On November 1, 2025, four San Diego Mesa College Fashion Design students — Tiara Daring, Edwin Alba, Liliia Derkach, and Vanessa Felix — were selected to participate in the Laguna Art Museum’s (LAM) Upcycled Couture Fashion Show.
Connie Renda, MA, RHIA, CHDA, Program Director and Assistant Professor for Health Information Technology and Management, was recognized by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) with the prestigious Leadership Award.
We are excited to share the members of Generation Hope's California Presidents Circle, the first in a new national initiative designed to equip higher education executives with tools, data, and peer support to truly champion parenting students and their families.
Women’s volleyball at Mesa College is on a spike. In the spring, the Olympians won the state beach volleyball title after winning the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference title for a fourth straight year.
November 10, 2025

On November 1, 2025, four San Diego Mesa College Fashion Design students — Tiara Daring, Edwin Alba, Liliia Derkach, and Vanessa Felix — were selected to participate in the Laguna Art Museum’s (LAM) Upcycled Couture Fashion Show.
Now in its second year, the annual runway event combines community, creativity, and environmental awareness. This year’s theme, Restoring the Future, challenged students to create one-of-a-kind sustainable couture pieces that highlight the many ways local partners are making a difference in the community and beyond.


Students first applied through a portfolio and interview process. Once accepted, they were paired with a local corporation focused on sustainability and tasked with designing a garment inspired by their partner organization, using only repurposed and recycled materials. Their final looks were then showcased in a public fashion show at the LAM.

Mesa College Fashion Faculty member Jordyn Smiley shared proudly that the designers’ looks were “so creative and really highlighted sustainability in fashion.”
Mesa College is proud to celebrate these students’ achievements, which reflect the goals outlined in the Mesa2030 Strategic Plan—to prioritize environmental justice and sustainability, reduce the college’s carbon footprint, and allocate resources toward increasing student access, success, and equity across all groups.
Tags: San Diego Mesa College Fashion Program, laguna art museum
Anabell Pulido
Director of Communications
[email protected]
(619) 388-2759