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SF MODEFA 2025
AFRICAN ARTS ACADEMY SAN FRANCISCO 13th ANNUAL MODERN ETHNIC FASHION SHOW GALA
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL ETHNIC DAY AND JUNETEENTH
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SUNDAY JUNE 15, 5PM
SAINT MARY'S CATHEDRAL
1111 Gough Street, San Francisco CA 94109
(415) 567-2020 x201
Welcome!
African Arts Academy's SF MODEFA (San Francsico Modern Ethnic Fashion Show Gala and mixer is bringing it’s exciting melange of ethnically inspired haute couture from around the world, commomerating International Ethnic Day, while honoring Junteenth celebration, includes a forum dedicated to black excellence. The intersection of arts technology and cultures.
This amazing talked about event is voted best fashion show in San Francisco, blending cutting-edge haute couture fashion display, live music, wild comedy, art exhibit, and amazing international gourmet cuisine provided by a carefully selected top notch celebrity chefs.
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Exciting News This Year!
We are thrilled to announce our 13th annual SF MODEFA (San Francisco Modern Ethnic Fashion Week Gala), hosted by African Arts Academy, happening on Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at Saint Mary's Cathedral locate at 1111 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA 94109.
Join us on this special Father's Day for an unforgettable celebration of International Ethnic Day and Juneteenth, featuring a vibrant fashion runway show, vendor popup, people's choice beauty pageant, community engagement, succulent exotic food, business networking, and a thought-provoking panel on the intersection of arts, culture and technology.​​
THE HONORABLE WILLIE L. BROWN JR.​
GALA HONORARY CHAIR
Community Legend Two-Term Mayor of San Francisco
Speaker of the California State Assembly
Widely Regarded as The Most Influential Politician of The Twentieth Century
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THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TREASURER FIONA MA CPA
Honorary SF MODEFA Cultural Ambassador And Honorary Model
EVENT SCHEDULE
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PM | VENDORS POP-UP SHOP & FASHION
ART SHOW explore exquisite art exhibition, ethnic attire display, fine jewelry, and textiles from around the world. Meet talented designers and artisans showcasing their cultural heritage. Discover unique pieces that honor diversity and inclusion Special Juneteenth marketplace celebrating African heritage and ancestral traditions. Experience our vendor pop-up shop and Trunk Show a la Wakanda in celebration of Juneteenth. This exquisite pop-up store will showcase high-end ethnic attire and fine jewelry, as well as textiles, to honor diversity and inclusion, paying tribute to the motherland and our ancestors, allowing you to take pride and embrace your ethnic heritage.
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MODVATION DIVERSITY VENTURES PANEL DISCUSSION "AI ETHICS, DATA OWNERSHIP & CULTURAL INTEGRITY"
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Join this groundbreaking discussion exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, cultural heritage, and ethical innovation. Our distinguished panelists will examine:
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How AI technologies can respect and preserve cultural diversity
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The importance of data ownership for marginalized communities
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Ensuring cultural integrity in the digital age
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Creating pathways for underrepresented voices in technology
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The intersection of arts, fashion and technology
Featured Panelists Include:
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Fondu Founders (Confirmed)
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Industry leaders in AI ethics and cultural preservation
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Technology innovators championing health in beauty, diversity and inclusion
Are you passionate about ethical AI and cultural representation? Apply to join our panel by contacting us at info@africanartsacademy.org
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​JUNETEENTH FORUM:
"ORDINARY WOMEN DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS"
A powerful celebration of Black excellence honoring African American women leaders, their resilience, and accomplishments.
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Inspiring stories of triumph and perseverance
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Recognition of trailblazers breaking barriers in their fields
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Special awards ceremony empowering the next generation, celebrating outstanding achievements
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Networking and creating opportunity focused on building a cohesion between communities​​​​​
Getty Images Photographer Mark Gunter Confirmed!
MC: Nado Emmenuel Host at KALW
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AGENDA
4:00 PM​
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Doors Open. General admission seating is first come first serve.
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VIP dedicated seating area is open. Please plan to arrive early.
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Parking is available at the Cathedral's parking lot and is included with your ticket.
5:00 PM​
MODVATION DIVERSITY VENTURES CONFERENCE
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Panel discussion about AI ethics, cultural integrity, and data ownership
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Anticipated representatives from FONDU AI company, STIR LAB EPI SPA, will share their inspirations to empower the new generation.
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Moderated by Aytakin Aliyeva, the Founder of the Femigrants Foundation, and Papa Yaw Quainoo of the Grow Wealth Platform and host of the podcast "Grow with Papa".
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The speakers' panel features, Izzy Farley (CTO of FONDU AI company), Stefanie Miller (COO of FONDU AI company), Bisi Onateru (Just I Guide), Maryam Khosravi (Founder of Stir Bar Lab), Hesam Jafari (CEO of Buzzable), Helene Victoria Blossom (CEO, Fashion Model and Former CEO of Bright Relocation). They will share their inspirations to empower the new generation.
5:30 PM
​JUNETEENTH FORUM
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From African to the Americas: Overcoming Adversities Through Resilience. A spotlight on African American Women's Impactful Journey.
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​The Speakers' Panel features The Honorable Willie L. Brown Jr., (GALA HONORARY CHAIR), Frederick Jordan (Founder - Jordan, John’s, Mathis & Pierce), Brigette Leblanc (President & CEO - San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce), Chris Jackson (Former Captain - Wagner Men's Basketball), Y'nad Burell (Founder - iHealth Innovation, Glass House Public Relations)
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6:00 PM
​VIP GALA DINNER RECEPTION
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Exotic Succulent gourmet kitchen, featuring Nigeria and Ethiopia.
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At African Arts Academy SF MODEFA Gala we always showcase international food as part of cultural heritage celebration and diversity.
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The VIP ticket includes a silent auction and raffles during dinner fundraising drive.
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GENERAL ADMISSION
​Cocktail reception with the vendors while enjoying the display of ethnic arts and sculptures featuring local artists, and silent auction.
7:30 PM​
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FASHION SHOW OPENING PERFORMANCE ALLIANA LILI YANG
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​FASHION SHOW
Haute couture modern ethnic fashion runway show featuring local and international designers, to celebrate cultural diversity.
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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
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Live entertainment showcasing different artist that represents different cultural background to celebrate cultural diversity such as world music, RNB, Classic and traditional folk music, featuring:
Ze Manel Fortes from (Guinea Bissau)
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Kelda Muszik from (San Jose)
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Alliana Lilli Yang from (San Francisco)
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Freddy Clarke from (Menlo Park, CA)
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Fely Tchaco from (Cote d'Ivoire)
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Featured Musicians:
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Marc Levine (Bass)
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Brian Andres (Drumset)
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Paul Sonnabend (Conga Master)
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Eric Bli Bi (Traditional Gouro Percussionist and Zaouli Drummer)
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Thomas Suzeck (Keyboard and Piano)​
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Bisi Obateru (DJ)​
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Terence Tanjong (DJ and Special Effect Lighting)​
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Comedian Danny Dechi
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​10:00 PM
​DJ OBATERU AFROBEAT
The evening will end with every culture and people gathering in the same room to dance to the rhythms of different sounds from the continent of Africa to celebrate world peace, featuring DJ Obateru from Nigeria.
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