Since 2007, Tenique Bernard, an East Flatbush, Brooklyn native of Jamaican descent, has worked with some of the best names in fashion – Calvin Klein, Brandon Maxwell, Public School, Ralph Lauren, and G-Star, to name a few. Thirteen years into her impressive career, Bernard is a Senior PR Director at KCD, one of the world’s leading fashion agencies (and also CFDA’s agency of record). Once a starry-eyed middle schooler who dreamed of attending the High School of Fashion Industries in New York City, Bernard aspired to become a fashion designer until she realized the technical aspect of design wasn’t exactly right for her. After graduating from high school, Ms. Bernard enrolled at Amherst College, where she double-majored in Black Studies and Fine Art. Once she realized her designer dream was less likely to become a reality, Bernard embarked on a career in Fashion PR — a field adored by her and where she’s calling the shots, making things happen, and landing placements on covers of some of the most prestigious magazines.

“I have a responsibility to work at the highest level and bring excellence to whatever I do for the collective,” Bernard said. “I’ve achieved so much by going through the ranks the way I did.”

We sat down with Tenique for a one on one to learn more about her journey in fashion:

How did you break into fashion?

I went to college with Danielle Billinkoff, who worked at the CFDA and offered me the opportunity to work on the Awards in 2007. That was my first fashion job. I’ve been hooked ever since, and I ended up staying with the CFDA for the rest of the year to work on 7th on Sale. It was such an incredible first job because it helped me understand the inner workings of the fashion industry. That role expanded what I thought working in fashion meant. I also held a few freelance positions at Stephen Dweck Jewelry, and then Calvin Klein working on runway shows for a season. Then I went to Ralph Lauren, which is where I really learned how to be a publicist. I stayed at Ralph for eight years, receiving several promotions before coming to KCD.

What has been your most noteworthy achievement up to this point?

Just being here at all. It is not lost on me that the roles I have had are highly coveted and at incredible institutions that people genuinely want to work for. I have a responsibility to work at the highest level and bring excellence to whatever I do for the collective. I’ve achieved so much by going through the ranks the way I did. Certainly, and not last by any means, my daughter Kingston.

Have you felt celebrated in your present job or any of your past positions?

Definitely! I believe I’m a very hard-working, focused, and committed person. These qualities have led to me to positions with more responsibilities and promotions throughout my career. Throughout my journey, I’ve had these incredible bosses — women who have supported me, uplifted me, and made it possible for me to be recognized for that hard work.

Have you felt ignored or left out of an employment opportunity because of the color of your skin?

I don’t think I could’ve been in this industry for 13 years and not been discriminated against. I’ve been straight up ignored, left out and overlooked for positions because of my race. This is not an experience specific to me. I believe every single brown or Black person who has ever worked in any environment particularly a corporate one has experienced that.

What should be done for Black individuals in this industry, or what might you want to see for Black individuals in fashion?

Most importantly, I want to say Black culture is not a trend, and Black people are not quotas. We don’t want handouts! That is extremely meaningful to state. I personally would like to see the dollars invested by the Black community equally reflected in the seats of power from the companies who profit off of it. If you’re a company that benefits greatly from Black people, your board should reflect that. [There should be] less short-term fixes in terms of donations, statements on Instagram – and more long-term solutions like accountability and equity. Black people want to be able to move through the fashion industry with the same freedom as their white peers — to be at the point where we’re unconcerned about implicit bias, micro-aggression, and conversations surrounding what hairstyles we’re wearing or not.

In your opinion, what is the nature of fashion like for Black people or People of Color?

I feel there is a collective sense of isolation, but maybe this is just my experience and I’m projecting. For Black people and people of color in fashion or any industry, when you’re one of one or one of two, you don’t feel represented. You don’t see your voice counting and you may even feel tokenized which can be an isolating experience. Sure, we periodically have these stunning editorials or diverse runway shows with beautiful Black models. During those moments the isolating feeling goes away a bit but it’s rare and it’s fleeting.

How have you given back to your community through your position?

Love this question! Earlier, I mentioned the deep feeling of responsibility, which is what I was trying to convey. Nurturing, pulling that seat out, and making space for the next up and coming person…whether that be a young Black woman or man who wants to work in fashion. I feel like my way of giving back is discussing my experience when young women from my high school reach out. I try my best to have a conversation when asked, offer advice, and plug people in when we’re hiring…making sure we have a diverse group of candidates and mentorship.

Are there any Black Designers known or unknown that you would like to bring to the CFDA attention?

Thank you for asking this. So many designers that I have followed for a while or discovered while in quarantine! I want to highlight KHIRY, a jewelry brand by Jameel Mohammed, Hanifa by Anifa Mvuemba, Sai Sankoh by Sai Sankoh, Romeo Hunte, Vavvoune by Valerie Blaise, Tier founded by Nigeria Ealey, Victor James, and Esaïe Jean-Simon, Idris Balogun of Winnie NYC, Kendal Reynolds of Kendall Miles, and designer Edvin Thompson of Theophilio.

What are some of the things you think the CFDA should do to improve diversity & inclusion?

I think there’s a wealth of knowledge and a few calls to actions out there. We now have the Black in Fashion Council which is having brands and companies sign a pledge. A plethora of information is being shared right now. I hope the CFDA is looking at those requests and making the change from the ground up