Antiguan Astronaut walks in NYFW Survivor Fashion Show, advocates for empowerment

Keisha Schahaff, an Antiguan astronaut who became the first of the Caribbean’s mother-daughter duo in space sitting alongside her daughter, broke boundaries once again stepping at NYFW Survivor Fashion Show.

On 10 September 2024, Keisha Schahaff appeared at the 4th Annual NYFW Rise Survivor Fashion Show which took place during New York Fashion Week. Keisha Schahaff spoke out on resilience and for survivors of sexual violence.

In August 2023, Schahaff put herself into the record books with her space flight aboard Virgin Galactic. She and her daughter Anastatia Mayers became the first citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean to go to a space wonder, but now, the woman is doing much more remarkably answering the call to spread hope and empowerment on a global stage.

Organizer by Rise founder and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Amanda Nguyen, the NYFW Rise Survivor Fashion Show raised awareness for survivors of sexual violence and show the world the survivor’s strength.

In this event, Forbes had worked with Rise which was quite evident from the representation of a very strong and diverse lineup of people comprising astronauts and Olympians. Actually, what was most inspiring about Schahaff’s participation was the fact that she was already onto inspiring people to chase and achieve their dreams.

To be part of the fashion show, Schahaff added that she has a desire to encourage other people to overcome their fears in order to achieve their dreams. In her opinion, this move was for reclaiming and awakening of power in others, embraced within the context of this show.

She also said, “This moment, I do hope that it gives strength and hope to people all over the world especially for the survivors.”

In her own way, Schahaff has made it possible to crash many doomsday stories surrounding survivors of sexual violence. Her presence focused not only on what she had accomplished personally, but because of coming out to this stage, has also supported the cause of survivor advocacy.

Walking on that ramp finally was a powerful symbol of overcoming adversity and further served as an opportunity to forward the importance of resilience and self-belief.

Beyond her individual odyssey, Schahaff’s involvement in such an exclusive event presented a great opportunity to give international focus to Antigua and Barbuda.

She continues to bring the twin-island nation unto the world stage through advocacy, spending the last years of her reign attending international events, including New York Fashion Week, promoting Caribbean talent and leadership.

To sum up, Keisha Schahaff is an inspirational figure who is multifarious. From space to survivorship, her contributions to NYFW Rise Survivor Fashion Show enhance her message of empowerment, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.