CWC Fellows Headed to California College of the Arts

This summer, four extraordinary CWC Fellows will head to San Francisco to attend the four-week fashion design program at California College of the Arts (CCA). The program includes three intensive design projects, guest speakers, and field trips. Fellows will explore fashion through traditional and experimental design processes—developing sketchbooks, honing their fashion illustration and pattern-making skills, and sewing their own garments. Meet the talented Year 4 and 5 Fellows who are representing CWC at CCA this year:

CWC Year 5 Fellow Erikka

Erikka is a 12th grader from Ohio. Creativity has been her outlet since she turned an old sock into a doll dress at age six. Taught to sew by her great-grandmother, Erikka quickly developed a love for creating and expressing herself through fashion.

Determined to uplift others, she founded her own fanny pack line, Fannysofab, at just 12 years old. She also created the cartoon character “Lil E” to inspire young Black creatives. She’s attended the Teen Vogue Summit, studied at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, and worked with Project Runway alum Asha Ama.

From collaborating with hospitals on anti-vaping campaigns to promoting financial literacy with Kemba Financial Bank, Erikka uses her skills to empower communities. She is fluent in German and is taking a gap year to refine her craft. Erikka is ready to expand her presence in Black fashion spaces.

This summer, Erikka will bring her drive, community-minded creativity, and visionary leadership to CCA.

CWC Year 5 Fellow Kayla

Kayla is an 11th grader from Michigan. Her fashion journey began with sewing in her bedroom. It quickly expanded through experiences like the Carhartt Fashion Program, dual enrollment at the College for Creative Studies, and leading her school’s Black History Month fashion show.

Kayla’s work is rooted in the “Black girl luxury” concept—strong, determined, expressive, and unapologetically bold. Her designs reflect her belief that luxury doesn’t have to be bland; it can be vibrant, funky, and fun.

She’s excited to grow in pattern making and fashion illustration, and she thrives when working toward meaningful deadlines like Homecoming or birthdays. When she sews, she finds calm by listening to music or audiobooks, and she's always pushing herself to try new techniques until she gets them right.

Kayla will bring her bold vision of empowered Black femininity and relentless dedication to CCA this summer.

CWC Year 5 Fellow Kierra

Kierra is a 12th grader from Florida. Her love for art began with anime sketches and has since evolved into a passion for storytelling through fashion. Although her high school doesn’t offer fashion courses, Kierra has sought out knowledge independently, building a portfolio rooted in themes of racial identity, inner conflict, and social commentary.

She’s eager to move from 2D art into immersive, tangible fashion pieces, where fabric becomes a medium for social change. Inspired by her peers, mentors, and upbringing, Kierra envisions installations where viewers physically engage with her work.

When her school's Black Arts Gala was canceled, she mobilized her community to reclaim space for Black expression—an experience that reaffirmed her commitment to advocacy through art.

Kierra will bring her fearless storytelling, social consciousness, and multidimensional artistry to CCA.

CWC Year 4 Fellow Shylah

Shylah is an 11th grader from New York. She discovered her love for fashion around age 11, drawn in by its freedom and self-expression. Though she explored other art forms, fashion remained the creative outlet that resonated most deeply with her identity and day-to-day life.

Shylah channels her passion through everyday artistry and by seeking out programs that challenge and elevate her skills. Inspired by the people she meets and the world around her, she’s constantly pushing herself to think outside the box and grow as a designer.

She’s looking forward to building confidence, improving her time management, and gaining hands-on experience through internships or professional work to support her future in fashion. Her openness to new ideas and people and willingness to step outside her comfort zone shape her journey.

Shylah will bring her creative spark, bold curiosity, and desire for growth to CCA’s program this summer. 

We’ll still be featuring all of our Year 5 Fellows over the next few months, so don’t miss a story! 

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