Introducing a Bold New Mission for Ebony Fashion Week
Press Release |
December 9, 2024 – Federal Way, WA – Foster & Fashion, the pioneering organization founded by pageant queen, advocate, and foster alumni De’Vaughnn Williams, is proud to announce its official launch. Foster & Fashion aims to empower foster youth and alumni through creative expression, healing, and access to real-world opportunities in fashion, modeling, and cosmetology. Built on the belief that creative expression can spark healing and empowerment, Foster & Fashion merges advocacy, education, and opportunity for foster youth and alumni, giving them a platform to rewrite their stories and embrace their potential.
As part of this mission, Ebony Fashion Week (EFW)—founded by Williams in 2016—embarks on a bold transformation. The 2025 EFW showcase, to be held February 23, 2025, at Foss Waterway in Tacoma, will provide foster youth and alumni from all backgrounds a platform to gain hands-on experience, explore their creativity, and access career opportunities in the fashion industry, while celebrating their journey and resilience.
De’Vaughnn’s Story: From Foster Care to Foster Advocate
De’Vaughnn Williams’ journey is one of resilience and determination. Growing up in the Washington foster care system, she faced unimaginable challenges, including the upheaval of family separation. After returning to her biological family and later pursuing a career in pageantry, Williams achieved national recognition, earning five international titles and becoming a Goodwill Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Her experience inspired her to create Foster & Fashion as a way to give back to the foster care community.
“I know firsthand how challenging it can be for foster youth to feel truly seen and valued for who they are,” said Williams. “Foster & Fashion is about empowering these young individuals to embrace their unique stories and discover their strengths. Fashion is just the beginning—it’s a pathway to confidence, healing, and opportunity.”
Ebony Fashion Week: A Platform for Change
Since its inception, Ebony Fashion Week has served as a dynamic platform to showcase creative talent. Now, under the Foster & Fashion initiative, the showcase is evolving into a social impact platform. Youth participants will be directly involved in various aspects of the event, from modeling to styling, alongside industry professionals, gaining real-world experience in fashion, cosmetology, and related fields.
By fostering self-expression and creative exploration, Foster & Fashion equips young people with tools to overcome past challenges and thrive in their futures.
Call for Models: Foster Youth and Alumni
Foster & Fashion is currently seeking foster youth and alumni, ages 10–24, from all ethnic backgrounds to participate in the 2025 Ebony Fashion Week as models. This opportunity provides participants with the chance to collaborate with industry professionals, gain runway experience, and celebrate their individuality through fashion.
Interested individuals can apply online at www.ebonyfashionweek.com/foster-youth-alumni-model-inquiry.
Humble Events: Designing a Space for Empowerment
The 2025 Ebony Fashion Week will feature stunning design and décor thanks to Humble Events, a Seattle-based, woman- and minority-owned company serving as the event’s official Design and Décor Sponsor. Known for their ability to create exceptional experiences, Humble Events is transforming the venue into a space that reflects the beauty and resilience of the foster youth participants.
“We’re honored to partner with Foster & Fashion for such a meaningful event,” said Alexis Esquibel, Owner of Humble Events. “Our goal is to craft a space that celebrates the empowerment and creativity at the heart of Ebony Fashion Week.”
Humble Events’ work will provide the perfect backdrop for this transformative showcase, underscoring the event’s mission to uplift foster youth through fashion and self-expression.
Join Us in This Movement
Through workshops, mentorship, and events like Ebony Fashion Week, Foster & Fashion provides foster youth and alumni with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The organization focuses on healing and empowerment while creating pathways to success in creative industries.
Ebony Fashion Week supports this mission by offering foster youth a platform to develop their skills, embrace their creativity, and gain visibility in professional settings.
Foster & Fashion invites the community to support this transformative mission. To learn more about the organization and its programs, or to apply as a model for the 2025 Ebony Fashion Week, visit www.fosterandfashion.org.
About Foster & Fashion
Founded in 2024 by De’Vaughnn Williams, Foster & Fashion is an organization dedicated to empowering foster youth through creative expression, mentorship, and career development. By combining fashion with advocacy, the organization offers young people the tools to heal, grow, and succeed.