NDSU lecturer named design icon by Twin Cities magazine

Anna Lee, an NDSU lecturer in apparel, retail merchandising and design, recently was featured as in Mpls St. Paul Magazine’s “20 Icons” series, underscoring her influence in the Twin Cities fashion scene and reinforcing the value she brings to NDSU students.

The magazine’s profile describes Lee not only as a designer and hat-maker but also as a community builder who helped shape Minnesota’s local fashion infrastructure.

According to the article published on Sept. 11, Lee launched Workerby, a product-development studio in Northeast Minneapolis, and previously founded the label Ruby3 and the event series Voltage: Fashion Amplified. Those efforts are credited with helping build the foundation for what became Minnesota’s fashion weekend and amplifying visibility for emerging designers.

At NDSU, Lee helps bring that real-world experience into the classroom. Her recognition by the magazine signals to students that they are learning from a faculty member who is actively succeeding in the field.

“I love how things are ever evolving, but the one thing that stays true is people’s desire to create bold statements of what is possible, together, as a fashion community,” Lee told Mpls St. Paul Magazine.

Her story offers lessons for students in apparel, retail merchandising and design. By studying with Lee, students gain access to an educator who understands design trends, market realities and entrepreneurial leadership. They can build technical skills while also learning how to become leaders, collaborators and visionaries.

Lee’s background in launching design events and supporting local designer communities gives students a perspective into both creative and business dimensions of the fashion industry.

As the College of Arts and Sciences continues to emphasize mentorship, innovation and external engagement, Lee’s experience offers a powerful example of how NDSU is aligned with industry practices. For Lee, being honored as a design icon brings personal satisfaction and reinforces her commitment to teaching the next generation.

“When I doubt myself, I look back to what I wanted to create in the world and realize how much actually has come together,” she said.

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