What inspired you to apply for the "Celebrating Fashion Future" program?
What inspired me to apply for the Celebrating Fashion Future program was hearing overwhelmingly positive experiences from my peers who previously attended the Atlanta trip with Steve Madden x Shopify. Steve Madden has always stood out to me as a brand that values inclusivity, especially as one of the first brands that made professional fashion accessible for my taller body type. The brand has also been a staple in my family—my mother and aunts have worn Steve Madden for years. As a BRAG member, this felt like the perfect opportunity to gain a deeper, hands-on understanding of the fashion industry.
What drives you? Share your passions, values, or a defining experience that shaped who you are today.
What drives me is my love for people. From my family and friends to strangers I meet, I am constantly inspired by the different perspectives, cultures, and stories that shape who we are. I’ve always expressed myself through fashion and my wardrobe, drawn to the freedom it offers to explore identity without limits or barriers. This passion has shaped my creativity and empathy. Ultimately, I am driven by the desire to create a better life for the people around me by using creativity, connection, and purpose to uplift others.
How do you see yourself as part of Fashion's future?
I see myself as part of fashion’s future by using my voice to create pathways for others. Inspired by Dapper Dan’s message about the importance of speaking up, I come from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the home of Black Wall Street, with deep pride in my Black heritage and an understanding of how resilience can rise from tragedy. I want to show young boys and girls that their dreams are attainable. As someone pursuing marketing and PR, I value storytelling, representation, and visibility, and I aim to amplify diverse voices while celebrating fashion as a powerful form of expression.
How does your campus Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) create community and opportunity for students?
BRAG creates community and opportunity by always leading with open arms. Coming to campus as a naturally shy person, I initially struggled to speak up, even though I had a strong interest in exploring future career opportunities. From my first interest meeting, I felt an immediate sense of comfort and belonging, surrounded by diverse and creative students who made the space feel special. Through programs like this, BRAG pushes students outside of their comfort zones. Entering this experience without knowing anyone, the connections I have built in just a few days in New York have been truly life changing.
How has attending an HBCU set you up for success?
Attending an HBCU has set me up for success by allowing me to fully be myself in every area of my life. The cultural richness, pride, and sense of community create an environment where I feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow. At Howard University, I have been surrounded by Black excellence, leadership, and creativity that push me to dream bigger and move with confidence. The exposure to strong networks, mentorship, and shared ambition has shaped my identity and prepared me to enter professional spaces knowing my value and voice.
