July in Motion: Threads of Heritage, Style & Impact
- opeyemi kayode
- Jul 31
- 5 min read
July was a powerful reminder of what happens when we show up, honor our roots, and empower every voice to shine. It was our busiest and most inspiring month yet–and we’re excited to share some of the unforgettable moments that made it so special.
Kicking Off July with Canada Day Celebration
We began the month celebrating Canada Day, honouring the diverse voices, cultures, and communities that shape our nation. From coast to coast, this day reminded us that Canada thrives when we stand together in unity, equity, and respect.
Honouring a Milestone – Zakariya’s Internship Journey
We were fortunate to have Zakariya Mohammed, our MBA intern who recently completed his Business Consulting Project (BCP) with UCOF as part of his UNB Saint John MBA program. Zak made meaningful contributions by developing a comprehensive 5-year Strategic Plan to support UCOF’s growth, operations, and program expansion. He also initiated a new youth-centered project, “Culture Lab – My Story, My Style, My Culture,” focused on celebrating identity through creative expression.
Stay connected and follow us on LinkedIn for updates.
Empowered Strides - Building Confidence and Identity
This July, we launched Empowered Strides, an 8-week transformative program designed to uplift and empower youth (ages 12–30) from immigrant and racialized communities.
Blending fashion modeling, cultural expression, and confidence-building workshops, this program equips participants with the tools to break through social and cultural barriers, embrace their identities, and develop the self-esteem to walk tall – both on and off the runway.
We are delighted to welcome Micheal Chukwudi Chibuikem, our MBA Intern who will coordinate the Empowered Strides project during his term with us. We invite you to visit the program page to learn more about the program.
Special thanks to the Foundation for Black Communities for making this initiative possible. Your support is helping us shape a future where youth can thrive, express themselves boldly, and take empowered strides toward success.
Model Testimonials – Real Stories, Real Impact
We also launched our Model Testimonial Series to showcase the voices behind the runway magic. These weekly features highlight how modelling connects fashion with culture, identity, and unity in a unique way. This month, we featured these bold and beautiful models:
Song Kim (aka Uchechukwu), is standout model from our 2024 Festival whose passion and purpose are woven around cultural appreciation.
Uchenna Ekesiobi – This fierce Philippine-Nigerian queen lit up the 2024 runway with every step. From bold prints to intricate details, she continues to nail it every year since 2023. Watch out for her on the runway at the Saint John UCOF Fall Fashion Festival.
Joe Adekannbi's testimonial reminds us that we should never give in to fear or give up on our dreams in the face of challenges.
Weixiao (Smile) Du – A star from our 2023 runway, Smile modelled not just garments, but cross-cultural appreciation. Her story reminds that fashion bridges differences.
Zara Ekweaga – A proud Nigerian model who dazzled in pieces from her mother’s brand. She shares her heartfelt story of heritage, and fashion.
To read the full testimonials and learn more about their inspiring journeys, visit our Instagram and Facebook pages now.
Fashion History Rewind
This July, we explored the garments and accessories that have stood the test of time and continues to tell powerful cultural stories:
Kente Cloth: Ghanaian royalty once wore it, now the world wears it with pride. Each colour and pattern carry meaning.
Indian Saree: A 5,000-year-old tradition in India. Each region offers its own draping styles, materials, and stories. From Banarasi silk to Bandhani tie-dye, the saree celebrates grace and strength.
South Sudanese Beadwork: Bold, intricate, and storytelling, these beads are woven with identity and history. Each piece speaks volumes.
Chinese Qipao is a global fashion icon. The Qipao combines tradition with modern flair.
Summer Boot Camp for Kids – Sewing, Creativity & Empowerment
This July, we launched our Summer Boot Camp for Kids at two vibrant community hubs: The Stone Church and One Change (Nick Nicolle Centre) – as part of our UCOF School Outreach Program. This initiative is designed to empower K–12 students with hands-on creative skills, boost their confidence, and spark their imagination.
With the guidance of the talented Bisola Ogundowo and Nancy Bonilla, the young participants eagerly dove into the world of sewing, learning how to bring their creative ideas to life using sewing machines. Their excitement and enthusiasm were truly inspiring!
Stay tuned for more youth programs as we continue to build a more inclusive and creative future through fashion, community, and culture.
A heartfelt thank you to Foundations for Black Communities for their generous support in making this project possible.
Sewing Hub & Fashion Training
We rounded off July by investing in the next generation of fashion talent. Our Sewing and Fashion Training, taught by the exceptionally talented Nancy Bonilla, equipped students with hands-on skills to grow their creativity and confidence. The Sewing Workshop taught participants:
How to operate a sewing machine
Basic stitching and alteration techniques
Pattern making fundamentals
How to turn imagination into wearable art
This project wouldn't have been possible without the generous backing of Foundations for Black Communities.
Reel Voices Testimonial Series
In this month's edition of UCOF’s Reel Voices, we highlighted the designers behind the magic. These creators are using fashion to tell stories, uplift communities, and break barriers.
Navdeep Parmanand- Founder of Celebrate Your Curves: Navdeep won the UCOF 2024 Viewer’s Choice Award in Halifax for her bold, inclusive, and deeply inspiring designs. Support her brand at www.celebrateyourcurves.ca
Tari Ekweaga- Founder of ModA Designs: Tari’s pieces combine bold silhouettes with cultural richness. She’s back this September, don’t miss her runway return!
Marilyn Nwogu Ndubueze- The designer behind One Stop Tailoring Place: Marilyn blends Afrocentric elegance with timeless tailoring. Since 2021, She's been a part of UCOF and will showcase her masterpieces again this fall. Support her brand at www.onestoptailoringplace.com
Joy Airiavbere CEO of J&Mimi Fashion World, Joy’s designs radiate Afrocentric beauty and class. Her pieces turned heads at the 2024 Festival across four cities! Support her brand at J__mimis_fashion_world
Watch their inspiring testimonials on our YouTube Channel and connect with them across New Brunswick at the 2025 UCOF Fall Fashion Festival this September! Tickets are available on the event page.
Don’t Miss out on the UCOF Fall Fashion Festival!
As we wrap up the month and gear up for our highly anticipated UCOF Fall Fashion Festival 2025, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible funders for their continued support in bringing this celebration of culture, creativity, and community to life.
Partnership opportunities are still open! If you or your organization would like to contribute or collaborate, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at ucofashion@gmail.com to explore how you can get involved.
Want to participate as a model, designer, or performer? Register now and be part of this vibrant celebration happening this September in Saint John, Dieppe, and Fredericton. Show off your creativity, share your culture, and walk with pride and confidence.
Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, event updates, and more!