WRAP-UP!!!
A Look back at the 2nd Annual DMV Community Awards & Fashion Show Gala
Copa: Now that the 2nd Annual DMV Community Awards & Fashion Show is over, how do you feel about it in retrospect?
Tauheed: We are delighted that the city embraced such a powerful and positive movement. It demonstrates that people are eager for opportunities to dress up, enjoy a positive atmosphere, connect with influential individuals, and celebrate fashion culture
Tauheed: We are delighted that the city embraced such a powerful and positive movement. It demonstrates that people are eager for opportunities to dress up, enjoy a positive atmosphere, connect with influential individuals, and celebrate fashion culture
Copa: How long did it take to assemble your team and plan the event?
Tauheed: We began preparations in November, laying the foundation early on. Our marketing launch started in January.
Tauheed: We began preparations in November, laying the foundation early on. Our marketing launch started in January.
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Copa: Did you have different segments of the event in your planning strategy?
Tauheed: Yes, there were many moving parts. We coordinated the fashion component, sent out nominee requests, and conducted a detailed review to finalize our selections. We also managed staging, lighting, media, sponsorships, vendor relations, model selection, marketing strategies, and venue layout. Despite the workload, it didn’t feel overwhelming. When you’re focused and driven by a mission, it doesn’t feel like work. Copa: In our honest opinion, you have definitely raised the bar in the production of fashion show entertainment and event planning.
Tauheed: That is absolutely the objective—not only to elevate fashion and entertainment, but to uplift our entire community. We strive to shift the mindset of both youth and adults away from division and toward unity, celebrating all nationalities, races, and ethnicities under one roof with a shared mission of creating lasting change. |
The Show!!!
Copa: How did Harley coordinate all of those models and designers so successfully?
Tauheed: Harley did an outstanding job. His leadership is second to none. Many didn’t realize that Harley had to arrange for the models’ makeup in Arlington, Virginia, then transport them to the MLK Memorial Library. Once there, they couldn’t change backstage and had to go to the fourth level to get dressed before each fashion scene. Yet every time they walked the runway, they did so with poise and professionalism, as if nothing had happened. Our models were phenomenal, and I have the utmost respect for them. They deserve to be commended. Harley’s leadership was visionary—cool, calm, and collected.
Tauheed: Harley did an outstanding job. His leadership is second to none. Many didn’t realize that Harley had to arrange for the models’ makeup in Arlington, Virginia, then transport them to the MLK Memorial Library. Once there, they couldn’t change backstage and had to go to the fourth level to get dressed before each fashion scene. Yet every time they walked the runway, they did so with poise and professionalism, as if nothing had happened. Our models were phenomenal, and I have the utmost respect for them. They deserve to be commended. Harley’s leadership was visionary—cool, calm, and collected.
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Copa: Who catered the culinary delights?
Tauheed: We had six stations offering exceptional cuisine: • Chef Shalise – Vegan selections • Cinnaholic – Vegan sweets • Mynor Valasquez – Latino cuisine • Poppin Shells – Oysters • 1799 Prime Steakhouse |
Copa: We were extremely pleased with the venue location the MLK Memorial Library.
Tauheed: The venue holds historical significance, and we felt this year warranted a memorable location. Our production team, led by CEO Hussein Harb, did a masterful job with the design elements.
Tauheed: The venue holds historical significance, and we felt this year warranted a memorable location. Our production team, led by CEO Hussein Harb, did a masterful job with the design elements.
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Copa: Would you like to mention some of the key people on your team who helped make the event delightful?
Tauheed: Absolutely. These individuals fueled and ignited this powerful production: • Co-Producer: Damon Scott • Event Ambassador: Mr. John Blasingame • Event Administrator: Dawn Pierre • Marketing Team: Ray, Kyle, and Jhaf Leron |
Copa: Should we expect another outstanding event at the same location next year?
Tauheed: Yes, we anticipate next year’s event will draw over a thousand attendees. We believe it will be televised nationally, showcasing that the DC Metropolitan Area is moving forward once again.
Tauheed: Yes, we anticipate next year’s event will draw over a thousand attendees. We believe it will be televised nationally, showcasing that the DC Metropolitan Area is moving forward once again.
