“Friday, September 30th at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, DC metro area power moms joined host Lara Akinsanya for the first annual “Runway Moms for a Cause” (RMFAC) to present an impactful intersection of philanthropy and fashion at its best. Labeled a visual fashion statement for Global Goodwill, RMFC is a runway show for philanthropists to take a stance on an often overlooked issue, and lend a helping hand towards a solution. The inaugural black-tie event gathered the support of influential Washington, DC mothers to help raise funds for the United for Kids Foundation (UKF) – a 501c3 organization committed to fighting poverty and illiteracy through education and social welfare programs in Nigeria. The RMFAC was recognized by the Embassy of Nigeria as the opening event to the Nigerian Independence Day celebrations.
Guests participated in a silent auction during a cocktail hour that featured original artwork, sent from Nigeria, by the benefitting orphans depicting their life goals and dreams followed by the main runway presentation that featured participating mothers dressed in one-of-a-kind designs by Akinsanya’s Maryland-based L-Shandi fashion collection complimented with jewelry provided by Christine Hanes of Fezelry Designs.
Participants included Master of Ceremonies Maureen Umeh, FOX 5DC Emmy award winning anchor, Aba Kwawu, Founder, The Aba Agency, Jessica McFadden, Founder, top online DC Metro area Mom site “A Parent in Silver Spring”, Kelly Collis, Tommy Show on Fresh 94.7, Founder, City Shop Girl, Maimah Karmo, Founder, Tigerlily Foundation, Rebecca Cooper, Anchor, WJLA Channel 7, Maggy Francois, Fashion Design Director, West Potomac Academy, Tanya Dallas-Lewis, Musician and Journalist, Christine Brooks-Cropper, President, Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, Chichi Emeson, Executive Director, Miss Nigeria in America, Inc., Natalie Jobity, President, Élan Image Management, Mia Redrick, Owner, Finding Definitions, Kristie Hale, CEO, Impulse Design Group, Inc., Susi DuPuis, Personal Assistant to CEO & CFO of BP Alternative Energy North America, Monique Lighart, Realtor, Long and Foster, Neneh Diallo, Director of Communications, Millennium Challenge Corporation and Cristhel Barron, PR & Events coordinator at LJ Bamboo, Doyin Daramola-Boatin, Doctor of Pharmacy, Dekalb Medical Hospital.
Other VIP guests included His Excellency Ambassador and Mrs. Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, Head of Chancery I.F. Ajadi and Minister E. Asuquo, Tope Dada of United for Kids Foundation, Sam Carradine of the Peace Corp Nigeria Alumni Association, Christine Warnke, Tommy McFly, Miss Universe Ghana Awurama Simpson, performers from the Star Makers Academy and singer Tanya Dallas-Lewis.”
-Courtesy photo
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
