Help Mikayel To Get His Dream Education At Parsons
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Parsons Paris and Giving Back To My Community
I am Mikayel Simonyan from Ijevan, Armenia. I am a fashion designer and a disability rights activist who needs your help to fundraise his education. In late March I was accepted to the Parisian campus of the Parsons School of Design, which is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me to grow professionally and invest back that knowledge in my rural community in Ijevan.
I have been offered a place in the Fashion Design and the Arts MFA program, which has an intersectional approach towards creating a sustainable fashion ecosystem. The tuition for my first year at Parsons Paris is $37,000; 20% of which is covered by the university which leaves me with $29,600 that I need to pay by August 2021. Given the social-economic situation in Armenia, I would not be able to afford this program even if I worked full-time for 10 years. I am asking for your help to fund this very important step of my life.
Given the potential of economic growth in rural Armenia, this education can enable me to further develop my slow fashion brand Mischa Aphrodisiac, which I have founded upon my return from studies in the United States. I have started off by sewing hats and making brooches in my room, the main proceeds of which were donated to aid refugees from Artsakh during the Second Artsakh War.
Disability Activism In Armenia And Elsewhere
From a young age, I have delivered speeches on the importance of inclusive education and the challenges children with disabilities go through - especially in rural Armenia. Awareness is key in bringing about a positive change in society. As a board member of NGO Bridge of Hope, I had the honor to also present on international platforms such as the Council of Europe and Regional Ministerial Conferences organized by the UNICEF. It is vital to initiate a social discourse on disability rights, which is also my new professional goal as a fashion designer and a lifelong mission that I will carry along with me to Parsons Paris.
Sustainability In The Fashion Industry
Mischa Aphrodisiac, my clothing brand which I founded in my hometown, is a made-to-order fashion brand, meaning we minimize the textile waste by producing less and only on demand. Undoubtedly, fast fashion is more affordable and more accessible, yet the modern consumer must be aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion. Excessive textile waste which ends up in the landfill is just the tip of the iceberg. The damage starts from the unsustainable production of textile, toxic dyes of which also end up in rivers. I believe that it is time to reevaluate our buying choices. Buying less and supporting local or small businesses will make the real change in the industry.
A Token Of Appreciation
Given their permission, patrons’ names will be displayed on my brand's, Mischa Aphrodisiac’s website to express my gratitude. Donors will receive discounts and one-of-a-kind gifts, based on the following donation scale.
$20 and above will receive a 5% discount on Mischa Aphrodisiac’s website.
$50 and above will receive a 15% discount on Mischa Aphrodisiac’s website.
$100 and above will receive a custom digital portrait from Mikayel.
During these days, I have acknowledged the importance of each individual’s civic involvement in their particular fields, as it is only by empowering each other for achieving a greater good. Hence, it is your support and contribution and support that can empower me to become a catalyst of change in my community.
Thank you for believing in me and my dream!
Reach Me On
My Instagram
My Facebook
Check Out
Mischa Aphrodisiac here.
I am Mikayel Simonyan from Ijevan, Armenia. I am a fashion designer and a disability rights activist who needs your help to fundraise his education. In late March I was accepted to the Parisian campus of the Parsons School of Design, which is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me to grow professionally and invest back that knowledge in my rural community in Ijevan.
I have been offered a place in the Fashion Design and the Arts MFA program, which has an intersectional approach towards creating a sustainable fashion ecosystem. The tuition for my first year at Parsons Paris is $37,000; 20% of which is covered by the university which leaves me with $29,600 that I need to pay by August 2021. Given the social-economic situation in Armenia, I would not be able to afford this program even if I worked full-time for 10 years. I am asking for your help to fund this very important step of my life.
Given the potential of economic growth in rural Armenia, this education can enable me to further develop my slow fashion brand Mischa Aphrodisiac, which I have founded upon my return from studies in the United States. I have started off by sewing hats and making brooches in my room, the main proceeds of which were donated to aid refugees from Artsakh during the Second Artsakh War.
Disability Activism In Armenia And Elsewhere
From a young age, I have delivered speeches on the importance of inclusive education and the challenges children with disabilities go through - especially in rural Armenia. Awareness is key in bringing about a positive change in society. As a board member of NGO Bridge of Hope, I had the honor to also present on international platforms such as the Council of Europe and Regional Ministerial Conferences organized by the UNICEF. It is vital to initiate a social discourse on disability rights, which is also my new professional goal as a fashion designer and a lifelong mission that I will carry along with me to Parsons Paris.
Sustainability In The Fashion Industry
Mischa Aphrodisiac, my clothing brand which I founded in my hometown, is a made-to-order fashion brand, meaning we minimize the textile waste by producing less and only on demand. Undoubtedly, fast fashion is more affordable and more accessible, yet the modern consumer must be aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion. Excessive textile waste which ends up in the landfill is just the tip of the iceberg. The damage starts from the unsustainable production of textile, toxic dyes of which also end up in rivers. I believe that it is time to reevaluate our buying choices. Buying less and supporting local or small businesses will make the real change in the industry.
A Token Of Appreciation
Given their permission, patrons’ names will be displayed on my brand's, Mischa Aphrodisiac’s website to express my gratitude. Donors will receive discounts and one-of-a-kind gifts, based on the following donation scale.
$20 and above will receive a 5% discount on Mischa Aphrodisiac’s website.
$50 and above will receive a 15% discount on Mischa Aphrodisiac’s website.
$100 and above will receive a custom digital portrait from Mikayel.
During these days, I have acknowledged the importance of each individual’s civic involvement in their particular fields, as it is only by empowering each other for achieving a greater good. Hence, it is your support and contribution and support that can empower me to become a catalyst of change in my community.
Thank you for believing in me and my dream!
Reach Me On
My Instagram
My Facebook
Check Out
Mischa Aphrodisiac here.
Organizer
Hrachya Sargsyan
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
