Pensole Lewis College (PLC) Detroit is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with the vibrant Detroit creative community, alongside industry giants StockX and Microsoft. Set to inspire and equip the future leaders of design, this initiative will unfold on Wednesday, April 24th, at PLC Detroit, located at 200 Walker Street (ICON Bldg.), from 10 AM to 1 PM.
The event will feature a panel discussion moderated by StockX Chief Impact Officer, Damien Hooper-Campbell, where local students will have the unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the world of design and engage with industry creatives:
- Footwear and fashion designer, Alexander-John
- Founder of PLC Detroit & Footwear designer, Dr. D’Wayne Edwards
- Costume designer and stylist, June Ambrose
- Multidisciplinary artist, host, and designer, Amber Chene
The participants will include students from Detroit Lions Academy, which offers three unique programs to give students a second chance in a supportive academic environment.
“At PLC Detroit, we believe in the transformative power of design. We are dedicated to providing a world-class education that goes beyond theory, equipping our students with practical skills and industry knowledge,” said Dion Walcott, Director of Partnerships at PLC Detroit. “Through our collaborative initiatives, we will empower students to make a lasting impact in the design industry.”
In addition to the enlightening panel discussion, students will enjoy exclusive early access to StockX x PLC x Microsoft content. This curated material promises an immersive learning experience, exposing students to cutting-edge trends and practices in the design realm.
“Like PLC Detroit and Microsoft, we’ve taken steps to foster a community rooted in access and inclusivity, where people can express themselves freely through their passions,” said StockX Senior Director of Brand Marketing, Jerry Gaines. “This partnership is an extension of those efforts and aims to provide the next generation of designers and creatives — right here in our hometown of Detroit — with the tools they need to innovate.”
Furthermore, students will have the invaluable opportunity to refine their design skills through a hands-on design essentials workshop. Led by experienced instructors, the workshop will introduce students to fundamental design principles, leveraging PLC worksheets. This session promises to be a transformative experience for budding designers, unlocking their creative potential and honing their craft.
“We are thrilled to partner with Pensole Lewis College, bringing a new dimension to S.T.E.A.M education for Detroit’s creative youth. Our collaboration is set to ignite a passion for design and technology, offering students unparalleled access to industry professionals and essential skills for career success. With Microsoft Community Training, we’re building bridges to the future and empowering students to excel in a dynamic design industry. This partnership is more than an initiative; it’s a commitment to nurturing the next wave of innovators,” said Darrell Booker, Microsoft Corporate Affairs Specialist.
We encourage students, educators, and design enthusiasts to mark their calendars and join us for an unforgettable experience.
About PLC Detroit
PLC Detroit is the nation’s first-ever Historically Black College/University focused on design. Under the direction of Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, PLC is the pipeline HBCU for career education and professional development in the product creation industry. We are the culture’s creative northstar, lighting the way forward to new career pathways. As the first HBCU to reopen after closing, we believe in carrying the vision of PENSOLE Academy and the legacy of Lewis College of Business into a better future led by those who prepare for it.
About StockX:
StockX is proud to be a Detroit-based technology leader focused on the large and growing online market for sneakers, apparel, accessories, electronics, collectibles, trading cards, and more. StockX’s powerful platform connects buyers and sellers of high-demand consumer goods from around the world using dynamic pricing mechanics. This approach affords access and market visibility powered by real-time data that empowers buyers and sellers to determine and transact based on market value. The StockX platform features hundreds of brands across verticals including Jordan Brand, Adidas, Nike, Supreme, BAPE, Off-White, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci; collectibles from artists including KAWS and Takashi Murakami; and electronics from industry-leading manufacturers Sony, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Apple. Launched in 2016, StockX employs more than 1,000 people across offices and verification centers around the world. Learn more at www.stockx.com.
About Microsoft:
In 2020, Microsoft announced its Nonprofit Tech Acceleration for Black and African American Communities program, which uses data, technology, and partnerships to help local organizations across the country with technical solutions essential to their work.
The program’s short-term goal was to help 1,000 community-based organizations access technology and use it effectively. In the first four weeks following its launch, the program connected with 200 organizations. Today, the program has assisted nearly 3,000 organizations. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s overall commitment to better serve Black and African American communities. Join the Microsoft Nonprofit Tech Acceleration program at aka.ms/NTA to learn more about tech solutions for your nonprofit.
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