By: Gracie Watkins
Under the dim glow of stage lights, fabric flows, and a hush falls over the audience. But, this is no ordinary runway show. The models, poised and powerful, clutch signs emblazoned with statistics. The music swells, and the weight of unspoken stories settles over the room. This is Sisters on the Runway, where advocacy meets artistry, and where fashion becomes a vehicle for change.
Every other Wednesday, a group of students gathers at Penn State, not just to meet, but to build something bigger than themselves. Co-led by Presidents Izzy Chieves and Vice President Ava Acosta, Sisters on the Runway is more than just an organization—it’s a sanctuary, a megaphone, and a movement for survivors and allies of those affected by sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Founded in 2014 as part of a broader initiative spanning college campuses across New England, Penn State’s branch of Sisters on the Runway has worked to raise awareness and foster support for survivors. While the club’s cornerstone event, the annual fashion show, is the highlight of the spring semester, its efforts extend far beyond the runway.
Building a Community of Support
In the fall, the club focuses on creating a safe and welcoming environment for students who have been affected by or want to contribute to advocacy efforts. Through biweekly meetings, members participate in activities that not only strengthen bonds within the group but also promote self-care and awareness. From making caramel apples to watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and even holding finals study sessions, Sisters on the Runway ensures that members have a space to connect and unwind.
Fundraising remains a key component of the club’s fall semester activities. Events like the Christmas bake sale and breakfast sandwich fundraiser in the HUB help provide the necessary resources to support their advocacy efforts and the main event in the spring. The executive board, which includes roles for social media, treasurer, model coordination, and sponsor outreach, works alongside the presidents to ensure these efforts are well-executed.
Fashion as a Form of Advocacy
While the fall is about community-building, the spring semester shifts focus to direct advocacy, culminating in the annual fashion show, tentatively set for April 27 this year. “We are trying to communicate the message that this is happening in our community in a different way—through a fashion show, through artistry,” Acosta explains. The event isn’t just about style; it’s a powerful statement.
One of the most impactful moments of the show comes when models take the stage holding signs with statistics about sexual assault. The room falls silent to the sound of a slow song playing in the background (last year’s show performed What Was I Made For?). “You can feel the weight of the moment,” Chieves shares. “People in the audience start crying. It’s jarring to see those statistics in that setting” It makes the message impossible to ignore.
Model auditions and volunteer opportunities are now open, with additional dates running every Friday and Saturday through mid-February. Sign up here.
Raising Awareness Beyond the Runway
In addition to the fashion show, the club organizes Walk a Mile, an event where participants wear all black and carry signs displaying statistics on sexual violence as they walk through downtown. The impact is immediate. “People stop us to thank us. Some share their own stories,” Chieves says. “You can tell it’s affecting people.”
The Challenges and the Future
Like many student-led initiatives, Sisters on the Runway faces hurdles. “College students are busy, and coordinating schedules can be difficult,” Acosta admits. “Attendance fluctuates, and while we want it to be a low-commitment club, it can sometimes feel discouraging.”
Yet, for Acosta and Chieves, the work is deeply personal. Acosta initially joined for the modeling aspect but soon realized the significance of the mission. “I was stalking the Instagram page and saw what this club stood for. I had felt unseen in my own experiences, and I finally found a community willing to talk about something I had wanted to talk about for so long.”
Chieves echoes the sentiment. “Having something to show for it gives me pride. When you’re a freshman or sophomore, you’re not always super involved in the clubs that you join, but this club became our child, and we want to see it grow.”
As they look ahead, the goal is clear: expand the club, solidify its foundation, and continue spreading awareness. “There is always someone you know or someone close to you who has been affected by the issues we advocate for,” Chieves says.
For those looking to join Sisters on the Runway, whether as a model, volunteer or general member, the message is simple: everyone has a role to play in fostering awareness and creating change. “To educate and advocate, you need to reach people,” Acosta says. And that starts right here, within our Penn State community.
Follow the Instagram for more information about the organization.
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