Vault Spotlight: Founders Melina Zarboulas and Marlo Pulliam
Written by Safa Razvi
From the very beginning, Melina and Marlo knew The Vault would be more than just a student club; it would become a living, breathing community, shaped by creativity, ambition and a shared passion for fashion and art. The two, now alumni, reflect on their earliest meetings with nostalgia, remembering the Chipotle on State Street they closed out, where the first sparks of The Vault ignited. “We didn’t know if anyone would even show up to our first meeting,” Melina admits. Even as just a handful of people, they were already imagining the impact the club could have, not just as a space for networking, but as a family where students could explore and express themselves fully. Those initial meetings, stressed over Ian's pizza orders or attendance, now stand out as some of their most cherished memories. Watching the club grow from those intimate beginnings into a thriving organization, with over 500 members in three years, has been a source of immense pride for both of them.
Equally meaningful are the smaller, intimate moments that often get overlooked: the fun times during planning sessions, the late nights putting together outfits from scraps of fabric or the chaotic backstage moments when models had to be dressed and directed with little notice. “We were literally sitting till the end of the day putting together pieces so that it would come together,” says Marlo. “You see everyone come together, and it’s just so special to watch.” These experiences, sometimes stressful in the moment, have become the stories they cherish most, evidence of how passion and teamwork can transform their biggest obstacles into ones of pride. Along with running one of the campus’s most popular clubs, Marlo and Melina were also full-time students. When asked to sum up their college experiences in a headline, Marlo chose “Let’s Get Weird: Embracing the Differences,” while Melina’s, “All Over the Place, Chaotic, Crazy,” captured their time at UW–Madison.
Even post-graduation, the spirit of The Vault continues to influence them. Marlo described her summer as a return to creative hobbies like collaging with vintage magazines, jewelry-making with dried fruits and flowers and playing guitar, activities that reconnect her to the artistic curiosity that first drew her to fashion. She also navigates new adventures, from moving to New York in the next two weeks to doing PR and creative marketing for Andrea Reynders, a former Vault workshop leader. Melina thrives in New York as well, working in partnerships for Shopbop, an Amazon retail subsidiary with offices in NYC and Madison, and one of the first partners to work with The Vault. She calls it “full circle,” going from Madison to Manhattan to work for her favorite company, especially when a coworker asked if she knew about “this fashion club at UW called The Vault,” only to find out she was the founder. The skills, confidence and opportunities brought out by The Vault have equipped them to embrace these transitions, turning overwhelming moments into occasions for growth.
The Vault’s legacy is as much about inclusivity and community as it is about the events it produces. Marlo and Melina express how proud they are of the new leaders Annelise McDonald, Vesa Ljumani, Elena Bui and Lilly Hartzell, who are carrying the club forward. These four are bringing brilliant fresh ideas to the table, whether it’s incorporating live dancers into the next fashion show or forming incredible partnerships. “We’re so proud that the mission of this club has resonated with people who want to carry it forward. What Annelise, Vesa, Elena and Lilly are doing is so inspiring. Seeing photos from the first fashion show meeting filled us with so much pride - it’s the culmination of these girls’ hard work, and they amaze me every day,” Melina shares. Every semester adds a new layer to The Vault’s evolving story, and yet, the core remains: a space where students can connect, experiment and feel truly included.
Looking back, Melina and Marlo emphasize the Vault’s most enduring impact isn’t the fashion shows or the picture-perfect moments—it’s the friendships, the shared laughter and the knowledge that this is a place where students can be unapologetically themselves. Melina hopes The Vault continues to differentiate itself each year, growing stronger as new leaders bring their own vision and drive toward greatness. She wants to preserve its inclusivity, emphasizing that it’s a family of people—not just a network or an experience—where everyone feels loved, included, and encouraged to stay present. Marlo is excited for new elements of art The Vault adds to the events it produces, embracing a “more is more” philosophy and values the importance of meeting in person to build connections. Melina says, “The Vault is more than fashion—it’s about finding your voice and your people.” It is a legacy of creativity and community, a club that has shaped countless lives and will continue to inspire student bodies for years to come.
