Scholarship Awarded: A Night of Celebration and Support at Orlando International Fashion Week
On a beautiful evening at the Bang & Olufsen (B&O) store in Winter Park, the Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) community gathered for a special event that highlighted the organization’s commitment to nurturing new talent within the fashion industry. This elegant venue, known for its human-centric approach to technology, was the perfect backdrop for the presentation of the prestigious OIFW Cosmetology & Barbering Scholarship.
An Evening of Elegance and Community
The event saw esteemed guests, including the OIFW Board of Directors, Advisory Board members, and representatives from Bang & Olufsen. Kristi Klein, President of B&O, and Tony Zumbo, Managing Director of B&O and Director of Research Development at Vybe Systems, Inc., warmly welcomed all attendees. They emphasized the synergy between technology and human experience, which B&O embodies.
Partners and friends from Winter Park City Magazine attended, along with dedicated OIFW team members: Omayra La Bella, Zeina Zebian, Christian Morales, Sam Gut, Radhika Rana, Liz Sheppard, and Terry Olson. Directors and co-chairs, including Rob Henlon, Nayrouz Olarte, Jessica Henlon, and Starr Dalton, also graced the event.
Celebrating Emerging Talent
The evening’s spotlight was on Taylor Pizzulo, a dedicated student from the cosmetology program at Aveda Institute Orlando who was awarded the OIFW Cosmetology & Barbering Scholarship. Surrounded by her proud family, Taylor received a $1500 check, symbolizing support and belief in her potential. Her visible joy and gratitude underscored the opportunity and hope the scholarship represented, and her passion for the industry resonated deeply with everyone present.
Recognizing Dedication and Contribution
In a moving part of the evening, certificates of appreciation were awarded to members of the advisory board and staff, acknowledging their hard work and commitment to OIFW’s vision and mission. This gesture highlighted the collective efforts that contribute to the organization’s success and reinforced the value of each member’s contribution.
A Unified Vision for the Future
This gathering at B&O celebrated individual achievements and demonstrated OIFW’s ongoing mission to enhance international tourism through entertainment and education while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the fashion industry. The event encapsulated the organization’s commitment to these values and the strong community that supports this vision.
The evening concluded with heartfelt speeches from OIFW board members and advisors, who expressed optimism about the future of fashion in Orlando and the pivotal role young talents like Taylor will play.
Looking Ahead
As OIFW continues to inspire and uplift emerging talents, the organization is more dedicated than ever to creating opportunities and eliminating student financial barriers. The scholarship presentation at Bang & Olufsen was a testament to this commitment, setting the stage for future events celebrating creativity, innovation, and inclusivity in the fashion world.
Stay tuned for more updates on OIFW’s initiatives and upcoming events. For more information, visit www.OIFW.org.
Orlando International Fashion Week – Where Fashion Inspires and Tourism Ignites.
