Tickets to our annual Shea Fashion Showcase are available now!

Shea Fashion began with a bold idea inside the halls of Shea High School in Pawtucket, RI. As a student, Will envisioned more than a traditional fashion show. He imagined a dramatic, theatrical runway experience that would captivate an audience and, more importantly, empower the students who stepped onto the stage.

 

With determination and creative vision, he recruited a small group of peers to model in what would become the first iteration of what is now known as Runway to Confidence. The production blended performance, storytelling, and style. For many participants, it was their first time being seen, celebrated, and applauded for simply showing up as themselves. The impact was immediate. Students who once hesitated to speak up began walking taller. Confidence was no longer abstract. It was visible under the lights of the auditorium.

 

As the show gained momentum over the next few years, its influence extended beyond modeling. The Home Economics teacher and head of the Fashion Academy at Shea High School, Phyllis McHale, recognized an opportunity to deepen the educational value of the program. Together, Phyllis and Will introduced student-designed garments to the runway, transforming the showcase into a platform not only for confidence but also for craftsmanship and creative expression. This evolution marked a turning point.

 

The runway became a space where identity, skill-building, and artistry intersected. Students were no longer just modeling clothing. They were presenting their own creations to a supportive and energized community audience. The annual show quickly became a staple within the school and the broader Pawtucket community.

 

After witnessing the profound social and emotional growth of participants and the overwhelming community response, Will and Phyllis made a strategic decision. To ensure the longevity, growth, and autonomy of the program, they established Shea Fashion as an independent nonprofit organization. This transition allowed the initiative to expand beyond a single event and into a year-round platform focused on youth empowerment through fashion, mentorship, and workforce development.

 

Over the years, Shea Fashion has trained hundreds of student models, helping young people build confidence, celebrate diverse identities, and develop leadership skills. The organization has also showcased hundreds of student-designed garments, providing emerging creatives with real-world experience in design, production, and presentation.

 

Today, Shea Fashion continues to serve as a launchpad for self-discovery and opportunity. Rooted in its theatrical beginnings yet forward-thinking in its approach, the organization remains committed to inspiring and motivating students to define their identities, amplify their voices, and pursue their ambitions through fashion and creative expression.