How has attending an HBCU set you up for success?
Attending an HBCU has set me up for success because it has allowed me to connect with so many people in interesting fields, I'd never thought I'd have the access to. For example, I would have never found out about a program as special as this had I not joined HU B.R.A.G and I am forever greatful for that opportunity.
What inspired you to apply for the "Celebrating Fashion Future" program?
I really wanted to apply to the Celebrating Fashion's Future because I am extremely passionate about the cosmetic and retail industry and I've always wanted to explore it on a professional level. I knew that I wanted to learn more about project management, marketing strategies, and an overall understanding of the behinds-the-scenes of successfully promoting products and maintaining a strong presence.
What drives you? Share your passions, values, or a defining experience that shaped who you are today.
What drives me is always keeping my end goals in mind. I know that I want to have an internship with a major fashion company between my next two summers. I also know that my family is supporting me and always has my best interest at heart and I want to make them proud. My most important values such as my passion, advocating for myself, and always walking confidently in my purpose from my mother and father.
How do you see yourself as part of Fashion's future? What unique perspective or contribution will you bring to the industry?
I see myself as a part of fashions future by making creative outlets and opportunities such as this available to everybody regarless of race, social class, familiar background, etc. I would love for programs like this to extend to inner city high schools especially to show that there is space for black and brown people to dominate and excel in creative corporate industries.
What excites you about the intersection of entrepreneurship and corporate careers, and how do you see yourself navigating both worlds?
What excites me both is having access to certain materials and resources that I may not have had outside of a corporate space that could help me with my entrepreneurial endeavors. For example, I plan to relaunch my shopify page now and properly market my art so that it can begin to reach a broader scope of people.
How has this program helped you grow personally and what's one insight you're taking with you for the future?
This program has helped me grow personally because now I actually understand how to navigate shopify and make it work to my advantage. A key insight that I will be taking with me is to continue to take advantage of every opportunity, always ask questions, make meaningful connections, and express your goals as you never know who can be of support to you or also have a common interest.
How does your campus Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) create community and opportunity for students?
Howard University's B.R.A.G creates community and opportunity for its students by hosting events that are not only entertaining and great learning experiences, but also provide insight into the in's and out's of corporate retail spaces. We support one another when we are accomplishing things and we also share opportunities relating to everyone's interest to make sure everyone has acess to achieving their goals.
