FASHION SHOW & CULTURAL GALA
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Memories of Mexico
The Golden Ticket Opportunity Drawing is a special way to participate in the Women of the World Fashion Show and Cultural Gala even when event tickets are sold out.
For $95, the same cost as a gala ticket, you can support Women of the World’s mission while being entered to win an unforgettable luxury getaway to Mexico.
The winner will receive a four night stay in a stunning master room with a private terrace at a AAA Four Diamond Award Winning resort located in Nuevo Nayarit, Riviera Maya, or Acapulco. The experience includes world class amenities such as swimming pools, water parks, spas, live entertainment, golf courses, tennis courts, and on site dining and bars featuring regional cuisine.
Your entry directly supports Women of the World’s programs, which empower refugee and immigrant women through economic opportunity, education, and community connection. Even if you are unable to attend the event in person, this opportunity allows you to remain part of the celebration and impact.
This Opportunity Drawing is more than a chance to win an incredible vacation. It is a meaningful way to stand alongside women building new lives and futures while enjoying the excitement of being part of our most anticipated event of the year.
Entries are limited.
Only one Golden Ticket will be selected the night of the Event. Winner does NOT need to be present to win.
*NEW* Golden Ticket
Opportunity Drawing
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An Evening That Celebrates Culture and Creates Opportunity
The 16th Annual Women of the World Fashion Show & Cultural Gala is an extraordinary evening that brings together culture, community, and purpose in celebration of International Women’s Day.
This highly anticipated event showcases vibrant global fashion while honoring the strength, resilience, and leadership of refugee and immigrant women rebuilding their lives in Utah. Each year, the Fashion Show & Cultural Gala sells out, welcoming hundreds of guests who believe in investing in women and the communities they help sustain.
Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated evening featuring cultural fashion from around the world, inspiring storytelling, and an elevated gala experience. At the heart of the event are the women served by Women of the World whose journeys remind us why this work matters. Their stories reflect courage, perseverance, and the transformative power of opportunity.
Proceeds from the Fashion Show & Cultural Gala directly support Women of the World’s programs, which provide pathways to economic self-reliance, education, and community connection for forcibly displaced women. From workforce readiness and entrepreneurship to leadership development and mentorship, your ticket helps women gain the tools needed to build stable, independent futures.
Individual tickets are limited and historically sell out quickly. Purchasing early ensures the best possible seating and allows us to plan an exceptional experience for all attendees.
Whether you are a returning supporter or joining us for the first time, this evening is more than a celebration. It is a statement of solidarity, a tribute to cultural heritage, and a meaningful way to support women on their path to independence.
We look forward to welcoming you for an evening that is elegant, inspiring, and deeply impactful.
How it started...
Many years ago, Samira received a distress call late at night from a client who had just been mugged. The assailant targeted her because of her hijab and traditional Muslim dress, insisting that she abandon her cultural attire for more "Western" styles now that she was in America. The client was devastated, but Samira was outraged.
Determined to transform this painful experience into a powerful movement, Samira resolved to educate the community about the beauty of diverse modes of dress. She envisioned an event where women could proudly showcase their traditional attire. In 2010, the first Fashion Show took place, making a bold statement that our community would rise above one man’s ignorance and fear.
...And where we are now
Today, our Fashion Show & Cultural Gala is our biggest fundraising event of the year, providing a valuable opportunity to bridge our diverse communities. It serves as an educational and networking platform for Utahns, celebrating the bravery, courage, and resilience of women who have endured the unimaginable.
"Our ladies walk united here on this stage. In the true spirit of International Women’s Day, we walk together as sisters. We are not defined by religion or cultural heritage. We are not separate as foreign-born individuals or refugees. We are women—united, beautiful, strong, and friends who stand together and speak for one another." - Samira Harnish
