Today, the CFDA and Gucci are excited to announce the two recipients of the Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design Award, which supports two high school graduates by fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity within fashion. Both recipients will start their fashion design studies in the fall.

The Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design winners are Oakland, CA native Ajai Kasim, who is headed to Parsons School of Design in New York, and Washington, DC. native Kaya Ugorji, who is headed to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. The award provides up to four years of scholarship support at $20,000 per year, and the CFDA and Gucci will provide mentorship to the two students.

The Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design award supports the professional journey of dynamic design talent from entry to exit of education, throughout their four years of study within any fashion design specialization, growing their potential into exemplary agents of change. In support of the industry’s efforts towards creating diversity and equity within design leadership, the award works to build an inclusive future by providing a scholarship specifically for diverse students.

“CFDA and Gucci share a commitment to education, diversity, and inclusion in fashion,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA. “Our Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design scholarship recipients Ajai Wilborn and Kaya Ugorji have the opportunity to shape the future of fashion and we look forward to seeing their progress through the four-year scholarship support.”

“Education and mentorship have never mattered more, and the CFDA is honored to partner with Gucci North America in congratulating Ajai and Kaya, and helping to guide their professional journeys as part of the CFDA community,” said Sara Kozlowski, CFDA’s Director of Education + Sustainable Strategies. “Ajai and Kaya are true changemakers, full of potential and clear in their vision of how, through design, they can lead fashion into the future.”

The Gucci North America Changemakers x CFDA Scholars by Design Selection Committee features Abrima Erwiah of Studio One Eighty Nine; Aurora James of Brother Vellies; Carlos Campos of Carlos Campos New York; Doo-Ri Chung of  Marist College; Dr. Ronald A. Milson of Fashion Institute of Technology; Greg Armas of Assembly NY, Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss; Sade Teyibo of Kering Group Americas, and filmmaker Satchel Lee.

Additionally, today, under Gucci’s North America Changemakers umbrella Gucci announced an additional 20 scholarship recipeints from diverse backgrounds who will pursue various careers within the fashion industry.

Congratulations to our recipients!