2025 Career Talks Interviewees

Debbie “Talent Whisperer” Douglas
Founder & CEO 3DHR Consulting, LLC

Sadia Seymour
Fashion Stylist | Educator | Founder of Behind The Rack

WyQuasia Capri
Awarded Fashion Executive | History Maker| Philanthropist

Ty-Ron Mayes
Celebrity Stylist | Actor | TV Personality | Fashion & Beauty Expert

Keia Bounds
Costume Designer & Fashion Stylist – Film & TV

Photo credit – David Herszenson
About The Location
The Alvin Ailey Studios
The Joan Weill Center for Dance
405 West 55th Street (at 9th Avenue), New York, NY 10019
The Black Fashion World Foundation is proud to host Black Fashion Career Day at Alvin Ailey Studios, a space that, like our mission, stands as a beacon of Black excellence, creativity, and resilience. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater revolutionized the arts by celebrating the African American cultural experience through movement. Similarly, we are transforming the fashion industry by empowering Black fashion-preneurs to realize their dreams and claim their rightful place in the global fashion narrative.
The cultural synergy between our organizations is profound, both rooted in purpose, passion, and the power of representation. Hosting this event in such a historic and inspiring space honors the legacy of those who paved the way and ignites the path forward for a new generation of Black visionaries in fashion.
By Subway:
Alvin Ailey Studios is easily accessible via several subway lines:
• A, C, B, D, or 1 trains to 59th Street/Columbus Circle. Exit at 8th Avenue and walk south to 55th Street, then west to 9th Avenue.
• N, Q, R, or W trains to 57th Street/7th Avenue, then walk west to 9th Avenue.
• C or E train to 50th Street, then walk northwest to 9th Avenue and 55th Street.
By Train:
• From either the LIRR or NJ Transit, transfer to 1, A or C heading uptown to 59th Street/Columbus Circle.
• Via MetroNorth, take either the Shuttle or 7 Train from Grand Central to Times Square. Transfer to uptown A or C and travel to 59th Street/Columbus Circle.
• Take the M11 or M57 to 9th Avenue and West 55th Street.
• The M10 also runs nearby along 8th Avenue.
By Car:
Alvin Ailey Studios is located just off the West Side Highway and is easily reachable from both uptown and downtown Manhattan. Use your preferred navigation app and enter:
405 W 55th Street, New York, NY 10019.
Parking:
Street parking is limited, so we recommend nearby parking garages:
• Rapid Park (411 West 55th Street) next door to the Ailey building
Rates and availability may vary, so please plan to arrive early if driving.
Career Day Event Playbook
Individual Assessment!
– LEAD Personality
– Leadership Management Style and
– Ministry Preferences
About the Event
The Black Fashion Career Day addresses the lack of representation of blacks in the fashion industry by bringing them to the forefront for students and career changers to hear about their experiences.
Black Fashion Career Day is a free, empowering event that equips aspiring Black fashion professionals with insights and tools to thrive in the multi-billion-dollar industry.
It also supports scholarships for underserved students pursuing fashion careers through the BFWF Scholarship Fund. While attendance is free, contributions are welcome to help further this important mission.
Who should attend?
Emerging fashion-preneurs who want to expand their knowledge base and skills via various workshops to ensure even more success.
Why Attend?
- Learn about the various career paths in the fashion industry.
- Find out how to get started on your individualized journey.
- Learn what skills are required for your chosen career path and how to develop them.
- Get started constructing your actionable career plan to fulfilling your fashion dream.
Space is Limited – Registration is required