Work experience
New York, NY
Who Decides War
Womenswear Designer
Assisted designers Ev Bravado and Tela D’Amore with concept development, draping, and patternmaking for SS25 and FW25 collections. Helped coordinate brand collaborations with Air Jordan, Levi’s, and Spotify, ensuring brand identity stayed strong. Designed custom pieces for celebrities at the Met Gala, Coachella, the Grammys, and the Oscars.
New York, NY
Diesel / OTB
Corporate Assistant
Supported Matteo Lena and Stephanie Napoleon in managing operations at Diesel USA HQ and designer brands Jil Sander, Marni, and Maison Margiela. Handled shipping and receiving for stylist pulls, celebrity fittings, and brand events. Planned and executed company-wide events, surveys, and parties.
New York, NY
Coinpocketstudio
Pattern Maker
Designed, patterned, cut, and sewed samples for factory production, ranging from ready-to-wear to couture. Created and updated cutter’s musts using Illustrator and Excel, coordinating with factories in nine countries. Advised designers on cost-effective, time-efficient production strategies. Clients included LaRaque, Two Bodies, Leman Mercer, Erin Reitz, Krikorian, and DoubleK NY.
New York, NY
Yeohlee
Design Intern
Acted as lead design assistant to Yeohlee Teng, supporting concept development and directing communication with the sample factory. Led the planning and creative direction of archival pulls, styling, and brand campaigns. Managed digital presence across website, social media, and newsletters, crafting brand messaging for events, sales, and launches.
New York, NY
Isaboko
Design Intern
Worked with designer Isabella Kostrzewa on concept development, prototyping, and patterning using draping, flat patterning, and Adobe Illustrator. Developed zero-waste patterning techniques and integrated scrap fabric into final garments. Led brand identity translation into a digital platform, overseeing website design and launch.
Cuiabá, Brazil
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Religious Missionary
Serving under President Gibran Zoccoli, I led multiple missionary districts in the Cuiabá Brazil Mission, managing teams, setting performance goals, and coordinating community outreach and events. Trained missionaries in communication, teaching, and leadership, driving a 200% increase in baptisms through targeted outreach and team development.
Kind words
What has impressed me most about Pono is his extraordinary dedication. While working full-time with us and pursuing his studies full-time at Parsons, he consistently brought unwavering focus, professionalism, and a genuine passion for his craft to every project. His ability to balance both commitments without ever compromising the quality of his work speaks volumes about his work ethic and character.
