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Sekai Reid

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Marketing

Sophomore

Marketing

Sophomore

What inspired you to apply for the "Celebrating Fashion Future" program?

I was inspired to apply for the Celebrating Fashion’s Future program because I saw it as an opportunity to enter a field that truly inspires me. Fashion has always interested me not only as a creative industry, but as a powerful space for storytelling, branding, and cultural influence. As a business student, I’m eager to learn how innovation and strategy work together within fashion, and this program offers hands-on exposure, industry insight, and mentorship that align with my long-term goals and passion for building impactful brands.

What drives you? Share your passions, values, or a defining experience that shaped who you are today.

What drives me is curiosity and the need to build something meaningful. I’m motivated by spaces where creativity and strategy come together, especially when the work has cultural relevance and real impact. Navigating demanding academics, leadership roles, and professional opportunities has taught me resilience, self-trust, and the importance of intentional decision-making. Those experiences shaped my values around integrity, growth, and accountability. I’m driven by the challenge of learning continuously, contributing thoughtfully, and pushing myself beyond what’s comfortable while staying true to my goals and sense of purpose.

How do you see yourself as part of Fashion's future?

I see myself contributing to fashion’s future through my ability to understand people and translate that into relevance. I’m highly observant and naturally attentive to how different audiences express themselves, what resonates with them, and what feels authentic. That skill allows me to help shape ideas, products, and messaging that truly suit the consumer rather than forcing trends. Whether working directly in fashion or adjacent industries, I’ll continue to celebrate personal style by curating, interpreting, and elevating fashion in ways that feel intentional, inclusive, and reflective of the people it’s meant to serve.

How does your campus Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) create community and opportunity for students?

The Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) builds community by bringing students together around shared interests in retail, fashion, and business. Through workshops, speaker events, and brand partnerships, BRAG creates access to industry professionals and real-world opportunities. It also fosters peer support and mentorship, helping students build confidence, skills, and networks while encouraging them to see themselves represented and successful in the industry.

How has attending an HBCU set you up for success?

Attending an HBCU didn’t introduce me to representation—I grew up seeing Black excellence across many walks of life—but it reinforced the power of being immersed in it daily. That constant visibility strengthens confidence, expands perspective, and removes limits on what feels possible. Being in an environment where excellence is expected and supported has sharpened my sense of purpose and ambition, helping me approach academic and professional spaces with clarity, confidence, and an understanding of how far my mind can go.

MEET THE SCHOLARS

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