West Windsor, N.J. -- Twelve Mercer County Community College students, and the daughter of a staff member, showcased cultures from across the globe during an International Women's Fashion Show at the Conference Center March 27. The event was hosted by MCCC's International Student Organization (ISO) in celebration of Women's History Month.
Among the countries represented by students were Africa, Bulgaria, China, Cuba, Germany, Ireland, Jamaica, the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra-Leone, Turkey, the United States circa 1980s, and U.S. Cherokee.
According to ISO Advisor Alice Chung, the annual event gives students a chance to take pride in their ethnic backgrounds as they share the beauty of their traditional dress. "Most importantly, this event provides an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the different cultures represented at Mercer," she said. Staff member Eirini Papafratzeskakou also serves as an ISO advisor.
ISO President Anthony Borek served as master of ceremonies. "We learn from each other by sharing our cultures," he said in his remarks. Other students who participated as escorts were Brandon Bongart, Timothy Hoffman, Anderson Monken and Casey Reiss.
ISO Vice President Asuman Ekiz, who donned a festive Turkish outfit for the show,
closed out the event, thanking those who attended and all those who helped make it possible.
Student Linda Bezdekova serves as the ISO's public relations representative and was credited with designing the event flyer, program and tickets.

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Blbi Adil gets help with her veil prior to the show. |
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Yelena Lastre is pictured in a dress from Cuba. |
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Models included (front row, from left): Yelena Lastre, (Cuba), Asuman Ekiz (Turkey), Maya-Alexandra Todorov (Bulgaria), and Megan Josephson (American Cherokee); (second row, from left) Debra Brown (China), Temitope Akoh (Nigeria), Shannon Kenny (1980s American), Blbi Adil (Pakistan), Chynna Taylor (Africa), Melissa Clair (Ireland), Brittany Bayo (Germany), Francess Gbondo (Sierra-Leone) and Isma Adil (Pakistan.) |