Name: Evelin (Szymborn) Simmons
Position/Institution: Director of UMass System Trademark and Licensing Administration
Number of years in your position: 7 total years in Licensing, 3 as the Director
Alma Mater(s): University of Massachusetts Amherst (Flagship Campus)
Hometown: Hadley, MA
1. Why did you become involved in ICLA?
Originally, I was on track to be a Physical Therapist, but took a part-time job in the licensing department and fell in love with the world of brand licensing; the rest is history.
2. How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
I rave about this fun group of industry professionals ALL THE TIME. Without their guidance and inspiration, I would've stayed the course and become a DPT. Thanks to ICLA's resources and its community, I decided to stay and see our program develop and how I could personally give back to my Alma Mater through the lens of a Licensing Director.
3. If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
A HVAC system controller that works (old building, haha). I regularly sport sample sherpa pullovers and blankets that keep me warm at my desk, thanks to our licensees!
4. What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
The biggest challenge is having to keep "fashion" restricted at our on-campus college store(s). Administrators prefer to see formal brand architecture despite what our consumers are telling us. This is something we constantly need to justify with sell-through numbers to keep ANY fashion trends on the sales floor each semester.
5. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
The most important skill I've developed is saying no and sticking to it. I was often asked to bend policies and guidelines early in my career; those decisions have come back to bite me. Also, strive to be authentic and confident in what your mission is, it'll see you through the tough conversations.
6. What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
I would be a rower, again.
7. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
People usually come to me for color matching, branding advice or where to start with trademark applications.
8. Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
I knew this was the place for me after having the opportunity to get to know our passionate, quirky and inspirational licensees, buyers and fellow licensing directors – my tribe!
9. Who has been the most influential person in your career?
My predecessor, Dave has been the most influential person in my career. He always led by example and taught me to trust my instincts.
10. If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I'd definitely read more and learn another language if I had extra time.
11. Who's your role model? Why?
Chrissy Teigen is my role model because she is a free-spirited, family-oriented, loving mother, wife and daughter whose interests have evolved to include activism, humor, love of cooking and fashion.
12. What's your favorite quote?
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." – Ferris Bueller
13. What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is confirmation bias in the workplace. Challenge yourself and others around you to engage in discourse.
14. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal a for?
I would have a good chance at winning a medal for parallel parking.
15. What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field of collegiate licensing?
Alternate imaging yourself in the shoes of a current student, a faculty member and an alum. What will memorialize these "golden years" for them?
16. In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future?
I believe collegiate licensing is headed towards a self-sustaining, independent model.
17. What is your favorite family tradition?
My favorite family tradition is "Wigilia" Polish Christmas Eve dinner where the emphasis is always on good cooking, our faith and appreciating one another.
18. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it?
I'm embarrassingly good at identifying pantone colors in public to people who literally don't know what I'm talking about...
19. What percentage of your work-week is spent in your office?
80%
20. What are you most looking forward to at the next ICLA Convention or Winter Symposium?
I am most looking forward to hearing about new student engagement ideas and emerging trends!
