Maya Lighty

Age: 18

School: Berkeley College, New York, New York

Fashion touches all of us, whether you believe you are fashionable – or not. It is your style that gives you self-expression and confidence. For Maya, it was like an epiphany when she discovered the world of fashion because she found her place for inspiration for creative expression. Her ultimate goal is to inspire others through fashion, in the way it has inspired her. She already has leadership capabilities to influence and inspire. Maya was recently president of Edward R. Murrow high school’s senior class; former Treasurer and Vice President of the NAACP Youth council and; current active member of the National Council of Negro Women. Even with friends in high places, where interned for New York State Senator Kevin Parker and New York Supreme Court Judge Wavny Toussaint, her goal was to serve and give back to her community.

Maya will be studying Fashion Merchandising and Management with a minor in International Business at Berkeley College this fall. A preliminary goal is to start as a retail buyer for large company such as Saks Fifth Avenue or Bloomingdale’s. Ultimately, she aspires to be a buyer for her own clothing brand and to publish her own magazine. Leadership, brains and beauty – Maya has a powerful combination.