For my senior Journalism multimedia capstone, I created a project that centers on the experiences of plus-sized women at HBCUs, stories that are often overlooked. Through a feature story, podcast, editorial photography, and documentary, I explore how these students navigate campus life, fashion, and self-expression. This project allowed me to combine research, storytelling, and multimedia reporting to highlight voices that are too often unheard, celebrate confidence and presence, and bring visibility to an important but underrepresented perspective.

Taking Up Space

This documentary examines the lack of representation for plus-sized women in fashion and the ways Hampton University’s Campus Plus organization is breaking barriers on campus. Through interviews with the president, stylists, and student models, it highlights the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs that accompany the journey toward visibility and confidence. By combining analysis of mainstream media, behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, and moments from the final fashion show, the piece explores how representation or the lack of it shapes identity and self-expression. Ultimately, it shows how Campus Plus is redefining beauty standards and creating a space where every student can feel seen, celebrated, and empowered.

Redefining the Runway

Taking Up Space: Plus-Sized Women Navigate Beauty Standards at Hampton University

Celebrating the confidence, style, and voices of plus-sized women at HBCUs

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Podcast Episode:

The Weighted Experience

The Weighted Experience is a podcast that explores the lives of plus-sized women at HBCUs. Through an in-depth conversation with the founder of Campus Plus, Avary Gillyard, the show highlights advocacy, body positivity, and the challenges these students face navigating campus life and self-expression. The podcast gives voice to perspectives that are often overlooked, offering insight, inspiration, and a celebration of confidence and presence in spaces where representation matters.

Photo Spread

This collection celebrates the experiences of plus-sized women at HBCUs, highlighting their confidence, style, and presence in spaces where representation is too often overlooked. Each image captures moments of self-expression, individuality, and empowerment, showing how these students navigate campus life, fashion, and identity with strength and authenticity. Through this spread, we honor their stories, challenge traditional beauty standards, and shine a light on a community whose voices deserve to be seen and celebrated.