WELCOME TO MODEFA SF 2024!

MODEFA (Modern Ethnic Fashion Week) is a benefit event on behalf of the African Arts Academy’s education and performing arts initiatives. The goal is to provide San Francisco residents with an institution that specializes in the doctrines of arts and crafts originating in Africa and the African Diaspora, based on the spirit of cultural diversity, sustainability, innovation, and social justice.

By bridging the traditional way of ancient wisdom with new technology, we can empower our community through cultural preservation for generations to come. MODEFA SF is a global marketplace with a one-of-a-kind fashion show that draws designers from all over the world to celebrate cultural diversity. Offering an open booth, a runway fashion display, an art exhibit, exotic food, fun entertainment featuring live music, award giveaways, and more. This event draws customers and exhibitors from all walks of life. MODEFA, considered the best fashion show in San Francisco, focuses on ethnic excellence, modern ethnically influenced haute couture fashion that celebrates one’s cultural heritage with pride, as well as contemporary apparel and accessories featuring wearable technologies in the creative sectors.

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The Venue

THE LODGE AT THE REGENCY CENTER

The Lodge an event space located in the heart of San Francisco. A magnificent example of Gothic architecture, The Lodge is a true gem featuring stunning 35-foot arched open beam ceilings with dark wood paneled walls and stained-glass windows. Guest will be inspired by the astonishing 31 hand-painted backdrops that enhance the built-in stage, a working fireplace, carved wood ceilings, and spectacular silk tapestries. Ideal for smaller gatherings, dinner parties, galas, award ceremonies, corporate meetings, or celebratory bar/bat mitzvahs, this space also comes with two elegant side rooms and is fully-equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound .The Regency Center is a versatile San Francisco landmark offering three separate event venues. The Lodge combined with the Regency Ballroom and the Social Hall totals 15,225 square feet of event space that can host altogether 2,300 guests

Location

Performing Arts

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JUNETEENTH FORUM

ORDINARY WOMEN DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS THROUGH RESILIENCE. HONORING BLACK EXCELLENCE AND SUCCESS IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

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FEATURED SPEAKERS

PIWAI

IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Spiritual nirvana is how some have described Piwai’s hypnotic sound and chilling vocals. She is a compelling artist who defies genre boundaries, flowing effortlessly from folk, reggae, or jazz to authentic African rhythms.
causing her music to become tangible to listeners and generating a trance-like beat that harmonizes awareness. Piwai’s beautiful voice and genre-bending tunes astonish audiences around. Piwai, affectionately referred to as the girl with the African thumb piano, or mbira, was raised in Zimbabwe. Her cosmopolitan upbringing in Southern Africa and early exposure to gospel music shaped her love of music. Since then, Piwai has been trained by masters such as conguero Butch Haynes and the legendary drummer Yagbe Onilu. Piwai plays drums on Fantastic Negrito’s 2017 Grammy-winning album “Last Days of Oakland,” and the two routinely cooperate. Fantastic Negrito is a three-time Grammy winner.

AS A SCIENTIST

Experienced scientist with a demonstrated history of working in the biotechnology industry. Skilled in Research and Development (R&D), Validation, Analytical Skills, Molecular Biology, and Business Strategy & Intelligence. Strong research and analytics professionals & champions for customers, who creatively & positively impact the triple bottom line. Laina holds a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Prairie View A&M University and is currently pursuing an MBA & certifications at Pepperdine Graziadio, School of Business and the Harvard Business Analytical Program (HBAP). She is also the founder and principal of a biotech consulting firm, BioMinuka.

To learn more about Piway go here

KELDAMUZIK

TV HOST AND MUSICIAN

Kelda Williams, also known by his stage name Keldamuzik aka “Diva” is an American artist, singer, songwriter, producer, TV host, writer, actress, and entrepreneur. Born in the Bay Area, she is known for her hit singles “Queen for a Night” and “Thirsty,” which are both on her 4th studio album, Diva TV (2010). She has toured internationally with R&B singer Lloyd, Kid Ink, and Jah Cure. Songs from her 4 albums have been featured on MTV’s “Real World” and the Oxygen channel’s “Bad Girls Club.”. Diva extracts her entrepreneurial skills with Tamz – The World’s Flyest Beret. Additionally, as a passionate communicator, Keldamuzik launched her podcast, “Diva Talk Podcast,” on iHeartRadio. Through this platform, she engages with listeners, sharing her insights, experiences, and conversations with industry professionals.

Keldamuzik’s single “I Don’t Care” from her album “Diva TV Album” gained prominence when it was featured on Bravo TV’s popular show, “Atlanta Housewives.” This exposure introduced her music to a wider audience, solidifying her status as a versatile artist.

As a passionate communicator, Keldamuzik launched her podcast, “Diva Talk Podcast,” on iHeartRadio. Through this platform, she engages with listeners, sharing her insights, experiences, and conversations with industry professionals.

Keldamuzik’s accomplishments extend beyond music and film when her song “Weight Up” was featured in Sony Pictures’ (2010 dark comedy) “Please Give,” starring Catherine Keener and Amanda Peete, reaching theatres nationwide. Additionally, her anti-violence anthem, “Squash It,” was licensed on MTV’s “Real World San Diego” and Oxygen Channel’s “Bad Girls Club.“

To lean more about Keldamuzik go here.

Business Networking and Meetup

MODEFA SF is a global marketplace with a one-ofa-kind fashion show that draws designers from all over the world to celebrate cultural diversity. Offering an open booth, a runway fashion display, an art exhibit, exotic food, fun entertainment featuring live music, award giveaways, and more. This event draws customers and exhibitors from all walks of life. MODEFA, considered the best fashion show in San Francisco, focuses on ethnic excellence, modern ethnically influenced haute couture fashion that celebrates one’s cultural heritage with pride, as well as contemporary apparel and accessories featuring wearable technologies in the creative sectors.

ModVation Diversity Ventures Panel Discussion

IS AI ADVENTAGEOUS OR DEHUMANIZING?

This year's ModVation Diversity Ventures panel discussion will center on Artificial Intelligence, bringing together major influencers in the AI technology field, including investors, entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, celebrities, and representatives from various disciplines, on a single platform to share their insights.
There are an estimated billions of dollars in concealed wealth in the fashion and arts industries; this is a gold mine that you would like to know about. Gain an in-depth understanding of the functions and effects of AI in the creative industry, as well as the degree to which it aids or hinders artists. A startup competition will follow the panel discussion. During this occasion, artists, entrepreneurs, and new ventures will have the chance to showcase their remarkable projects and inventive business concepts to prospective investors and a live audience.

MODEFA’s audience consists of conglomerate people from various professional fields, social strata, and cultural heritages, ready to ask questions to the experts about the most important and pressing issues concerning societal challenges. The convergence of art, fashion, and technology, education, and job sectors is prevalent in both urban and rural settings. The goal of ModVation Talk is to facilitate a productive and constructive panel conversation in order to explore potential answers to the issues that the artificial intelligence industry faces in specific domains: “Is AI advantageous or dehumanizing?

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