What inspired you to apply for the "Celebrating Fashion Future" program?
I was inspired to apply for the Celebrating Fashion’s Future program because of my genuine passion for fashion and the direction the industry is moving in. As a business marketing major with a strong interest in fashion and retail, I am excited by how brands evolve, connect with consumers, and adapt to new trends. Also, to better understand how brands like Steve Madden translate creativity commercially. The opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals and gain real world exposure stood out to me as a valuable way to better understand how fashion businesses operate behind the scenes. I am especially drawn to the program’s focus on innovation, representation, and preparing emerging talent, which strongly aligns with my interest in shaping the future of fashion.
What drives you? Share your passions, values, or a defining experience that shaped who you are today.
What drives me is the ability to turn ideas into something tangible and meaningful. A defining experience for me was leading my NuFashion senior passion project, where I designed and produced 19 original garments and organized a runway show attended by over 500 people. Seeing a concept move from an idea to a fully executed experience showed me the power of creativity paired with discipline, teamwork, and strategy.
I am driven by curiosity, growth, and the desire to create work that resonates with people while being thoughtful about its impact. I value collaboration, representation, and sustainability, and I am motivated by environments that challenge me to learn and evolve. Those experiences shaped my interest in the fashion industry and continue to push me to build a future where creativity and business work together with purpose.
How do you see yourself as part of Fashion's future?
I see myself as part of fashion’s future by helping bridge creativity and business in a way that feels intentional, inclusive, and forward thinking. With a background in business marketing and hands on experience designing and producing a full fashion collection, I understand both the creative process and the strategy required to bring ideas to life. That balance allows me to approach fashion not just as art, but as a business that shapes culture and consumer behavior.
My unique perspective comes from having worked at every stage of the process, from concept development and sustainability focused design decisions to marketing, promotion, and live presentation. I am especially interested in how brands connect with audiences through storytelling, trend awareness, and authentic representation. Whether through brand strategy, retail, or creative collaboration, I hope to contribute to an industry that values innovation, responsibility, and individuality while continuing to celebrate personal style as a form of self expression and confidence.
How does your campus Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) create community and opportunity for students?
My campus Black Retail Action Group creates community by providing a space where students interested in fashion, retail, and business can connect, feel represented, and support one another. It brings together students with shared interests while also welcoming different backgrounds, encouraging collaboration and open conversation.
BRAG creates opportunity by offering access to industry focused events, professional development, and networking with brands and professionals like those from Steve Madden, who reflect the diversity of the industry. Through workshops, panels, and hands on experiences, students gain exposure to career paths that may not always be visible on campus. The organization empowers members to build confidence, develop skills, and see themselves as future leaders in fashion and retail.
How has attending an HBCU set you up for success?
Attending an HBCU has set me up for success by giving me a strong sense of confidence, community, and purpose. Being in an environment where excellence, culture, and leadership are celebrated has pushed me to fully step into my potential without feeling the need to shrink myself. I am constantly surrounded by peers and mentors who look like me, support me, and challenge me to aim higher.
An HBCU has also prepared me professionally by emphasizing leadership, resilience, and accountability. Through campus organizations, academic rigor, and exposure to culturally relevant opportunities, I have learned how to navigate spaces with confidence while staying grounded in who I am. That foundation has shaped how I approach my career goals and has equipped me with the tools to succeed in competitive industries like fashion and business.
