FASHION SHOW & CULTURAL GALA
How it started...
Many years ago, Samira received a distress call late at night from a client who had just been mugged. The assailant targeted her because of her hijab and traditional Muslim dress, insisting that she abandon her cultural attire for more "Western" styles now that she was in America. The client was devastated, but Samira was outraged.
Determined to transform this painful experience into a powerful movement, Samira resolved to educate the community about the beauty of diverse modes of dress. She envisioned an event where women could proudly showcase their traditional attire. In 2010, the first Fashion Show took place, making a bold statement that our community would rise above one man’s ignorance and fear.
...And where we are now
Today, our Fashion Show & Cultural Gala is our biggest fundraising event of the year, providing a valuable opportunity to bridge our diverse communities. It serves as an educational and networking platform for Utahns, celebrating the bravery, courage, and resilience of women who have endured the unimaginable.
"Our ladies walk united here on this stage. In the true spirit of International Women’s Day, we walk together as sisters. We are not defined by religion or cultural heritage. We are not separate as foreign-born individuals or refugees. We are women—united, beautiful, strong, and friends who stand together and speak for one another." - Samira Harnish
