W.I.N.G.S.
Workforce.Innovation.Nurturing.Growth.Sustainability
​W.I.N.G.S. is inspired by the final four letters of our founder’s first name
and a surname that translates to “of angels” in Italian — symbolizing
protection, elevation, and purpose. The project is dedicated to
uplifting New York City high school students by providing transformative
access to arts education as both creative expression and viable career
pathway. WINGS empowers youth with professional training, mentorship,
and real-world exposure so they may excel artistically while building
sustainable futures. Through the arts, we give our students confidence,
discipline, and opportunity — because the arts give you WINGS.
Program Goals for NYC Students
Introduce career pathways in fashion, arts, design, and entrepreneurship
Build practical vocational and creative skills
Strengthen confidence, leadership, and collaboration
Provide exposure to industry professionals
Connect creativity to real economic opportunity
The W.I.N.G.S. Program strengthens New York City by creating structured
pathways from public high schools into the city’s thriving creative
economy, with fashion as a central focus. By providing hands-on
technical training, business education, and professional mentorship, the
program transforms artistic talent into viable workforce opportunities
within one of NYC’s most influential industries.
Students engaged in arts education consistently experience lower dropout
rates, higher attendance, and increased graduation rates. WINGS
re-engages students who may feel disconnected from traditional academic
pathways, providing purpose-driven learning that reinforces discipline,
accountability, and long-term goal setting.
The program also fortifies students’ extracurricular profiles, helping
them develop strong portfolios, documented creative achievements, and
tangible projects for college applications. This makes participants more
competitive candidates for selective colleges and universities, while
also expanding vocational and entrepreneurial pathways for students who
may not plan to pursue a four-year degree. Through garment construction,
branding, business plan development, and career readiness, students gain
employable skills and real-world experience that can lead directly to
internships, apprenticeships, or independent creative ventures.
By investing in arts-centered workforce development, WINGS promotes
economic mobility, reduces youth disengagement, and cultivates the next
generation of designers, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders who will
sustain New York City’s global reputation as a creative capital.
