Meet the 2025 CWC Fellows Headed to Parsons!
We’re thrilled to announce our 5th cohort of CWC Fellows attending Parsons Academy at Parsons School of Design in New York City. These students were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants spanning dozens of states and countries. Each brings a distinct voice, bold vision, and passion for design.
Learn about Qupid, Kaelyn, and Ayesha—three talented Year 5 Fellows representing the future of fashion.
CWC Year 5 Fellow Qupid
Qupid is an 11th grader from Miami, Florida. He knew he was destined to be an artist from a young age. With family support, he enrolled in fashion school, launched his own brand, and helped put on a fashion show.
His brand, BL.CKPOODLE, is his canvas for storytelling. Inspired by designers like Alexander McQueen and Mowalola, Qupid pushes the boundaries of fashion with fearless designs. When selected for a junior upcycling showcase, he transformed men's button-ups into a sculptural garment in just three weeks.
This summer, he’ll take his talent and determination to Parsons to grow his brand, sharpen his skills, and build community.
CWC Year 5 Fellow Kaelyn
Kaelyn is an 11th grader also from Miami, Florida. A lifelong artist, she discovered her passion for fashion design last year during BETA Camp, where she helped launch a loungewear brand called VENYS. Through designing sweatpants, building mood boards, sourcing materials, and coordinating with manufacturers, Kaelyn realized fashion wasn’t just a creative outlet—it was her calling.
Her goal is to build a sustainable brand that makes people feel seen and confident. She’s inspired by the power of clothing to tell stories and express identity. She credits her mom as her biggest influence—always encouraging her to grow, take risks, and invest in her future as a designer.
This summer, Kaelyn will bring her vision to Parsons, where she’s excited to sharpen her technical skills and collaborate with fellow creatives.
CWC Year 5 Fellow Ayesha
Ayesha is a 12th grader from New Jersey. They don’t just study fashion design—they embody it. Surrounded from a young age by ornate garments like gold-embellished abayas and richly dyed bazin dresses, fashion was never just style for Ayesha—it was culture, faith, and identity woven together. What began as a personal escape through sketching became a powerful tool of expression and empowerment.
As a first-generation African American raised in an immigrant household, Ayesha channels their lived experience into every stitch. Their work is deeply influenced by the fight for equity and the need for representation in creative industries. Ayesha believes fashion is a force for decolonization, celebration, and truth-telling. They describe themselves as an unconventional designer—crafting from both frustration and pride, with a mission to preserve and uplift Afro, Latinx, and Indigenous cultures.
Their designs reflect the duality of their story: struggle and survival, heritage and future. From debuting four original pieces on the runway at Atlantic City Fashion Week to developing a vision for a fashion e-commerce business that challenges fast fashion’s harm, Ayesha is committed to transforming the industry from the inside out.
This summer, Ayesha hopes to sharpen their communication and technical design skills at Parsons. With dreams of dressing celebrities, showing at the Met Gala, and building generational wealth for their family, they’re ready to take the next bold step in their journey. As Ayesha puts it, “I pour this passion into every cut and stitch of my work.”
We will feature all our Year 5 Fellows over the next couple of months!
