From top left to bottom right: Bethann Hardison, Don C, Daniella Kallmeyer, Jason Bolden, Russell Westbrook, Maria Cornejo, Christopher John Rogers, Colm Dillane and Tonya Blazio-Licorish.The series comprised two key elements: master classes and workforce preparedness courses.
“This business is an evolving business, and that’s also a great part of it,” Blazio-Licorish said. “A lot of my journey was choice, it was strategic, it was, ‘Where am I most passionate? How do I bring that passion?’ I pivoted from design to where I am today, but I brought all that knowledge here, which helps me be a better researcher and makes me want to be more educated and share that knowledge.”of the past, Hardison was straightforward.
New York-based designer Daniella Kallmeyer shared lessons on perseverance and the importance of mentorship, noting early career mentors might change as people evolve. Peers can also become mentors, helping to broaden one’s horizons. “I was always really good at drawing and was always an art type of kid, but it wasn’t always so fashion-driven,” Dillane said of his early career path. “I started doing these T-shirts where I would draw and spray paint and it me to all these different people. It was an amazing connector.