Starting with modeling classes, mentoring students has been a prominent part of this foundation’s principles since 2011. Fashion Community Foundation is committed to supporting and lifting others through mentoring as it is essential to moving the world towards a better future. Our approach to 1:1 mentoring is inclusive of teaching technical skills as well as soft skills to set young people up for independence through tangible work experience, financial support, and coaching. Below are a few examples of the professionals who have gotten their starts through our work and continue to spread our message of self-expression and inclusivity today.
I’ve been with the Midwest Fashion Week since its inception in 2009. I manage the model side of the house. I have had the privilege of scouting independent girls that have participated in MFW. It allowed me to develop, and place them with mother agencies and they are now in the bigger market. Some of these models are doing major campaigns for designers, editorial layouts in major magazines, commercial print, and much more. I do not think the opportunities presented to some models would have been possible without the opportunities, help, and guidance of the people associated with Midwest Fashion Week.
Pilar Ammons
Runway Coach and Modeling Scout
I’ve been with Midwest Fashion Week for about 8 years. I got involved by connecting with mutuals of Berny Martin to get more experience in the fashion industry. I started off as a social media marketing intern and then grew into several different roles such as Casting Coordination and model communication management.
Being with Midwest Fashion Week has brought me several opportunities to see other cities in the United States with assisting with fashion shows and even in countries like Paris. I’ve grown as a production staff member and have built a family with the team and couldn’t have been more grateful for the experiences we continue to have to grow globally and as a team.
Chelsea Short
Backstage Fashion/Model Coordinator
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 started off as a social media management intern and then hired on contractually.
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.
Lawrne Owens
Owner of Cutie’s Beauty Supply
Midwest Fashion Week is changing lives! I’ve witnessed some of the models who got their start with MFW go on to do great things. After sharing my love of photography with Berny, he aligned me with amazing local photographers who all helped advance my fashion photography skills. They’re literally making dreams come true!
T. Violet Hopkins
Photographer and Public Relations Specialist