Fashion Revolution: How Foster & Fashion is Empowering Foster Youth to Rewrite Their Stories!

Get ready to be blown away! Foster & Fashion is here to revolutionize the world of foster youth by mixing up the art of self-expression with the fabulous world of fashion! Created by the inspiring De'Vaughnn Williams, this game-changing organization is using the power of fashion to help foster youth rewrite their life stories and unlock their full potential.

De'Vaughnn spills the tea: "[Foster & Fashion] sprang up from pure necessity, turning fashion into a tool of empowerment for foster youth." Imagine losing yourself in the chaos of fitting in; well, no more! Foster & Fashion is here to let youth find themselves through the kaleidoscope of fashion, embracing struggles and flipping the script on their life narrative.

Williams explains, “We’re on a mission to bridge the gap between grassroots communities and the glitzy high-fashion industry, giving foster youth the tools they need through the magic of fashion.”

How, you ask? By mixing mental wellness with real-world fashion opportunities, Foster & Fashion is crafting a foundation of support, hope, and confidence. Ce’Lene Sakellis, the Operations Manager, is all about letting youth step into their true potential and unlocking new doors of possibility. Transformations are happening, folks!

Williams has her own jaw-dropping backstory, having faced abuse and neglect before snagging a groundbreaking settlement from the state of Washington for the trauma endured in foster care. She says, "This might not be every foster kid's story, but it's mine, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Life deals tough cards, but we have tools to flip the script."

Embracing her past, Williams didn’t stop at pageants, leading her to launch Ebony Fashion Week in 2018. This yearly extravaganza shines a spotlight on foster youth as they strut their stories on the runway, breaking down stereotypes with every step.

Started to fill the gap in black fashion platforms, Ebony Fashion Week became an instant sensation, debuting hot on the heels of Black Panther at the iconic Northwest African American Museum.

Foster & Fashion is for the youth aged 10-24, focusing heavily on the ones who've aged out of the system. Picture this: youth strutting the runway, gaining confidence, modeling, styling, and yes, even access to pro photos! Talk about empowerment! Not just that, there are community fairs showering youth with resources like clothing, school supplies, and much more.

Williams is all about cutting the cycle of foster care leading to human trafficking and worse. Her mantra: meet youth where they are, give them tools, and show them new paths to self-expression beyond anger and self-sabotage.

Fashion is a universal language, and with over 300,000 children in foster care now, it’s time to throw open the doors of opportunity and uplift these vibrant voices. "We were built out of necessity, and we’re not stopping anytime soon," declares Williams, igniting a new era for the foster care system. Don't miss out on being part of this transformative wave!