Delaware State University’s College of Business lit up the Longwood Auditorium this past Friday with the HBCU Professional Fashion Show, a showcase designed to highlight donated professional attire for students in need. The event, co-hosted by TD Bank, featured College of Business students hitting the runway.
The collaboration between TD Bank and the College of Business aims to address a critical gap for students who may struggle to afford appropriate clothing for professional settings such as job fairs and networking events. Dr. Carrie Awadzi, a professor of practice at the COB, recognized that while professionalism is a core tenet of their educational mission, many students lacked access to suitable attire.
After learning about this pressing issue, Dr. Awadzi shared her concerns with her twin sister Joann Means, a senior diversity talent recruiter at TD Bank. Means initiated a clothing donation drive that quickly gained momentum. Last year, the TD Bank team collected 400 pieces of professional clothing and distributed them to needy students.
This year, the efforts expanded dramatically. With the help of Brooks Brothers and the commitment of TD Bank colleagues, the team collected 1,200 pieces of clothing for DSU students. “I stored all of it in my basement; last week, I came with a huge van, and the students helped me unload it,” said Means, describing the overwhelming response to the initiative.
The fashion show celebrated this year’s accomplishments and allowed students to showcase their new professional wardrobes.
“This is a labor love for me because I see students with the clothing, and they are so excited,” Ms. Means said. “I know next week they will be suited and booted for the Career Fair.”
A gallery is available for those interested in viewing photos from the event.