2025 Creative Industry Camp in NYC
Written collaboratively by Peer Advisors Asani Ka-Re, Kileya Jonhson, Meghan McGee, Nadia Fraser
In many communities, there is often a disconnect with creative career opportunities. They are less spoken about because they’re perceived to be “out of reach.” Girls For A Change (GFAC) is working to change this perception by providing GFAC participants with experiences that show what’s possible in creative fields. After a five-year hiatus, the Girls For A Change Creative Industry Camp is back! This year, participants in the Immersion Lab, Girl Ambassador Program, and Peer Advisors embarked on a trip of a lifetime to New York City, accompanied by GFAC alumnae, staff, and coaches. They got to meet people from various industries, including film, beauty, theater, and many other creative fields. These are their experiences.
The Creative Industry Camp kicked off with an exciting tour of Parsons College! Guided by the amazing Phafa and Drea, participants explored some seriously cool spaces. The highlight? Parsons’ largest gallery, where all the artwork was created by students. Talk about talent! Next, participants checked out the “Make It Center” and learned how it’s all about gaining skills that will help you on your career path. They even got a sneak peek at the 3D printing lab, where students can print up to 25 models a day. After stopping by the sewing room and hearing some inspiring advice from Phafa, everyone headed to a hands-on workshop with fashion expert Ms. Lesley Ware, who began sewing at the age of four (how cool is that?). She even gave everyone a signed copy of her latest book!
Then, it was off to meet Christina and Stephanie from Target, who shared behind-the-scenes insights into styling and creative work. Some of us bonded over our love of the “Wild Fable” brand, a Target brand many of our peers wear. The day wrapped up at NYU, where participants met incredible women in the creative world, followed by a peek behind the scenes at Farherty. The day ended with a cozy dinner at Casa D’Angelo, (thanks to Brother Sam Bisbee of Park Pictures). Participants said they ended the day feeling totally inspired, which is amazing, as that feeling stuck with them during the next day at L’Oreal!
“Typically, when you first think of corporate jobs, you think of long, exhausting work hours and bald white men. It’s also not uncommon to hear that women, especially women of color, encounter a lot of problems due to their complexion, hair, or even their body shape. For me, that perspective changed after the amazing L’Oreal headquarters tour!” – Nadia Fraser
There was a warm welcome from the fabulous Cherie Washington who hosted the girls for the day. Everyone says that her energy was radiant and lit up the room! The first speaker was Aubrey Maslen, Vice President of DEI at L’Oreal. He spoke about the company’s 20+ year commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—long before 2020. His charisma set the tone for an inspiring day. Next was Janet Wangari Olivero, Assistant Vice President of DEI Research and Innovation. One participant said, “Hearing her journey from Kenya to earning a Ph.D. in the U.S. deeply resonated with me as an aspiring doctoral student”, which is amazing to hear! There was also a panel with five dynamic L’Oreal women: Marris Smith, Courtney Cox, Araba Aikins, Elida Javier, and Tangela Woodley. Their diverse paths and honest reflections were both motivating and relatable.
After the panel, Cherie surprised each of the girls with $150 gift cards to the L’Oreal store! I’m sure that’s a dream come true for any makeup lover! This assumption was confirmed after speaking with Asani (participant), who said, “We had a BALL, okay!” in reference to the L’Oreal shopping spree.
The girls even had a meaningful chat with Iyanna Hardin (Girls For A Change Alumna) who agreed L’Oreal was the highlight of the Creative Industry Camp. Her takeaway? “Your career path is your journey.” Iyanna even said that she was more inspired to re-enter the beauty industry. She had a lip gloss line when she was a high school student. Now, as a graduate of Full Sail University and interested in the film industry, she sees herself starting a beauty side hustle again.
This visit changed many of the girls’ perspectives about corporate life—if you’re ever wondering which makeup brand to support? L’Oreal, hands down. The day wrapped with a heartfelt reflection session which I’m sure helped the participants mentally prepare for the final days of the trip.
