Tenae was right...

...when she said we learned from each other. Freedom Star Mentoring officially launched this month. Last semester Tenae and Chelsea became the first young ladies to experience mentorship and internship through Freedom Star.

Some of our accomplishments included increasing Freedom Star's web presence, planning and executing a very successful Inaugural Unity Ball.

Freedom Star collaboration with Soulseye Productions will have footage of the event featuring Edyta Sliwinska from Dancing With The Stars.

The inspiration of our accomplishments had me thinking bigger and more fashion. Freedom Star Mentorship is now offering Fashion Show Productions Internship Program. Eight to ten high school students will create, plan and put on a fashion show. Proceeds from the event will benefit a cause or program the group decides on collectively. From stylists, event planners, producers to set designers everyone will have something fantastic to contribute. Pictures and video coming soon.

Mentoring is my true passion. I love watching the moment when inspiration is ignited, and a young woman/man realizes the next step to shaping her/his future. It's a process that is quite addicting. Speaking of...

My ambassador duties with Jarluxe have officially begun. On Saturday's I have the opportunity to spend time with the young ladies and gentlemen from Bronx High School of Visual Arts. We spend Saturday morning learning and creating, while preparing these smart and dedicated students to be Fashion's next Executives.

Inaugural Unity Ball presented by NY Partner Dance, organized by Freedom Star.

I am a Global Citizen

Global Citizen. Those two words sound so beautiful to me, mostly because of my experience as an immigrant. I've never felt completely at home anywhere since my family uprooted from Iran early in life. Seven years in New York, and the mish-mosh of cultures all forced to live together feels the most welcoming.

Chris Wilson and his wife, Nubia DuVall are the super powers behind the Global Citizen Project. The opening ceremony this past weekend was a surreal experience for me.

Seven immigrants were interviewed by Nubia DuVall, who translated each story into eloquently written pieces that hung below Chris Wilson's remarkable paintings. For my particular portrait we met at a restaurant in Union Square. Lighting inside was too dark for photographs - which is what each portrait Chris paints is based off of. We head outside where he takes a snap shot of me acting silly to get comfortable in front of the camera.

Apparently it only took an hour for Chris to decide on that particular photograph. For me it was an honor to just be able to share my story. I hope it inspires others to reach for their star. For more information see www.paintwilson.com

Chris Wilson, Painter (right)

Laura, Global Citizen (left and in portrait)

To Change Humanity You Must Start With A GIRL

Freedom Star Necklaces at Fashion Denver's New Location.

1070 Bannock

Denver, CO

Necklace that drapes around your waist to make even the most drab winter turtle neck look fantastic. $40

Black and Whit Big Link Necklace with metal chain. Go ahead get a little tough around the edges...still looks cute. For my bold girls. $25