Styled For Strength. Empowered For Life.
On Sunday, February 23, Tacoma’s historic Foss Waterway Seaport transformed into a powerful celebration of creativity, resilience, and representation as Ebony Fashion Week presented Foster & Fashion at their 7th annual fashion showcase.
Coordinated by Founder De’Vaughnn Williams and Ce’Lene Sakellis of Damn Good Systems, this year’s showcase spotlighted youth impacted by the foster care system, honoring their strength and creativity by placing them front and center of a vibrant production, boldly providing them hands-on experience in fashion, modeling, styling, and event production. ‘It was so special to see the foster youth and alumni participants take the runway with everything they’d learned; they exuded so much confidence and joy,” said Sakellis.
Foster youth and alumni ranging from ages 8 to 24 walked the runway wearing attire generously sponsored by Treehouse, Ali’s Prom Project, Wishing Well Foundation, and Ruby Room Seattle. From evening wear to casual styles, each participant received access to high-quality, stylish pieces, all of which were gifted at the event’s conclusion as a token of pride and self-expression. Foster alumni Amaiya Leonor states: “I felt like an absolute goddess on the runway in this dress from the Ruby Room! Thank you so much to Ebony Fashion Week and Foster & Fashion for making this happen!”
Key support came from community-based organizations including Eileen & Callie’s Place, The Amara Family, Urban League Tacoma, Community Aunties, and 100 Black Parents, whose sponsorships played a vital role in producing the event and extending its reach.
This year’s venue was transformed into a sophisticated and inviting space thanks to our décor sponsor Humble Events in collaboration with Quest Events. As DJ Coko Popz kept the vibes high, gourmet refreshments were provided by Couture & Cocktails and Hunter In The Cup, offering a taste of local creativity to complement the evening’s visual artistry. Angelica Marie of Barksdale Jones Photography, Chelsea Tornga and Justin Gaspaire of OpuLENS Photography captured beautiful optics, Mehraki Productions gathered footage, and The Friday Co. video booth captured guests’ stories throughout the evening.
In preparation for the big night, volunteer stylists Taylor Buchanan and George-Jean Noble (of Styled by Fitted) generously contributed their time and fashion expertise, personally shopping for each youth’s runway look. On Monday, February 17th, each youth/alumni took part in a pre-show styling and runway training session at the Tacoma Arts Community Center, where they received free professional headshots provided by Angelica Marie of Barksdale Jones Photography and runway coaching compliments of Osheea Davis of Pretty Hustle Agency. “This is hands down one of the best events I’ve ever been part of,” states the highly experienced Davis. Thanks to reporter Lauren Bray, this exciting session was captured by the South Seattle Emerald.
Amongst our audience were special guests Deputy Mayor of Tacoma, Kiara Daniels, and Fahren Johnson, CEO of Amara Family. Their presence underscored the importance of community partnership in creating opportunities for our youth. “I am still in awe of the Ebony Fashion Week ‘Foster and Fashion’ Fashion Show,” states reigning Mrs. Washington Curve 2025, Dianna Kennedy. “I am blown away by the spirit of excellence in that room. Me and my husband are foster parents and we know first hand the challenges and esteem issues that foster kids go through, and to see the confidence exude from each one of these kid’s faces on that runway was so encouraging! I am honored to attend such a beautiful event.”
“We are deeply grateful to every sponsor, guest, volunteer, foster youth, and foster family who made this event possible,” said Williams, founder of both Ebony Fashion Week and Foster & Fashion. “As a foster alumni myself, I know first hand how important it is to provide spaces that give foster youth permission to feel empowered in their own right, to use their voice and to pave their own path. Fashion is an incredible medium for foster youth to heal through mental healing and creative expression. On this night, we did exactly that.”
The 2025 showcase was a testament to the power of partnership, the importance of representation, and the belief that every young person deserves a chance to walk in their purpose with confidence, community, and style. As always, none of this would be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and, most importantly, the foster youth and families who inspire this movement. Your courage and creativity continue to be the heart of everything we do.
Thank you for believing in our mission. Together, we are not only changing the narrative for foster youth. We are meeting youth and alumni where they are, creating a future where they thrive with style, pride, and purpose.
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