Roche post-graduations
To learn from someone with that experience and character has been the greatest privilege. Without his mentorship and support, I never would have been brave enough to take this leap. I was also lucky enough to be a graduate assistant for the Changemaker Hub under JC Rivas and alongside amazing students. The skills and mindset I developed there play into my brand on a daily basis. Even one year out, the community at the Kroc School is still a source of encouragement and sustenance. From modeling my pieces to former students reaching out to work for the brand, to showing up at my markets, my fellow students have been incredibly supportive. I came to the Kroc School with an idea and a dream, and the people there helped me translate into a reality.
Rehumanize: How an idea turned into a passion
It feels like the brand came alive very slowly over a long period of time, and then suddenly all at once. Pieces of the brand have been around and growing with me for years, but the Kroc School really helped draw the photo into focus. It was in San Diego that I began to learn to sew together the pieces (literally and metaphorically). The brand officially incorporated in January 2025 and debuted at LA Climate Week in March 2025.
The first official collection launched this summer centers on reworked discarded ties. Once symbolic of corporate conformity and power, this collection reimagines not only the ties themselves, but the idea that business must be exploitative and disconnected to be successful. These pieces speak to a new kind of leadership, one that prioritizes people and the planet.
Arriving at a critical juncture in history where people are beginning to question the social roles and responsibilities of businesses, the future of Rehumanize contains an ocean of possibilities. As an emerging author in this new era of fashion’s responsibility, the brand was lucky enough to be able to have a seat at the table at the United Nations Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla, Spain.
We believe circular fashion can catalyze sustainable development both economically, socially, and environmentally. As well as searching for partners in the NGO spaces, Rehumanize has recently struck up a partnership with another sustainable clothing brand Kornelija Art and is working on an exciting new project (more info coming soon!!) If you had told me I would be where I am now a year ago, I would have never believed it was possible. But my mentor did, and his support along with my Kroc family’s has made all the difference.
Why starting a mission-driven project was important to me
Not only is it the right human thing to do, but it is the smarter choice! People resonate with values, not money, and in a word that is increasingly detached, mission driven brands are more important than ever. Being purpose driven has opened so many doors for partnerships and collaborations with other innovators in the climate and fashion space that a traditional brand would never have. I believe the future of business has not only a fiduciary responsibility to society, but a social and environmental one as well.
What I have learned as a Kroc School AlumNI
The people and relationships at Kroc (or anywhere) are your most vital asset both personally and professionally! The relationships you make with professors, your cohort, anyone you cross paths with on campus, will outlast the impact of any individual test or paper. The diversity of life experiences, ages and countries is part of what makes Kroc so special. The life experiences and stories shared adds new dimensions of complexity that could never come from a book. The experiences and stories from friends opens your heart and mind in a new way. I also think its beautiful that every student has a specific area of passion.
Everyone comes to Kroc with a different lens and to be able to look at the world from their eyes is a gift that doesn’t leave when you graduate. It's not some magical outside force that changes people, it's people that change people. I truly think that relationships are the most powerful catalysts of change.
I would also encourage people to remember that the professors are people too! The relationships with professors are not only super advantageous to your career, but also cultivate into beautiful friendships. Professor Roche is still my mentor, number 1 supporter, and the “grandpa” of my brand! His support and kindness towards me has meant the world to me. He introduced me to countless opportunities, invaluable connections, and multiple jobs, but nothing has meant more to me than his belief in me. It's relationships like these that have changed my life.
