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Fashion Forward Kinspire Youth Empowered Through Style and Storytelling
When you think of a fashion show or a broadway musical, you might imagine bright lights, bold designs, or the synchronized dancing and singing on stage. But for the youth, Fashion Forward Kinspire: Bridging Kinship, Foster Care and the Runway was so much more than that. It was a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of kinship care to transform lives.
This groundbreaking initiative created by A Second Chance, Inc. in partnership with Think of Us, blends fashion and the arts with a higher mission: empowering young people in kinship care and those aged out of foster care through self-identity development, networking opportunities, cultural enrichment, and more. Kinspire introduced its youth to more than just beautiful clothes.
With trips to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, this experience included a glimpse into a plethora of aspects from the history of our culture and communities.
To further broaden the experience, the youth visited The Shubert Theatre for a backstage tour of the hit Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen, based on the life of singer/producer Alicia Keys. They were then able to return the next evening to see the musical live and in-person, a first-time experience for some of the youth, one they will surely never forget.
“I feel like this program has helped me get a better understanding of the fashion industry and how to carry myself in a professional workplace.”
Serenity, Kinspire participant
More Than a Fashion Show
The Fashion Forward Kinspire participants had the invaluable opportunity to hear from two panels of industry professionals, from merchandising to photography to brand management and much more, the youth heard from individuals shaping the brands and celebrities defining current culture. The intimate gathering provided unforgettable moments where the youth heard, from people with similar lived experiences, how they can step into the spotlight and express themselves in bold, unapologetic ways. For many of the participants, it was a chance to feel seen, celebrated, and valued for who they are.
Reflecting on the significance of such opportunities, Dr. Sharon McDaniel, President and CEO of A Second Chance, Inc. (ASCI), shared how she imagined Kinspire might have influenced her as a youth growing up in care with a passion for fashion and the arts: “I wholeheartedly believe that the gateway to a young person’s heart is the ability to tap into their creative genius—allowing their brilliance to shine and guiding them toward curating a space that is uniquely their own. Kinspire offers that space, and for that, I am beyond grateful.”
Kinship Care Meets Creativity
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Kinspire experience was the way it blended the world of kinship foster care with fashion and the arts, reminding us that care is about more than safety and placement; it’s about creating opportunities for growth, learning, and healing. It encouraged the youth to explore their creativity and build networks that inspire hope and ambition for the future. It isn’t just about clothes; it is about building the confidence, the community, and the courage to follow your dreams.
“As we work toward making kinship care the norm, it’s not enough to focus only on safety and placement—we have to create experiences that support both development and healing,” said Sixto Cancel, CEO of Think of Us (TOU). “Fashion Forward Kinspire is one of those experiences. Too often, programs stop at skill-building. But this is different. It’s not just about fashion—it’s about reclaiming voice, building identity, and developing agency. It shows what’s possible when healing and brain development come together in a way that feels real and relevant to young people. Every young person deserves the opportunity to heal, to grow, and to thrive, no matter their start in life.”
That vision was echoed by Carolyn Gray, Lead Principal Consultant in New York, who shared, “Being part of Kinspire means so much to me because I know what it feels like to dream without access or the bravery to ask for it. This program gives young people the tools, language, and space to show up fully and not just in fashion, but in life. I’m honored to pour into them creatively and personally, and to witness their brilliance unfold.”
Together, their reflections highlight what Fashion Forward Kinspire truly represents a pathway to empowerment. In the spirit of Kinship Care Month, the initiative demonstrates how ASCI and TOU’s national presence continues to open doors for youth, proving that their stories and talents deserve to be seen and celebrated far beyond their immediate circles.
“It [Kinspire] is making me more confident in many things about myself and the future.”
Cienna, Kinspire participant
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning. Kinspire proves that when given the chance, youth in care can rise above stereotypes and shine brightly in their own light. Each participant is an example what’s possible when creativity meets opportunity.
“I would strongly suggest [Kinspire] and I already have. This program is definitely a stepping stone into the fashion community.”
James, Kinspire participant
This movement celebrates youth, uplifts kinship care, and proves that fashion and the arts can indeed change lives.
Thank You
To everyone who made Fashion Forward Kinspire: Bridging Kinship, Foster Care and the Runway possible: our partners, mentors, designers, community members, and especially the youth, thank you! Your commitment turned a vision into reality, showing the world the beauty and strength of kinship care.