Vineyard Icon and Color Vision Creates Foundation Celebrate the Next Generation of Icons Through Scholarship Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vineyard Icon and Color Vision Creates Foundation Invest in the Next Generation of Icons Through Scholarship Partnership
Scholarship recipients celebrated at the 2026 Creators Summit in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 23, 2026 — Vineyard Icon and Color Vision Creates Foundation are celebrating the recipients of the Vineyard Icon Scholarship, a partnership created to support young people pursuing their education and building a path toward the work they want to do in the world.
The scholars featured in this year’s recipient announcement are Maximilian McWilliams, Sydnie Chandler, Lauren Forney, Victoria Okonkwo, Corinne Alexander, Christa Etienne, Kennedy Williams and Ife Folorunso.
The partnership was also part of the 2026 Creators Summit, held September 19 at the National Housing Center in Washington, D.C. During the event, Sydnie Collins, a Howard University student, received her scholarship award onstage. The moment brought the partnership’s purpose into focus: putting support directly into the hands of a student while a room full of leaders, creators and community members celebrated her next steps.
“We talk a lot about the next generation, but we have to invest in them right now,” said Mia Davis, founder and president of Color Vision Creates Foundation. “These scholars have talent, ideas and plans for their futures. What they need from us is more than encouragement. They need people willing to open doors and help fund what comes next. I’m grateful to Erin and Vineyard Icon for making that commitment with us, and seeing Sydnie receive her award at the Creators Summit was a reminder of why this work matters.”
Vineyard Icon founder Erin Goldson, who also serves on Color Vision Creates Foundation’s advisory board, has built the scholarship initiative around a belief in recognizing potential and creating opportunity for the people who will shape the future.
“These scholars are already showing us who they are through their ambition, leadership and commitment to their goals,” said Goldson. “Vineyard Icon is proud to support their education and to celebrate them publicly. I want each recipient to know that we see what they’re building, we believe in where they’re going, and we’re invested in helping them get there.”
For Color Vision, scholarships are one part of a wider commitment to supporting people at different stages of their lives and careers. The foundation’s work spans education, mentorship, career advancement, entrepreneurship and wellness, with a focus on connecting its community to both practical resources and meaningful relationships.
That approach was reflected throughout the Creators Summit, where conversations about building careers, navigating change and creating new opportunities took place alongside the scholarship presentation. Honoring Collins in that setting connected the ideas discussed onstage to a direct investment in a student’s future.
“Color Vision has always been about what becomes possible when people show up for one another,” Davis added. “I hope every scholar recognized through this partnership feels that support long after the announcement. We’re proud of them, and we cannot wait to see what they do next.”
About Vineyard Icon
Vineyard Icon celebrates culture, achievement and the next generation of leaders. Its scholarship initiative supports students as they pursue their education and future goals.
About Color Vision Creates Foundation
Color Vision Creates Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing opportunity through education, mentorship, career development, entrepreneurship and wellness. Through its programs, events and partnerships, the foundation connects its community with resources and relationships that help them build what’s next.
Media contact
Color Vision Creates Foundation
info@colorvisioncreates.com
