4 Fellows Are Headed to RISD This Summer
The final group of CWC Fellows attending pre-college programs this summer is headed to RISD Pre-College at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island.
RISD Pre-College is an immersive five-week program that allows rising high school juniors and seniors to experience life as a RISD undergraduate. Students follow a rigorous college-level curriculum with full-day studio courses, critiques, hands-on projects, and mentorship from renowned faculty. They also have the privilege to work alongside young artists and designers from around the world.
Beyond the classroom, Fellows experience campus life, gain access to RISD's world-class studios and resources, strengthen their portfolios, and develop the creative confidence needed to pursue future studies and careers in art and design.
Get to know the four Fellows who will represent CWC at RISD this summer.
CWC Year 5 Fellow Akwaeno
Akwaeno is a senior from Texas and a returning CWC Fellow. Last summer, she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) through our pre-college program. There she strengthened her technical skills and continued to develop her creative voice.
Her passion for fashion is rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural expression. Throughout high school, she has explored drawing, painting, garment construction, fashion design, and visual arts while expanding her perspective through leadership opportunities and international artistic experiences.
This year, Akwaeno was named a 2026 YoungArts Winner in Visual Arts, one of the nation's highest honors for emerging artists. Selected from nearly 13,000 applicants nationwide, the award recognizes exceptional creativity, artistic achievement, and dedication to craft.
She draws inspiration from her Nigerian heritage and the many creative communities she has been part of. Akwaeno creates work that celebrates culture while embracing innovation and personal expression.
At RISD, Akwaeno is excited to challenge herself in a new creative environment. She will learn from accomplished artists and designers, refine her technical skills, and continue building the foundation for a future in the fashion industry.
CWC Year 6 Fellow Amera
Amera is a junior from New York who is fascinated by fashion's ability to communicate identity and individuality. She believes clothing is one of the most accessible forms of artistic expression, allowing people to express who they are without saying a word.
Her creativity includes visual arts, mixed media, digital design, fashion merchandising, theater, creative writing, and international experiences that have broadened both her artistic and cultural perspective.
She’s influenced by nature, especially flowers and organic forms. Amera brings curiosity, storytelling, and thoughtful observation into her creative work.
This summer, Amera is excited to challenge herself creatively, explore new artistic approaches, and continue building the skills needed to pursue a future in fashion.
CWC Year 6 Fellow Azia
Azia is a junior from New York whose passion for fashion comes from the belief that clothing can be both functional and deeply personal. She enjoys experimenting with fabric, texture, and construction to create original designs that reflect her own creative perspective.
Her experience includes fashion design, garment construction, draping, pattern making, painting, embroidery, sewing, and accessory design. Through both coursework and independent creative projects, she has continued developing her technical skills while growing as an artist.
Azia is excited to strengthen her portfolio, develop new design techniques, and continue preparing for college and a career in fashion.
CWC Year 6 Fellow Keilani
Keilani is a junior from Pennsylvania whose passion for fashion is fueled by curiosity, experimentation, and storytelling through design. She enjoys combining traditional fashion techniques with unexpected materials and creative concepts to create work that is both expressive and functional.
Throughout high school, Keilani has explored visual arts, fashion design, sewing, theater, and music while taking on numerous leadership roles within her school community. Her wide range of creative experiences has shaped a multidisciplinary approach to design and creative problem-solving.
Inspired by science, innovation, and the endless possibilities of experimentation, Keilani approaches fashion as a space where creativity and discovery come together.
Keilani is excited to learn from accomplished artists and designers, expand her creative practice, and continue developing the skills needed to pursue a future in the arts.
As we wrap up our summer program highlights, we're proud to celebrate every CWC Fellow attending pre-college programs across the country. We can't wait to see what this year's Fellows create and look forward to following their creative journeys in the years ahead.
