Meet the 2026 CWC Fellows Headed to FIT
This summer, we are sending seven talented high school students to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) for their pre-college program, High School Summer Live. Situated in the heart of New York City, Fellows can explore areas such as Fashion Design, Accessories Design, Fashion Business, and Portfolio Development. Courses like Basic Sewing, Menswear for Designers, Fashion Portfolio Foundation, and Fashion Styling help students build technical skills while developing portfolio-ready work.
Beyond the classroom, students gain early exposure to the fashion industry, connect with like-minded peers, and experience what it’s like to study fashion in one of the world’s leading creative cities.
Meet the outstanding CWC Fellows attending FIT this year:
CWC Year 6 Fellow Arianna
Arianna Rodriguez is an 11th grader from New York. She discovered her love for fashion design during her sophomore year of high school and quickly turned that interest into action. Since then, Arianna has explored design through crochet, sewing her own garments, and creating original pieces, building a workspace with a sewing machine, mannequin, and plenty of fabrics.
Arianna is inspired by her family, friends, and community, often creating with others in mind. She also draws from nature, finding inspiration in its shapes, colors, and sense of freedom. These influences guide her as an artist and shape how she approaches design.
Her goal is to pursue fashion in college and build a future in the industry. As she continues to explore different paths within fashion, she is eager for more exposure and opportunities to grow. This summer at FIT, she’s excited to strengthen her skills, learn more about the industry, and take the next step toward her future.
CWC Year 6 Fellow Michael
Michael is a 9th grader from New York. He is drawn to fashion design through his interest in creating new and unique clothing for people to wear. He has explored this passion by developing his sewing skills, both by machine and by hand, as he continues to build his craft.
He is inspired by his surroundings, especially New York and Brooklyn, where the people, buildings, and culture influence his perspective. These elements shape his designs through their styles, colors, and textures.
His goal is to become a fashion designer and launch his own streetwear brand. At FIT, he plans to gain new experiences and take the next step toward building his future in fashion.
CWC Year 6 Fellow Kendra-Lei
Kendra-Lei is a 12th grader from Georgia. She sees fashion as a powerful way to express creativity and identity. She has explored this passion by sewing and crocheting her own clothing, while also taking classes that allow her to experiment with different designs, patterns, and colors.
She is inspired by her environment and the people around her, drawing from the way individuals express themselves in different spaces. This perspective shapes her work and pushes her to challenge norms through her designs.
Her goal is to study fashion design in college and build a career in the industry.
CWC Year 6 Fellow Florence
Florence is a 10th grader from Massachusetts. She has always been inspired by fashion design, especially how color, texture, and fabric can come together to create something meaningful. She explores this passion through sketching original designs and bringing her ideas to life through sewing and garment alterations in her school’s costume shop.
She draws much of her inspiration from color, using different combinations to create work that connects emotionally with others. This approach shapes her as an artist and influences how she brings her ideas to life.
Her goal is to attend a fashion college and build a career in design or styling. She’s excited to gain hands-on experience, strengthen her skills, and continue building toward her future in fashion.
CWC Year 6 Fellow Hafsah
Hafsah is an 11th grader from New York. She is passionate about turning ideas into clothing that helps people feel confident. At her fashion high school, she has developed skills in sewing and draping, while continuing to practice and refine her craft independently. She also explores trends and traditional styles, blending creativity with culture in her designs.
She is deeply inspired by her sister, who has supported her journey and encouraged her to pursue fashion despite challenges. This support has shaped her confidence and commitment as a designer.
She dreams of launching her own brand and creating stylish, modest clothing that reflects strength and individuality. At FIT, she’s looking forward to growing her skills and taking the next step toward bringing her vision to life.
CWC Year 6 Fellow Sade
Sade is an 11th grader from New York. She has had a deep passion for fashion from a young age, using it as a way to express herself and connect creativity with culture and identity. She has explored this passion through sewing, creating original garments, and pushing herself to take on more complex designs over time.
She is inspired by her mother and mentors who have supported her journey and encouraged her to believe in her potential. Their guidance has shaped her confidence and strengthened her identity as a designer.
Her goal is to become a fashion designer and continue building her experience through community, internships, and creative opportunities. This summer, she will expand her skills, grow her network, and take another step toward her future in fashion.
CWC Year 6 Fellow Sofia
Sofia is a 10th grader from New York. She is drawn to fashion as a powerful form of self-expression, inspired by how fabrics, colors, and movement shift with mood, environment, and culture. She explores this interest through research, studying magazines, media, and museums to better understand fashion's meaning and impact.
She is deeply inspired by her grandmother, whose work sewing dresses showed her the care and intention behind each piece. That influence continues to shape how Sofia sees fashion and what she hopes to achieve.
Her goal is to study fashion history, pursue a career as an archivist, and explore fashion marketing. This summer at FIT, she’s excited to build her confidence, develop her creativity, and gain clarity on her path forward.
Don’t miss the next spotlight as we continue to celebrate the incredible talent, creativity, and vision of our Year 6 Fellows.
Stay tuned to learn more about these gifted young designers.
