Q: What inspired you to bring the first “Project Prom” to DMSF? A: The inspiration came from my senior year at McAuley. Tuition had increased significantly, adding financial strain to my mom, a single parent of four. When prom season arrived, it was stressful due to tuition deadlines and other expenses. McAuley had a dress drive, which helped a bit, but the dresses still cost something. I thought a DMSF dress drive should be free. We were getting many requests for financial assistance from seniors who couldn’t buy prom tickets due to outstanding balances, and it reminded me of my own struggles. I know how it feels to want to take some of the burden off of your parents when you know that they're doing everything that they can. Prom is supposed to be fun. Q: That's very thoughtful. How did you envision the Project Prom event? A: I wanted it to be a personal shopping experience, like a boutique. There would be snacks, drinks, shoes, purses, jewelry, and dressing rooms. I aimed for it to be fun, not something they felt they had to do out of necessity. My vision was for the girls to find everything they needed for prom without any stress. Q: Given your experience, what impact does attending prom have on a scholar’s high school experience? A: Prom is a rite of passage. It’s a celebration of all the hard work and accomplishments over the past four years. For me, it was the reward at the end of my journey, kind of just like a big celebration for me. Like everything that I had been working for for the past four years, I had accomplished and prom was my celebration. I didn’t want the girls to have to choose between paying tuition or going to prom. Everyone should experience that special moment. Q: What did it take to put together Project Prom? A: It took a dedicated team. Even though I came up with the idea, I needed a lot of help. Planning events isn’t our main job; my role is to coordinate with partner schools, families, and scholars. Despite the extra work, everyone recognized the need and was willing to contribute. What was unique is that we all recognized the need and recognized that this was something our Scholars would really enjoy and we were willing to take on that extra amount of work for them. And I just think that speaks to how we function as an organization. I think that really showed how we could come together. We got the word out quickly through emails to Alumni, our Associate Board, and social media. We received so many generous donations, particularly from one alum who helped us purchase 40 items, including dresses and accessories. We give to organizations and sometimes we don't understand what we're giving to, but I think when people were giving to Project Prom, all girls could relate to that prom feeling of like, you should go to prom and you should be able to look and feel beautiful and confident. So I think that also really is what helped it be a success too. It’s because it was something that touched every woman that donated. Q: What was the most rewarding part of the event for you? A: Everybody left with something, nobody left empty handed. So I think that was great. And also one thing that I didn't expect was the gratitude from the parents. I think that impacted me a lot because I know the gratitude my mom felt when I was able to do something to help her. I think that I want that again next year. I want the parents to feel like one less thing they have to worry about. I want them to feel that excitement just like their child. Q: Looking ahead, what is your vision for the next Project Prom? A: I want it to be bigger and better. Many boys have never worn a suit or tux before prom, so providing those items would be great. I'm thinking about maybe having volunteers who do makeup or hair, coming and just showing the girls how they could do their makeup or giving them tips, how they could get their hair done and things like that. I just want it to be something that the Scholars look forward to toward the end of the year. I want them to not be stressing about prom because DMSF has this event where nine times outta 10 you're gonna be able to find a dress, you're gonna be able to find shoes or accessories and or a tux or suit. One less thing for you and your parents to worry about. The goal is for every Scholar to walk away with something they love and feel confident in.
Thank you, Jamia, for sharing your story and for your incredible work with Project Prom. We look forward to seeing this event grow even bigger and better next year!
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