Growing up in New York City, Eva Zuckerman was immersed in its creative culture at a very young age. This strengthened her desire to pursue a career in design and pour her heart into an application for The Cooper Union. She continues to draw inspiration for her Eva Fehren jewelry from the city’s unique architecture. Her aesthetic allows women to build looks that are personally relevant and unique to them.

What is one piece of advice that you would give someone who is at the start of their career?

I think it’s important to completely invest yourself in your work, take risks and get as many experiences as you can when you are at the beginning of your career. It was also incredibly important to me to have strong female mentors who guided me as I hit bumps along the way, and taught me what it meant to be an ambitious professional woman. Find teachers who inspire you.

Who is your most admired cultural heroine? Why?

Marina Abramovic is my heroine. I admire her creativity, strength, and fearlessness. She is not afraid to show the world who she is.

What moment, in your career or personal life, are you most proud of?

I think the moment in my life that made me most proud was when I found out that I had been accepted into The Cooper Union. The application was really rigorous, and I was warned by many that it was a long shot, and not to get my hopes up.  I had always felt that I had promise as an artist, but wasn’t really sure if I had the skill to go to an art school of that caliber.  The validation for my hard work was overwhelming, and it felt like the door had been opened for me to follow my dreams.

Women’s roles in society have changed dramatically over the past several decades. How have these changes had a personal impact on you?

I am very lucky to have always felt like I had the freedom to make my own choices and follow any career path, regardless of my gender.  I know that this is because of the many sacrifices and struggles of women in past generations and I do not take it for granted. I am proud to be a female entrepreneur, and am grateful to the women who opened these doors for me.

What future goals do you have for yourself?

Balance.