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.

Getting to Alvin Ailey Studios

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.

By Bus:
• 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

2025 Career Day Program - Placeholder by Black Fashion World Foundation, Inc.

Individual Assessment!

Knowing your gifts, talents, and abilities is an integral part of selecting the right career path. Do you know what your gifts are? Would you like to discover what they are?
– Spiritual Gifts
– 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.

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Establishes a platform for college and workforce recruiters to enlist aspiring black fashion professionals.
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Provides guidance for students and career changers to pursue a professional career in fashion design, retail and/or related industries.
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Provides parents with tips on how to support their creative children.
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Funds the BFW Foundation Scholarship Fund

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?

Aspiring professionals pursuing careers in fashion design, retail, or related industries. Students, career changers, those whose fashion dream has seemingly been derailed.

Emerging fashion-preneurs who want to expand their knowledge base and skills via various workshops to ensure even more success.

 

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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

While attendance is free, contributions are welcome to help further this important mission.

 

Media inquiries email admin@blackfashionworld.org
Black Fashion Career Day is a program created by Black Fashion World Foundation. The Black Fashion World Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that was established to move the barriers that often stymie black fashion entrepreneurs. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Funds contributed to the production of this program support the BFW Foundation Scholarship Fund.