In the heart of San Antonio, where community spirit meets professional training, an extraordinary collaboration unfolded on Tuesday, July 15, at the Milan Institute campus. Eva’s Heroes Fashion Week brought together aspiring beauty professionals with remarkable individuals who would soon grace the runway with confidence and style.
A Picture-Perfect Partnership
Eva’s Heroes, founded in 2006 by actress Eva Longoria Baston and Executive Director, Christiane Perkins-Garcia, has been enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual special needs ages 14 and older for nearly two decades. The organization’s mission centers on four core tenets: interact, grow, learn, and love—principles that came alive during this week’s special collaboration with Milan Institute.
Milan Institute, a family-owned beauty school established in 1985, specializes in hands-on training in cosmetology, barbering, and manicuring. Their San Antonio Ingram campus provided the perfect setting for this meaningful partnership, where students could apply their developing skills while making a genuine difference in their community.
Tuesday’s Transformation
The Milan Institute San Antonio Ingram campus buzzed with activity as Heroes received comprehensive beauty services. Tuesday morning featured haircuts for men, styling for women, makeup application, manicures, and hair washing—services that have become cherished traditions of this collaboration. This year’s addition of a skincare class taught Heroes valuable self-care techniques, adding another layer of empowerment to their experience.
The transformation wasn’t just physical. For many students and staff members, the lasting change was emotional and spiritual.
Campus Director Jennifer Alcoser reflected, “I feel truly honored and privileged that our campus had the opportunity to collaborate with Eva’s Heroes.”
“Today’s visit was nothing short of inspiring,” Alcoser continued. “These amazing Heroes brought so much joy and light to our campus. It was an unforgettable experience for our students and staff.”
Students Finding Purpose
For Milan Institute students, the experience transcended their typical training. Zoe Hancock, a manicuring student, found a personal connection in the work.
“It was such a blessing to get to work with Eva’s Heroes,” said Hancock. “As a disabled person myself, it fills my heart to know that programs like Eva’s Heroes exist. I’m so incredibly thankful for what they do for the disabled community.”
The reciprocal nature of giving became evident through Azia Jimenez, a cosmetology student.
“Working with Heroes was such an amazing experience,” Jimenez said. “Seeing how much joy we brought to them was truly heartwarming. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Sydney Trevino, a barbering student, discovered the deeper meaning of their chosen profession: “Today I was able to give participants haircuts,” Trevino said. “It was really cool and nice to be able to put a smile on their faces and it made me feel like this industry is not all about money all the time it showed me that it’s also giving back to the community that put faith in us to give them a cut that makes them feel good about themselves.”
Building Toward the Runway
This Tuesday session served as preparation for the main event—the Lights Camera Fashion Show and Luncheon scheduled for Friday, July 18. Milan Institute students will be assisting with hair and makeup for the big show.
Fashion Week represents more than beauty treatments; it’s about building confidence and individual style. As described in the program overview, participants learn from fashion professionals “how to put their best foot forward on the catwalk,” culminating in “an amazing fashion show for Eva’s Heroes family and friends” according to their website.
A Community United
The partnership between Eva’s Heroes and Milan Institute exemplifies how professional training can serve community needs. Milan Institute’s commitment to student-focused education aligns perfectly with Eva’s Heroes’ mission of creating inclusive environments where individuals with intellectual special needs can thrive.
Campus Director Alcoser’s gratitude was palpable: “Thank you so much for allowing us to participate in today’s event. Our students and staff had such a wonderful time—it was truly a joyful experience for all involved. Your Heroes brought such light and positivity to our campus, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with them.”
Looking Forward
The collaboration demonstrates that when educational institutions open their doors to community partnerships, everyone benefits—students gain real-world experience with meaningful purpose, while program participants receive professional services that boost their confidence and self-esteem.
This partnership represents more than a simple service project; it’s a testament to the power of inclusive community building, where professional skills meet human compassion to create something truly transformative. As these Heroes prepare to step onto the runway Friday, they carry with them not just new hairstyles and polished nails, but the confidence that comes from being valued, celebrated, and embraced by their community.