District 2 Community Enhancement Corporation

The District 2 Community Enhancement Corporation (D2CEC) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation which was organized in 1994 to enhance the quality of life for its citizens through advocacy, programming and organized community action. D2CEC has partnered with numerous community based organizations and private sector corporations to provide a wide variety of educational and recreational services to the citizens to have a positive impact on the lives of people in the community.

The Fashion Institute of New Orleans (FINO) is a District 2 Community Enhancement Corporation program designed to maximize the impact of the fashion and retail industry on Louisiana. The program includes workshops and field trips that enhance students' natural talent and provide training and business resources in the fashion and retail industries. Instructors and industry professionals bring a hands on approach to the classroom as students are introduced to various aspects of fashion, photography & videography, skincare & make-up, fashion design & apparel construction, modeling, and webpage & graphic design. FINO students participate in field trips to fashion and retail outlets and events that are designed to teach students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to the real world. Students also have the opportunity to apply what they have learned by producing a fashion show using their own designs. FINO's top performing students earn a trip to New York to participate in a mentor/protégé program with fashion industry professionals. The FINO program prepares high school students for four year programs in fashion design and/or merchandising and a vast fashion platform.

Testimonials

"FINO has helped boost my confidence and build my self esteem. I tried out for "America's Next Top Model" and made it to the second round. Wish me luck?"- Megan Edwards
"Through the Fashion Institute of New Orleans I was able to intern at Fashion Week New Orleans. I met a lot of cool people in the industry and got to see the shows. It was an awesome experience."- Kashone Jordan
"What I like most about FINO is that we have fun while learning. The sewing classes were great! I learned a skill that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I was also able to go to New York to visit universities and fashion houses."- Hakira McGee