Although she is still a student at Preston University Ajman, Fatima Mohammad Al Hajan is already making waves abroad. This weekend she won first prize in the Miami International Fashion Week's 2010 International Student Designer Competition.
Her name, headshot and her school's name secured a place in the Hall of Fame on the official MIFW website. She also wins a cash prize from the MIFW Scholarship Fund and a one-hour mentoring session with Mercedes Gonzalez, President of Global Purchasing Group.
"We are all so excited by this. It is just so big for us, she has been chosen from more than 350 entries from all over the world," said Saqib Suhail who heads the Fashion Design Department at Preston University Ajman.
"I didn't hesitate in competing and I put in all my effort because I knew the challenge was going to be big , and I studied and researched and finally I sent my entry to MIFW. I'm probably the only Arab participating in the student competition," said Fatima.
"I found all the encouragement from teachers as they make you feel that you are in a climate of harmony and respect. They also encourage people with talents to show them off." Fatima wants to pursue a career as a fashion designer. Her biggest dream is to build a clothing factory where she can employ women in need so they can help themselves.
