KHADESIA WALKER KHADESIA WALKER

This experience helped Khadesia develop skills that she now uses for the Keke Mary Styles business. Additionally, Khadesia mentors middle school girls, giving them the opportunity to express themselves and build connections and confidence. Drawing on her own inspiration from her faith, family, and sorority, she encourages women to, “Stay true to who you are and never let anyone distract you from your goals.”

Encouraging Confidence With Khadesia Walker

By: Joanna Barrett (Epsilon Epsilon 2017/JWU North Miami)

The world of fashion is a more empowering place for young girls and women because of Khadesia Walker (Delta Omega 2015/Penn State Altoona), who started an online fashion business three years ago, at the age of 22.

“My goal is to encourage young girls and women to become the best versions of themselves, and to be confident enough to pursue their ambitions,” says Khadesia, which is why she created the online boutique “Keke Mary Styles” (during the pandemic, no less) and hashtag #ImAGirlBOSS.

Influenced by her experiences in middle and high school, Khadesia would customize jeans, design and cut up shirts, and tie-dye different articles of clothing for her and her friends. Always having a love for fashion and a passion for style and creativity, Khadesia reflects that she and her sister started a resale store on eBay in 2014.

Khadesia shares that “no one can stop you from living your purpose or take away your goals and dreams,” as she impacts young women in schools in Connecticut. “It’s so exciting to see my vision for my youth empowerment initiative coming to life!” exclaims Khadesia.

Khadesia hopes to connect and partner with Dress for Success in the future, as she admires the “great work they do.” Additionally, an Amazon storefront for her boutique will be expanded to larger audiences shortly, as well as the development of a new, faith-based clothing line and redesigned #ImAGirlBOSS statement t-shirts.

“I want to globally expand my non-profit to provide interactive workbooks for creating practical roadmaps to self-confidence and career objectives across the country,” says Khadesia.

As she reflects on her support system and the role it played in her successes and confidence, Khadesia wants to make it her mission to pay it forward and be a mentor for other young women and youth.

Preserving History With Sarah Coffey

By: Kathryn McCoy (Gamma Rho 2020/Seton Hall)