My name is Leeah Esquivel, and I am a student from Austin, Texas who was recently accepted into the Vogue Summer Pre-College Program in New York. I was honored to receive a partial scholarship that covers 25% of the program tuition, which made this opportunity feel more possible for me. As a first-generation future college student, I have worked hard to pursue opportunities connected to my interests in fashion, media, business, and creative leadership. Programs like this are especially meaningful to me because they provide exposure, mentorship, and experiences that can truly shape my future. Even with the partial scholarship, the remaining tuition and travel costs are still a significant challenge for my family.

The remaining tuition balance covers the two-week program in New York, including housing, meals, and activities. In addition to the tuition, I am also responsible for travel expenses, such as airfare and other transportation costs. The funds I raise will help make it possible for me to fully participate in this life-changing opportunity. I am eager to deepen my understanding of marketing tools and strategies such as campaigns, storytelling, branding, and collaboration to make fashion a statement. My goal is to major in marketing and pursue a career in the entertainment industry, learning how ideas are developed and executed behind the scenes. Vogue’s influence in shaping fashion through media and storytelling is a place for me to learn and grow my skills. I hope to bring communities together through the art of media and connect with people who have different perspectives and ideas.

Through my experience in business classes and managing marketing for my robotics team and FBLA chapter, I have learned how colors, fonts, and design elements work together to create impactful social media campaigns. I was able to achieve this by becoming the first marketer to help my school’s robotics team reach 1,000 followers on Instagram within seven months during my first year in the role. I am ready to take the next step in developing my skills in marketing and creative storytelling through Vogue.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Any support, no matter the amount, would truly mean the world to me. Even simply sharing my story helps more than you know. I am incredibly grateful for any encouragement, belief, or support along this journey.