Frazier Family Foundation x CFDA Empowered Vision Award

Frazier Family Foundation x CFDA Empowered Vision Award is sponsored by Frazier Family Foundation and CFDA. An annual award providing a $100,000 grant, tailored mentorship, and national visibility to an emerging Black designer.

Frazier Family Foundation x CFDA Empowered Vision Award - CFDA Frazier Family Foundation x CFDA Empowered Vision Award Ed Buchanan, Imaan Hammam, Daveed Baptiste, James Frazier The Andréa W. and Kenneth C. Frazier Family Foundation and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) are partnering to provide an exemplary designer with the capital, mentorship, and visibility needed to grow their business in a challenging landscape.

Through a rigorous selection process, the CFDA and Frazier Family Foundation Award identifies a designer who demonstrates exceptional creativity, business acumen, and potential for long-term success. By combining the philanthropic vision of the Frazier Family Foundation with the industry expertise of the CFDA, the partnership delivers targeted funding and bespoke support to advance Black-owned businesses in fashion.

Now in its third year, the award provides a $100,000 grant, tailored mentorship, and national visibility to honor designers who exemplify creative excellence and business discipline. Financial Support: The award grants $100,000 to the recipient to drive growth and stability, while two finalists also receive cash prizes to advance their work.

Tailored Mentorship: Recipients gain strategic mentorship in core business areas, helping them navigate challenges and build long-term capacity. Expert Consultants: Alongside mentorship, recipients work with a paid consultant for a year, ensuring hands-on support, stronger internal systems, and lasting business practices.

Selection Committee 2026-2027 Artistic Director and Cultural Advocate Creative Director & CEO of Willy Chavarria President of Gabriela Hearst Pulitzer Prize Winning Fashion Critic and Journalist Stylist & Creative Director Founder and CEO of McMullen Musician and Founder of Cactus Jack Emmy Award Winning Costume Designer figure]:h-full overflow-hidden media media--image"> Daveed Baptiste was recognized as the 2025-2026 Empowered Vision Award recipient.

Selection Committee 2025-2026 Global President of Carolina Herrera Stylist & Creative Director Global Director of Brand & Retail Marketing, Amazon Artistic Director and Cultural Advocate Senior Director Men’s Fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. figure]:h-full overflow-hidden media media--image"> Last year’s recipient, Rachel Scott of Diotima, was recognized for her craft-driven approach and ability to scale without compromise.

Selection Committee 2024-2025 Stylist & Creative Director Fashion Stylist, Creative Consultant and Style Director at Large, Harper's Bazaar US Founder, Philanthropist and Author President, Carolina Herrera Fashion Consultant, Stylist, and Costume Designer Senior Director Global Marketing, Commerce at Google Global Director of Brand & Retail Marketing, Amazon CFDA and Frazier Family Foundation Launch Empowered Vision Award The award will support an independent Black designer with grants in direct funding and a mentorship program.

Diotima's Rachel Scott Wins the Empowered Vision Award The award, announced by Law Roach, will provide Scott a $100,000 financial grant and a year-long mentorship program. CFDA and Frazier Family Foundation Announce Empowered Vision Award Finalists Aisling Camps, Rachel Scott of Diotima, and Charles Harbison of Harbison Studios are the three finalists for the inaugural award.

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