Scholarship By the Numbers
SCHOLARSHIPS WERE AWARDED
TOTAL AWARDED
India Harper- Indianapolis
I come from humble beginnings in a single parent household. Often, we didn’t have enough money for food, or clothing but my mother and grandmother had always pushed me to accomplish my dreams no matter the circumstance. I am the first person in my family to graduate from high school as well as post-secondary education, and I’ve done so with one dream in mind.
My dream is to create a one-stop shop Beauty Bar and to bring a level of luxury Service and employment opportunities in the beauty industry to underserved communities. In order to accomplish this dream additional schooling is necessary for proper training to manage employees and business affairs. I’ve decided to attend Indiana Wesleyan University, a wonderful Christian college with focus on the working adult.
believe in my dream wholeheartedly and plan to stop at nothing to make my beauty bar a reality. My humble beginnings have prepared me with the drive and tenacity to overcome any obstacles that I may face. Investing in me by gifting this scholarship to me will not be taken lightly, and I’m prepared for the uphill battle in this new journey of entrepreneurship.
Sam Norris – Indianapolis
Everyday, for the past few years, I have enjoyed my life of being a dad to my amazing kids, a mentor in my local community, and having a career that continues to give me opportunities to explore the amenities of what the world has to offer. February in the year 2020 changed all of that. The world had now been faced with a pandemic known as the CoronaVirus (COIVID-19). This resulted in mandated business shutdowns, travel bans, and families forced to stay confined into their homes. Due to the extreme pressure caused by the pandemic, the country saw an increase in violent acts, one being domestic violence. States, such as Indiana (the state I reside), were reporting more cases than normal. In return, the want to assist law enforcement in resolving the crisis our communities were experiencing became a priority.
Allow me to introduce myself, I am Sam Norris, the founder and CEO of SafeHouse Protection better known as ShP (pronounced shop). We at Shp work with the local police department’s special task units that handles all the domestic violence and witness protection cases. We do this with providing services that either secure their clients’ homes from further intrusions or relocating them to a new location.
In addition, our start up would not have been as easy and possible if it wasn’t for the Julie Marie Scholarship and the partnership with both the Mayor’s office and local police department. Now making a difference in the community is no longer an illusive dream but a tangled reality.
Lawrne Owens – Indianapolis
My name is Lawrne Owens and I’ve been with Midwest Fashion Week for about 9 years. Mutual colleagues of Berny Martin and I connected us while I was attending Ball State University. I interned to gain experience for my major in Public Relations. I started off as a social media management intern and then hired on contractually. I gain more knowledge of the fashion Industry and how to communicate effectively with its audience. I now decided to join the beauty industry by opening my own online beauty supply store, Cutie’s Beauty Supply. I was fortunate to receive financial support from the Midwest Fashion Week team to launch my business. I am forever grateful for the love and support this organization has shown me over the years. I wish to continue a long lasting partnership with them.
Lashay Sutton – Indianapolis
I am a 23 year old entrepreneur! I graduated high school in 2016 and went to Ivy Tech Community College for nursing. After realizing nursing wasn’t for me I came to the conclusion that I would rather work for myself than for others. In September of 2019 I came up with my own organically made lip care line that is made to soften the lips and is intended to make each and everyone of my customers look and feel beautiful! Shortly after starting my business I switched my major over to entrepreneurship. Since then I’ve become the CEO of MAJJESTY llc. and I truly enjoy every bit of being a business owner.
Foundation Wake-up Stand-up – Paris, France
Muna Beauty Makeup Course – Hargeisa, Somaliland
The Julie Scholarship Program, started in 2020, enables the promotion of sustainable community-based reintegration and access to employment among migrant and vulnerable women in Somaliland. Together with partner Muna Beauty Makeup Artistry, this scholarship program helps to increase the visibility for established independent fashion beauty artists and entrepreneurs.
Makeup, fashion, and style have become a prominent way for African women of all skin.
tones and shapes to look and feel good about themselves. Additionally, as the way society views women is changing, there is a high demand for women to learn skills for accessing financial freedom and living independent lifestyles. Civil society groups and government officials alike in Somaliland are continuously seeking to change communities’ attitudes towards creative studies and women business owners while finding opportunities to elevate women in these fields.
While elevating women in this industry, we are also working to promote racial equity within Somaliland and internationally. Many communities and tribes within Somaliland believe white skin is the beauty standard people should aspire to achieve. As a result, many Africans use harmful creams to bleach their skins and practice other unsafe measures to try and change their appearances. Black-Somali women struggle with finding their makeup foundation shades because beauty companies purposely leave them out. Partnering with Muna Beauty Artistry enables Fashion Community Foundation scholarship participants to take their makeup course to teach students about colorism, practicing safe beauty regimens, and learning to love your skin.
The FCF Julie Scholarship program also has a handpicked team of artists, creatives, and designers from different communities to teach students a series of art, fashion, photography, and other beauty workshops. The work showcases fashion and beauty in Somaliland, and students have the opportunity to present their work in a live auction for building their art portfolios.
This scholarship is dedicated to and named after Julie Franz, Berny Martin’s spouse, to enable her to live out her passion for continuing to support this community.
Notable Acknowledgements
The generous contribution from Muna Beauty and Fashion Community Foundation was remarkable and highly respected among us. I want you to know that you are a valued family member of Golis University, that we are so lucky to have you!
Dr. Abdi Gass
President of Golis University
The outstanding achievement from Muna Beauty and Fashion Community Foundation is helping make our city efficient, innovative, and more tourist friendly by tackling tough challenges; helping young women graduate, creating job opportunities, supporting families, and preserving our economy. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for being a shining example for others to follow.
Mohamed Ali Bile
Director General, Presidency of Somaliland Republic