The Fashion Scholarship Fund hosted a Fall “friendraiser” last week, welcoming designers, industry leaders, and Scholars for an evening focused on connection and purpose. Hosted by Amanda Smith, Board President of the FSF and Chief Executive Officer of Fairchild Media Group; Daniella Kallmeyer, Founder and Creative Director of KALLMEYER; Brandon Maxwell, Founder and Creative Director of Brandon Maxwell; and Peter Arnold, FSF Executive Director, the gathering reflected the energy of the FSF community—collaborative, generous, and deeply invested in the next generation of talent.
COMMUNITY IN ACTION
Amanda opened the evening by sharing her perspective as both a leader and FSF Board Member. “It’s really important to support the future of the industry,” she said. “As we’ve had the opportunity to get to know so many of the students, you can see how incredibly talented they are. It is a rich group that is diverse, smart, ambitious, and there are lots of ways that we can work with them.”
She encouraged guests to find ways to get involved through mentorship, internships, career opportunities, or scholarship funding. “There are lots of opportunities to get involved,” she said. “We would love to have you engage with FSF in any way that you’re comfortable.”
Savannah Engel and FSF Alumni Amira Linson (2022, 2023). Photo courtesy of Skylar Searing for BFA
Daniella then shared how mentorship has shaped her career. “Some of my mentors are here tonight and have been very meaningful to my career advancement for many years,” she said. “I was also lucky enough to hire an FSF Scholar for an internship. These are very talented and dedicated students, so please get involved however you can.”
Brandon Maxwell closed the introductions with gratitude and encouragement. “Thank you to everyone for coming tonight and for supporting the organization,” he said. “Please, give where you can.”
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SCHOLARS
FSF Alumni Sofia Enriquez (2022, 2023, 2024), Flora Medina (2025), and Fatmata Camara (2023, 2024, 2025). Photo courtesy of Skylar Searing for BFA
Two FSF Alumni shared their stories, each offering a personal view of how FSF programs opened doors and created momentum for their careers.
Flora Medina, a 2025 FSF Scholar Finalist and graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, spoke about her journey from Seattle to the fashion industry. “I always felt the fashion industry was really far removed from anything attainable or real,” she said. “I’m lucky to have parents who encouraged me to go to school for fashion and make it real for me.”
Flora described the process of developing her case study, which explored the intersection of Crocs and AI. “I spent my entire summer at home learning everything I could,” she said. “A few months later, I learned I was named the FSF Marketing Finalist for the year. I spent the following months using all the FSF resources available to me and preparing to tell a room of hundreds of people about my work. I’m proud to be part of the FSF and to support an organization doing unparalleled work for students like me.”
Now an associate editor at i-D Magazine, Flora represents how preparation, access, and community can spark a career.
Fatmata Camara, the 2025 FSF Chairman’s Award Winner and a multiyear FSF and Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholar, spoke next. A graduate of LIM College and associate brand manager at Macy’s Inc., Fatmata described taking on a challenge that had never been won before—the business strategy case study discipline.
“I challenged myself with the business strategy prompt, and there had never been a winner in that category,” she said. “I proposed Smart React, an AI-powered skincare concept that pairs biosensitive materials with real-time feedback to help people make clearer decisions about their skin.”
Fatmata reflected on how the FSF team and mentors helped her grow. “You read the work, give real feedback, hold a high bar, and help people reach it,” she said. “Programs like this prove that when you keep doors open and standards high, people will rise.”
A SHARED PURPOSE
The evening was a reminder of what makes FSF special—a community built on mentorship, creativity, and belief in the next generation of fashion leaders.
Daniella Kallmeyer and Samantha Barry. Photo courtesy of Skylar Searing for BFA
