Draft:Huma Adnan

Huma Adnan is a Pakistani designer known for her contributions to the fashion industry and her commitment to humanitarian causes. Born on 23 July, she has made a lasting impact through her creativity and dedication to sustainability. Sought out by leading publications and invited to globally lauded venues such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Huma has blended her fashion career with a commitment to empowering marginalized communities and celebrating diverse talents.

Early life, education, and career
Huma did her early schooling at St. Joseph’s Convent, Karachi, her undergraduate in Statistical Mathematics from St Joseph’s College Karachi, and a Master's in Business Administration in Marketing and Advertising from the Institute of Business Administration, University of Karachi. Her ancestral home was near Faisalabad. Huma's maternal family owned a textile business. She began her career in the banking industry, but later joined as a director for Amir Adnan. Eventually, Huma ran her own fashion label by the name of FnkAsia in 2005.

Huma’s bridal line expanded the business, and she was able to reach a base of Western clientele. She initially also opened a flagship store in California Valley Fair Mall in 2010. However, due to recession and economic forces, the studio had to shut down after two years of operation. Subsequently, Huma had eight stores across Pakistan and three in the UAE.

Huma also initiated Craft Stories, a platform that platforms the talents of Afghan refugee artisans in Karachi and women from Pakistan's Ghizer Valley. In collaboration with the UNHCR, she mentors and uplifts these artisans, providing them with sustainable incomes and fostering self-sufficiency.

Influence and philanthropy
Huma's global influence is evidenced in her frequent invitations to esteemed events such as the Developments in Literacy Foundation, APPNA, and The Citizens Foundation Ohio Chapter. The prestigious Victoria & Albert Museum in London invited her to helm a compassionate jewelry workshop, showcasing her commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering creativity. Invitations to showcase her creations at the residence of the Ambassador of Türkiye in Washington DC and participation in TDAP's TEXPO further solidify the same.

In collaboration with the Ohio chapter of The Citizens Foundation (TCF), Huma composed a philanthropic sonata that harmonized fashion and purpose. Beyond the confines of the fashion world, Huma actively collaborates with various human welfare organizations and the UNHCR. Her role in training refugees from Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Burma, and Uzbekistan living in Karachi exemplifies her commitment to recognizing displaced individuals as productive members of society.

Huma has also been on the panel of judges for prestigious awards like the Lux Style Awards and Ladies Funds-Women's Achiever Awards. In 2023, Huma had the honor of speaking at the WHO's Next League Paris on "Inclusion of Women in Creation" in collaboration with the 'Fédération Française du Prêt à Porter Féminin.' Additionally, her participation in the IMPACT - Who's Next Paris event showcased handcrafted sustainable jewelry that highlighted her talented artisans. Her efforts in preserving endangered crafts and empowering underprivileged artisans garnered attention at the Fondation Cherquei in Paris, attended by both the French and Pakistani communities.

Awards and achievements
Huma has been invited to the prestigious Developments in Literacy Foundation (DIL) in San Francisco, Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), and Irvine Pakistan Parents Association, alongside several other shows in the USA, UK, UAE, and India. She has also been awarded a Livelihood Training certificate by the UNHCR - 2018. Huma Adnan is also the Pakistani board member of CalPak Education Services. There is also a statement of cooperation between UNHCR and Huma Adnan (2018). Additionally, she was certificated by Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles in 2018. She was also awarded by Charlie Beck, Chief of Police LAPD in 2018, and Ed Royce and Judy Chu, Members of Congress in 2018.

Huma has received the Ladies Funds – Women’s Achiever Awards in 2017. She was also a speaker on the panel "Facing Futures " at the International Conference on 40 years of hosting Afghan Refugees in Pakistan, organized by UNHCR Pakistan in February 2020. Moreover, Huma Adnan was selected as one of the designers for the Sunsilk Fashion Edition shampoo bottle in 2012. She participated at the International Fashion Trade Show Who's Next Paris in January 2020 and has won the podcast pitch contest at the Good Goods Paris France for responsible fashion in January 2020. Huma has been nominated at the Lux Style Awards, and was also a jury member for the 2023 instalment of the event.