Iman’s Master’s Degree in New York

Hello kind friends,

In March 2018 I was accepted to my first-choice Master's Degree at Parsons College at The New School in New York City starting in August 2018. The programme is an MSc in Strategic Design and Management - a creative approach to business rooted in sustainability and innovation. I have been beyond elated, and even more ecstatic about receiving The President's scholarship amounting to 75% of my tuition. I was also recently accepted to the Impact Entrepreneurship Fellowship. It is a competitive, merit-based Fellowship that trains high-potential leaders from diverse backgrounds who are committed to driving positive social impact through entrepreneurship while pursuing a master's degree at The New School.

This Master's Degree is incredibly important to me because it is integral to my ambition to continue making a difference in South Africa. Social development and women's empowerment have been considerable passions of mine, ones that I have dedicated my career and personal time to. My dream is to pursue a career in social entrepreneurship by exploring environmentally sustainable approaches to textile manufacturing. Prior to the crash of the textile industry in South Africa, it was one of the country’s largest employers. I believe strongly in resurrecting this sector not only because of its potential to create jobs but also because it was a large employer of women. Local textile manufacturing can strive towards eliminating gender inequality through economic inclusion for women in South Africa without exploitative practice or environmental destruction. There is a way for manufacturing to have a positive impact on communities and the environment, and I am eager to drive this.

Through this Master's degree and Fellowship I will develop skills in innovation and impact entrepreneurship that will allow me to harness the potential of the textile industry for job creation, environmental sustainability and women’s empowerment.

Getting the President's Scholarship was a massive sign of faith in my abilities, and without it I would not be able to consider attending the university. But unfortunately, even with the scholarship, the cost of attending is still very high and currently out of my reach. I created this crowdfund because I really need support in making this incredible dream a reality. Pursuing this Master's will undoubtedly change my life, and it is my hope that knowing me, you will be sure of how valuable it is to my commitment to making a meaningful contribution to South Africa.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity!

Love,

Iman