ICON360 PARTNERS WITH PENSOLE COLLEGE TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL HBCU PROFESSOR RETREAT
Icon360, the philanthropic arm of Harlem’s Fashion Row and Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design Academy are hosting the second annual Historical Black Colleges and Universities Professor Retreat today and tomorrow.
The two-day event, presented by title sponsor Target, aims to dismantle the barriers hindering the success of HBCU fashion education. It features panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking sessions designed to provide HBCU professors with valuable industry insights and tools to enhance their teaching and mentorship roles. Panels are being led by industry experts from Target, Christian Dior Couture, LVMH, Macy’s and Nordstrom, delving into stimulating discussions such as:
• Career Journeys in Luxury Fashion, Spirits and Beauty Sectors
• Fashion Careers in TV and Film
• Implementing AI into HBCU Fashion Education
The professors will also get an amazing opportunity to visit the corporate offices of Icon 360 partners.
Last year’s retreat was an epic success, with professors representing ten HBCUs. The event provided a platform for HBCU professors to connect with industry leaders. This year, an even larger turnout is expected, with eighteen HBCUs already registered to attend the event, including Pensole Lewis College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Alcorn State University, Southern University and A&M College, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, North Carolina A&T State University, Bowie State University, Virginia State University Morgan State University, North Carolina Central University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Some non-HBCUs have also registered to attend, including Thomas Jefferson University, Montclair State University/ Bloomfield, Fashion Institute of Technology and Herkimer College.
The HBCU Professor Retreat has gained significant support from several leading retail brands. In addition to Target, Nordstrom has joined the team as a presenting sponsor. LVMH, Macy’s, Hugo Boss, and Saks are also supporting sponsors, demonstrating the increasing recognition and importance of this event in the fashion industry.
Historically, the fashion industry has not paid enough attention to HBCU fashion programs. In fact, it’s widely known that fashion companies tend to recruit from predominantly white schools. Icon360 is on a mission to revolutionize the narrative by fostering equity for Black designers and students within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Fashion Programs. Since its inception in 2020, this non-profit has awarded over $2 million to support Black designers and HBCUs.
“Empowering HBCU professors is a big part of Icon 360’s pipeline programming,” said Brandice Daniels, CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row and Founder of Icon360. “If we can connect these professors with the players in the industry and expose them to industry trends, they will have a unique advantage to adequately prepare their students for success in the fashion world. We are proud of this initiative and the impact that it is having at ground level.”
As the first and only HBCU in Michigan, Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design Academy is championing the success of Black designers. The institution offers programs across design, sustainability, business, and STEM targeted at Black creatives. Founder of Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design Academy, Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, is proud to collaborate with Icon 360 for the second HBCU professor’s Retreat. He said: “This Retreat is what HBCU professors need to position their students for success. There’s nothing like first-hand experience and insight, which is exactly what they get at this event.”
For further information, visit hfrIcon360.com.