Today we’d like to introduce you to Khadijah Bah
Khadijah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Khadijah Bah, and I am 23 years old. I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. From a young age, I have always been a creative individual with a passion for bringing ideas to life and turning dreams into reality.
I come from two of the most hardworking and resilient people I know—my parents. They embody the true meaning of perseverance and determination, building something remarkable out of nothing through their grit and dedication. During my senior year at Western High School, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I launched an online business called SwankyCollectionz, where I sold jewelry and bags. I even had the opportunity to sell my items at Govans Elementary School on several occasions, which helped me network and connect with others in my community.
Currently, I am not actively selling, as I decided to take a break to focus on my studies after completing my first year at Notre Dame of Maryland University, where I am majoring in Health Science. However, I plan to relaunch my business in 2025 with renewed energy and fresh ideas.
Even though my academic pursuits are my top priority, I remain highly engaged on campus. I began my leadership journey as the Treasurer of the African Student Association (ASA) and later assumed the role of President in the fall of 2024. In the spring semester of 2024, I founded the first-ever modeling team at Notre Dame of Maryland University, Runway Divas & Dons. As a Black woman at a predominantly white institution, I was driven by a vision to create a space where diversity and self-expression could thrive. Runway Divas & Dons is more than just a club—it is a platform designed to empower individuals to celebrate their unique identities in a positive and uplifting environment.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been easy, especially since we are still a relatively new organization.
The campus is small, and sometimes that can lead to challenges, as many people don’t take the clubs here seriously due to the campus size. Despite these hurdles, I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish.
I reached out to President Marylou Yam, the current president of Notre Dame of Maryland University, who generously connected us with a donor to support our efforts. Additionally, I sought help from two experienced models— Auj and Dupree who stepped in to assist with coaching and guidance.
I must also highlight the invaluable support of Yishka Chin, who is always willing to go above and beyond to help me and other students. Her dedication made a huge difference in bringing our vision to life.
While we may be a small organization, we are steadily growing, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to provide students with this type of creative outlet. Watching us build something meaningful from the ground up has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to see how far we can go.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Runway Divas and Dons is a dynamic, student-led organization dedicated to modeling, fashion, and creative expression. Our mission is to foster inclusivity and empowerment, providing a platform for both women (‘Divas’) and men (‘Dons’) to showcase their talents and explore their creative potential.
At the heart of our organization is a commitment to creating opportunities for self-expression through fashion shows, skill development workshops, and collaborative projects. We aim to inspire confidence, celebrate diversity, and build a supportive community where students can thrive artistically and personally.
We are thrilled to announce that Runway Divas and Dons will host its very first public fashion show in April 2025. This milestone event will not only highlight the incredible talent within our organization but also bring the wider community together to celebrate creativity and style. Tickets will be required for entry, and we can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with everyone who attends.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was known for being smart, creative, hardworking, and,a bit mischievous. I always had a love for school and a thirst for knowledge, constantly challenging myself to excel academically and explore my creative side. Whatever I set my mind to, I was determined to find a way to make it happen, no matter the obstacles.
As the second child in a family of four, I quickly realized the importance of leading by example. I embraced the responsibility of setting a positive tone for my siblings, striving to inspire them through my actions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ndm.edu/
- Instagram: Runwaydivas_ndmu , Khadijahb._