“One of the most impactful experiences I had during the trips was visiting the Brownstone Harlem Houses. We toured the buildings and brainstormed how they could be utilized by Girls For A Change interns during the summer. I was fortunate to hear from the remarkable Ms. Cunningham, the owner of the two buildings. She shared captivating stories and invaluable wisdom that left a lasting impression on me. I was deeply moved, even to tears, as I listened to her speak. Her words resonated with power and purpose, and I am so grateful for the chance to meet her. Thank you, Ms. Cunningham, for sharing your knowledge with us.” – Nadia Fraser
It’s often said that all good things come to an end, and that’s no different with the Creative Industry Camp. While no one wanted the wonderful trip to end, the experiences everyone had on the last day of the trip were the perfect way to conclude their enriching adventure.
The day began with a visit to Object & Animal, one of the first production companies to support and show interest in Daughters Documentary. While at Object & Animal, the girls learned about their impressive resume, learning they produced:
- “Love is a stillness” by Sam Smith
- “360” by Charlie xcx
- “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish
Alex Brinkman (the Music Video Executive Producer at O&A) gave eye-opening insights about his role as an Executive Producer, saying, “Executive Producers are like project managers for music videos and commercials. Sourcing editors, writers, and directors for projects. They work to ensure the record labels, artists, and directors they work with are happy.”
Following the captivating visit to O&A, participants saw Gypsy on Broadway. Some participants were apprehensive about seeing a musical on Broadway. Meghan (participant) went as far as to say, “I went in with the notion that Broadway shows and musicals were for theater kids and geeks. But I was pleasantly surprised once the show was finished. I was awestruck by the skilled performers, amazing costume designs, and an all-Black cast. After the show, we even spoke with some performers, including Shanel Bailey and Jordan Tyson. My first time seeing a Broadway show was magical, and this experience inspired me to see more!”
“The biggest takeaway for me was that I don’t have to have my whole life planned out, and whatever I do, I should love” -Ah’Nycah Pegram-Orr
“My takeaway from the trip was to never be scared to network with people. They can really help you in the future”. -Aamira Scott
Angela Patton’s Reflection – CEO & Founder, Girls For A Change
“The Creative Industry Camp was a tradition we began over a decade ago to expand the minds of our participants and open doors to new futures. While COVID paused this powerful experience, bringing it back reminded us of its profound impact on the girls and everyone involved.
In 2026, we plan to expand the Creative Industry Camp to Los Angeles, in partnership with Otis College, with a focus on our Immersion Lab and Girl Ambassador Program participants. Watching our alumnae return to support, mentor, and uplift the next generation is a true full-circle moment. Bouncing back never looked—and felt—so good.
Traveling to New York every spring break has become more than a trip. It’s a reunion with past partners, an introduction to new ones, and a bold reminder that Girls For A Change will not be knocked over or pushed aside. We are here. We are building futures. And we are just getting started.”
Thank you, Macy’s for providing participants with $100 gift cards and a personal shopper!
Thanks to Netflix for the tour, for lunch, and answering questions about streaming, working with creators and careers in production.
Two alumnae, Iyanna Hardin and Solange Oliver, were invited to participate in the Girls For A Change Creative Industry Camp Tour. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Alumnae Committee and look forward to witnessing their continued growth as they develop into powerful young women who are shaping and changing the world.
Girls For A Change is dedicated to ensuring that Black girls have enriching and educational experiences that will prepare them for the world. The Creative Industry Camp is one of the many GFAC programs that help push toward that goal, by providing Black girls with insight from creative industry professionals that will help them thrive if they pursue that path. We are earnestly thankful not only to the Girls For A Change staff and facilitators for chaperoning the trip, but also to the creative industry professionals and sponsors who made the trip possible.
Want to help support more experiences like this one? Make a one-time donation, or become a Sustaining Donor here.