Kalina Deng ’17: Interrogating Identity Through Research

Kalina Deng's bachelor's degree in philosophy prepared her to flourish in the intellectual community of Parsons' MA Fashion Studies program. Her faculty mentors, at the forefront of a growing field, encouraged Deng to draw on her experience as an immigrant growing up in rural Mississippi in her investigations of race, identity, and self-presentation.

The support catalyzed Deng's creative research practice, which is inclusive, social justice focused, and multidimensional. The diverse initiatives she is undertaking today have attracted considerable attention. She describes the university culture as "encouraging you to move beyond theory and do.” Deng's path embodies that concept: Her thesis explores dressing strategies for assimilation among immigrant women, and she advises clients of an immigration law firm on their mode of dress for interactions with government officials. She also consults on management and human capital and inclusion strategies.