Photo: Gucci Equilibrium.
The $1.5M Scholarship Program ensures a new generation of diverse young people will gain opportunities and education across the fashion industry
Gucci is honored to announce the 2021 class of Gucci Changemakers North America Scholars, furthering its commitment to creating positive change within the fashion industry and empowering the next generation of creative talent. The 22 scholarship recipients come from diverse backgrounds and are pursuing various careers within fashion at community colleges, undergraduate colleges, or universities. They will receive an academic scholarship for up to $20,000 in addition to mentorship and virtual internship opportunities through Gucci America.
The students in the inaugural 2020 Changemakers class were able to use the funds to attend 14 different schools across North America where they are pursuing various degrees in fashion and the creative arts. One scholar aspires to start her own rental studio space and provide resources to young people who want to explore photography and fashion; another scholar aspires to be a creative director fusing together music, film, and fashion; and another scholar has worked on projects that illustrate and demand conversation around body politics, vulnerability, and identity. Additionally, Gucci has also worked to create opportunities for Scholar recipients by commissioning works for various programs.
Antoine Phillips, Vice President of Brand and Culture Engagement says: “We are honored to announce the selection of these talented and creative students from all backgrounds and regions in North America. They represent HBCUs, community colleges, fashion schools, and non-fashion schools alike. Their diverse points of views embody the future of not only fashion, but creative industries as a whole. We look forward to engaging with all of our scholars over the coming months ahead.”
The 2021 class will join the Changemakers community as it continues to grow, offering students the opportunity to pursue their unique path within the fashion industry. When asked about the program, Miles Richards, a 2020 and 2021 Gucci Changemakers Scholar, said “After being granted the opportunity to be one of the recipients of the Gucci Changemakers Scholars award, I found an unbelievable amount of stress taken off my shoulders. And without a shadow of a doubt, the program provided me with the creative freedom to express myself without the burden of tuition during my first year as an art major.”
Over 450 students applied for the Scholarship funding and we are proud to salute the talented and deserving recipients of this year’s 2021 Gucci North America Changemakers Scholarship program:
• Aboubacar Barrie, Sophomore, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Akin White, Freshman, Norfolk State University
• Ar’Myiah Lee, Freshman, Parsons School of Design
• Beatrice Alisme, Sophomore, Miami Dade College
• Brianna Bryson, Freshman, Howard University
• Clayson Fletcher, Junior, Humber College
• Diana McCready, Junior, Bard College
• Dinasty Ly, Senior, Fashion Institute of Technology
• Elijah Huggins-English, Sophomore, Fashion Institute of Technology
• Jeffrey McCready, Sophomore, Rhode Island School of Design
• John Davillier, Freshman, University of Southern California
• Keith Herron, Junior, Fordham University
• Kevin Ngo, Freshman, City College of San Francisco
• Lacey Garza, Freshman Kingsborough Community College
• Matthew Williams, Sophomore, Kent State University
• Mikaela Mosley, Senior, Howard University
• Miles Richards, Sophomore, College for Creative Studies
• Quinten Clifford, Freshman, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
• Yetunde Sapp, Junior, Parsons School of Design
• Zahri Jackson, Senior, New York University
• Zuri Duarte, Junior, The University of California – Los Angeles
Additionally, under the Changemakers umbrella, Gucci is honored to also announce one recipient of the Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design program. This program was reimagined to support one woman (or a person who identifies as a female) of color who is starting their final year of a fashion design program at an accredited four-year undergraduate college or university. This scholarship is a $20,000 one-year award. The 2021 Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design is:
• D’on Lauren Edwards, Senior, Savannah College of Art and Design
As part of the Changemakers Program, Gucci America offers mentorship opportunities. This year, all awardees will have the opportunity to participate in the Gucci Program for Scholars, a 6-week long virtual summer program that helps to educate students on the various career paths available within the fashion industry. The program includes fashion industry education, engagement with all departments across Gucci North America, Gucci corporate mentor assignment and skill building workshops.
The next round of applications for the Gucci North America Changemakers Scholarship Program will open in Fall 2021. For more information about the Gucci Changemakers Initiatives applications and eligibility requirements, please visit http://changemakersusscholarshipprogram.gucci.com or call 1-877- 482-2430 Become a Gucci Changemaker! #GucciChangemakers
GUCCI EQUILIBRIUM
Gucci Equilibrium is our commitment to generate positive change for people and our planet. Powered by creativity and collaboration, we are reducing our environmental impact and protecting nature, while also prioritizing inclusivity and respect, so that everyone in our global Gucci community is free to express their authentic, diverse selves. As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we are moving forward into the coming decades with an ongoing commitment to reinforce our culture of purpose, demonstrating our values through innovative pathways towards social and environmental sustainability. Gucci Equilibrium unifies the principles we uphold and the actions we pursue to treat our world and each other better, for our collective future. For more information visit equilibrium.gucci.com and discover Gucci’s Instagram dedicated to social and environmental sustainability at Instagram.com/GucciEquilibrium.
GUCCI CHANGEMAKERS
Gucci Changemakers North America is a social impact initiative established in March 2019 focused on increasing inclusion and diversity within the fashion industry and across communities and cities. Gucci Changemakers North America focus cities include Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington DC.
GUCCI NORTH AMERICA CHANGEMAKERS COUNCIL
Antoine Phillips, Bethann Hardison, Brandice Daniel, Brittany Packnett, Cleo Wade, Dapper Dan, Dawinder S. Sidhu, DeRay McKesson, Eric Avila, Ivy McGregor, June Ambrose, Kimberly Blackwell, Michaela Angela Davis, Naomi Campbell, Robert Carter, CaSandra Diggs, Will.i.am, Yaseen Eldik, Yasmeen Hassan, Yvette Noel-Schure.
GUCCI NORTH AMERICA CHANGEMAKERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Gucci North America Changemakers Scholarship program was established in March 2019 and sits under Gucci Equilibrium. In its second year, the scholarship program provides funds to undergraduate students with unmet financial needs passionate about careers in the fashion and creative industries. The program primarily focuses on students from diverse backgrounds who live or study in one of the 12 Gucci North America Changemakers cities (see above) and/or plan to attend or currently attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). However, all students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply and be considered for an award. Over the last three months, Gucci enlisted the support of the North America Changemakers Council of community leaders and social change experts to make the final selection of the students for the scholarship program.
