Alumni Service Recognition Award

Kala Wilburn grew up in Flint, Michigan, and graduated from Central Michigan University in 2007. Wilburn moved to New York City and established her fashion line, Fannie Lucille, which provides custom clothing and handbags designed by Kala herself. In June of 2011, the then-budding fashion designer returned to Flint, intending to put her dreams into action in her hometown.

In that same year, she lost her brother to gun violence, changing Kala’s outlook on fashion and her community.  Looking for a way to honor her brother, she discovered a way to share her love of fashion while promoting zero-tolerance for violence in the community. From there, the initiative Fashion Against Violence was born.  The outreach efforts surrounding the initiative exposed the community to fashion through workshops, boot camps, networking with industry professionals, and ultimately creating Vehicle City Fashion week.  The annual event bridges the gap for local designers by sharing programs and opportunities in Michigan.

Kala remains in contact with faculty in the Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design department at Central Michigan University. She involves current CMU Fashion students with her initiatives.  Wilburn was featured as a guest speaker for the Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design department’s annual Career Day.  She returned to campus speaking to students about her career thus far and everything she has done with Fannie Lucille, Fashion Against Violence, and Vehicle City Fashion Week.