Michelle Obama greeted her audience of 150 students this week in the East Room of the White House for a special event. Hosted by Reach Higher, the First Lady’s initiative to promote education and enable young fashion enthusiasts to pursue fulfilling careers in the industry, students met with renowned experts for a memorable day.

The Fashion Education Workshop gave the students a chance to meet with teachers, theorists and entrepreneurs for a series of workshops, enjoy a seated lunch, and seek advice from a panel of professionals in the industry. The event brought together aspiring fashion designers and stylists, writers and entrepreneurs from 14 East Coast high schools and colleges.

“Fashion is really about passion and creativity, just like music or dance or poetry. For so many people across the country, it is a calling; it is a career. It’s the way they feed their families.”

The effect of the event was one of overwhelming support within the design world and for those who aspire to join it.

Some of the influencers in attendance include Lela Rose, Eva Chen, Cecilia Dean, Alexis Bittar, and Sara Blakely of Spanx. The women were there to share fashion industry advice from their perspectives, some from mass brands and some high-end glamour.

After the panel, Obama urged the kids not to let this opportunity go to waste.

Becoming an esteemed fashion designer doesn’t happen to just every person who graduates college passionate for design. However, I like that some young hopeful students were able to get a leg up at the first White House Fashion Education Workshop and gain advice from The First Lady and other influencers in the industry. This event proves that Michelle Obama is using her Reach Higher education initiative to provide students with one-of-a-kind opportunities, and that deserves a celebration.