Antigua & Barbuda Ambassador Keisha Schahaff Walks in New York Fashion Week's Survivor Fashion Show presented by Forbes & Rise

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is excited to announce that its very own Keisha Schahaff, who made headlines as one-half of the first mother-daughter duo from the Caribbean to travel to space, will continue her inspiring journey by advocating for survivors’ rights on one of fashion’s most prestigious stages.

Schahaff made history yet again as she walked the runway at the 4th annual NYFW Rise Survivor Fashion Show, during New York Fashion Week. Schahaff and her daughter Anastasia Mayers gained global recognition as the first mother-daughter duo from the Caribbean to be selected to travel to space with Virgin Galactic in 2023. Now, Keisha is using her platform to advocate for empowerment and survivors’ rights in one of the world’s most prominent fashion events.

The Survivor Fashion Show, led by Rise founder and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Amanda Nguyen, is a celebration of strength, resilience, and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence. This year’s event, co-hosted by Forbes and Rise, spotlights changemakers from various fields including astronauts, Olympians, and other global leaders. As an ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, Schahaff’s participation highlights not only her personal story of courage but also brings attention to the twin-island paradise she proudly represents.

The 2024 Rise Survivor Fashion Show The Rise Survivor Fashion Show celebrates identity, creativity, and influence. The show aims to dismantle the harmful narratives around survivors of sexual violence and instead, create a platform for empowerment.

“As a mother, astronaut, and proud ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, I hope to inspire others to conquer their fears and go after their dreams.”

Schahaff added: “Walking in this fashion show is another step toward reclaiming my power and helping others find theirs. I hope this moment will empower people everywhere, especially survivors, to know they have the strength to rise.

A Spotlight on Antigua and Barbuda Schahaff’s involvement in this prestigious event is a unique opportunity to highlight Antigua and Barbuda on an international stage. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, this twin-island paradise is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. Antigua, the larger of the two islands, is steeped in history, featuring the UNESCO World Heritage site Nelson’s Dockyard, while its sister island, Barbuda, is famed for its untouched pink sand beaches and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.

As Antigua and Barbuda continues to capture the hearts of travelers from across the globe, Keisha Schahaff’s role as ambassador and her journey to space amplify the nation’s commitment to promoting bold and inspirational stories.

About Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108- square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the m most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles northeast of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.

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