Fourth annual Meera Empowerment fashion show welcomes local youth
Elmont-based nonprofit Meera Empowerment will host its fourth annual fashion show at VFW Post 2718 in Franklin Square on July 27.
Elmont native Selene Ferdinand started the nonprofit in 2021 when she was just 10 years old.
Selene, who earned the National American Miss New York Preteen title for 2023 through 2024, has competed in pageants for the last seven years. Selene said that the event means a lot to her.
“Before I started pageantry I was very shy and stuff,” she said. “It also makes me feel very good that I get to use everything that I’ve learned and put it out into my community. Especially as I was getting involved more and more people were asking me (to) create something so that others in our community can have the same chances and opportunities (that I have).”
The fashion show will have two sections, one for formal wear and another for cultural clothing. It will start at 4 p.m. and run until 8 p.m. Tickets for adults will cost $20 and children who are under the age of 10 years old can gain entry with a $10 ticket.
Children who wish to participate in the fashion show will pay a fee of $150. This fee will pay for the pictures fashion show participants and allow them to become ambassadors for the Meera Empowerment Foundation.
The funds collected from the show’s participants and attendees will go to charity. However, if someone wishes to become an ambassador but does not want to model, they can do so by paying a $50 fee.
“I’m really looking forward to the fashion show and the experience and just to see how much our ambassadors have grown throughout the year,” Selene said. “ I’m really excited for everything that’s going to be happening throughout the year too.”
As ambassadors, children volunteer in and around the community. Savitre Ferdinand, Selene’s mother, said that the children who become ambassadors for the organization learn life skills as they give back to their community.
“The kids are learning life skills and at the same time they are giving back to charity,” Savitre said.
Selene and Savitre have been heavily involved in charitable efforts throughout the years including back to school drives, Easter egg hunts and Building Homes for Heroes.
Sponsors of the event include the Guggin Café, Dale Davids the Solar Guy, the Elmont Cultural Center, the Solages Family and Miller Mobile Massage. If anyone wishes to sponsor the event or is looking to buy tickets they should contact meeraempowerment1@gmail.com.
