Girls Inc. of Miami encourages girls to be strong, smart and independent
MIAMI — Fashion took center stage to empower young girls in the South Florida community.
It was all part of Girls Inc. of Miami's Fashion Fusion Brunch. At the event, young fashionistas proudly displayed designs they created. As they made their way down the runway in front of a packed and supportive crowd they were beaming with pride.
"The designers are here today and our girls will be modeling for you today those designs that they made all by themselves with the help and guidance of these volunteer design mentors," said Virginia Akar of Girl Inc. of Miami.
As Akar shared with the crowd, the non-profit organization is focused on creating and providing research-based programs for young girls that empower them to be the next generation of community leaders.
"So when we decided to bring Girls Inc. to Miami, we knew it wasn't just going to be a cut and paste of what everyone else is doing. This city is a little different. Its pulse is a little quicker, its heart rate goes a little faster and things just move quickly and unfortunately, when that happens, it's easy for a lot of people to get left out. People who don't have resources," Akar said.
As part of this program, 12 Girls Inc. fashionistas were selected through a competitive process to take part in a nine-week Fashion Fusion Summer Workshop led by top Miami fashion designers. They helped the young aspiring designers create unique recycled fashions that they modeled at the Fashion Fusion brunch. CBS News Miami Anchor Najahe Sherman was the event's emcee.
Global speaker, author and specialist in the realm of toxin-free fashion Taryn Hipwell encouraged everyone to be mindful about making fashion choices that don't hurt the environment.
"I love going through their closets and helping them also to reduce the toxins in their clothes," Hipwell said.
The pop-up stores featured local designers and the event coincided with International Day of the Girl to honor the strength, intelligence and potential of girls everywhere and to continue to work towards a future where every girl is able to reach her fullest potential. Girls Inc. of Miami provides free after-school programs for girls. The organization creates research-based programming to equip girls to graduate from high school with the determination, capacity and support to become strong independent and confident women.
To learn more about the non-profit organization click here.