Lynn Fashion management graduate finds new meaning in social media advocacy

Cayetana Uranga ’12 has accomplished everything people told her she couldn’t. Throughout her 37 years, she learned English, graduated from Lynn University with a bachelor’s degree in fashion management, successfully opened a store and manages to live on her own. Uranga continues to defy the odds and refuses to let a birth condition stop her from achieving her dreams.

Uranga was born with Cerebral Palsy (CP), an unpredictable result of her umbilical cord wrapping around her neck and cutting off oxygen to her brain.

“When I was nine, we moved from Peru to the United States and doctors told my mom I’d never be able to learn another language,” said Uranga. “But I was always a very determined kid and three years later, I was speaking English with all my school friends. My mother never treated me any differently than my sisters. I grew up with the attitude of ‘yes, I can.’”

Several years—and two languages— later, Uranga worked her way to high school honors classes, graduated, earned scholarships, and received an Associate of Arts at Palm Beach Community College.

Her sights were then set on her lifelong dream to become a fashion merchandiser. Filled with determination and excitement, Uranga applied to a fashion program at an institute she had long admired—only to face disappointment and adversity once again.

“While I was finishing up the application, the institute’s administration staff called me in for a meeting and suggested I change my career path because of my condition,” Uranga recalled. “They were concerned I wouldn’t be able to pass the sewing course. I left that meeting in tears and withdrew my application—but I wasn’t giving up on my goal. That’s when I applied to Lynn.”

Uranga was accepted to Lynn’s fashion management program and offered a scholarship. At Lynn, she gained career experience and made lifelong friends.

“I enjoyed every minute of it, participating in Lynn’s fashion show, learning about the history of fashion and runway trends, and so much more,” she said. “The classes were challenging, and my teachers didn’t treat me any differently. I learned so much.”

Fashion and retail Professor Lisa Benedict recalls teaching Uranga and helping her work fashion show events. “While I did challenge her, she had to challenge herself. As a professor, you encourage all your students to excel and be their absolute best,” she said.

Uranga secured a public relations internship with Bloomingdale’s and worked major events throughout South Florida, including Miami Fashion Week and a charity fashion show at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. The experience would pay off and come full circle post-graduation when Uranga opened her own bikini shop, Lolita’s Beachwear, and showcased the brand at Miami Swim Week.