Art & Fashion Show 2023
The Possible Zone (TPZ) was illuminated by the vibrant and inspired creations of three alumni during an Art & Fashion Show held on May 24, 2023, at the nonprofit’s Innovation Center in Jackson Square. The celebration of learning showcased the dreams realized of the inaugural cohort of Venture Fellows—TPZ alumni Jaleel “Draws” Davis, founder of a custom portrait business; Joshua Elysee, co-founder with Leonardo Paul of JefeByJefe, a high-end streetwear clothing brand; and Sean Hargrove, founder of Dorsey Atelier, a cut-and-sew fashion brand.
“Over the course of more than ten months through this program, our staff, volunteers, and mentors were proud to support Jaleel, Joshua, and Sean as they tackled manufacturing challenges, strengthened their financial and marketing practices, and built out their businesses,” said Meg Riordan, Ph.D., TPZ Chief Learning Officer. “Entrepreneurial culture and spirit define how we approach the entirety of our work, and the knowledge, skills, and mindsets we hope to cultivate with students and Fellows.”
Guests heard about the research-informed Eship programming, enjoyed the powerful runway show, watched Jaleel Davis paint during the reception, networked in the Fellows’ Boutique, and heard reflections from TPZ alum and Recruitment Associate Johny Duoyon. They also enjoyed talking with three high school students who shared highlights from their ongoing TPZ journeys: Community Academy of Science and Health students Bruno Andrade and Eboni Marshall-Ashby, and Fenway High student Orlando Benzan-Vazquez.
Through TPZ’s engaging, hands-on, and tuition-free youth development program for students from Boston Public high schools, young entrepreneurs design and launch businesses, use state-of-the-art makerspaces and technology, participate in work-based learning opportunities with local companies, receive individualized college and career advising, and access wrap-around support services from community partners.
Experiential learning—including development of STEAM skills that are foundational in careers of the future—make students’ experiences not just fun, but truly meaningful. Through STEAM Deep Dives, students engage with a range of other tools and technologies, from robotics and artificial intelligence to sound board recording and engineering, from laser cutting to 3D printing, and more.
“What if all young people could follow their dreams? What if they knew about the full range of careers that are available to them? What if they had the chance to learn social, emotional, and technical skills needed to succeed in any of these careers?” TPZ Working Chair and Co-founder Mark Levin asked the audience. “Our educators, our staff, our partners, and our volunteers—they help our students envision what’s possible.”
Generous sponsors of the Art & Fashion Show not only made the event special, but also partner with TPZ in its vision. THANK YOU!
Presenting Sponsors
Premiere Sponsors
Venture Fellowship Friend Sponsors
The Possible Zone’s mission is to advance economic equity by ensuring young people develop the entrepreneurial spirit, skills, and networks to launch successful careers. The Venture Fellowship Program is a dynamic program that provides coaching, networking, and funding opportunities to alumni who wish to advance their business ventures to the next level. Learn more at: possiblezone.org/ourventurefellows