Editor’s Note: This story is published in collaboration with the Moody Writing Support Program.

UT’s first multiethnic sorority, Delta Theta Mu, will showcase clothing from about 20 different countries in its first cultural fashion show this month.

Sorority members will represent countries such as Pakistan and Cambodia in a fashion show to showcase members’ cultural backgrounds while helping a philanthropic cause, said Nadia Siddiqui, the sorority’s fundraiser coordinator. Profit from the fashion show and its silent auction on Nov. 20 at the Vulcan Gas Company will go to GirlForward, a non-profit that offers resources and mentorships to young girls displaced from their home countries.

The fashion show will include over 40 UT students, a mix of members and nonmembers, to represent eight different regions through clothing, runway music and performances. Public health junior Siddiqui said she expects 400 people to attend the show, which could bring in $10,000 just from ticket sales, as each ticket costs $25.

“It’s important to me, coming from a background of color, but everyone in our sorority is also coming from different backgrounds,” said Angelica Orosco, a member of Delta Theta Mu. “We’re not only supporting one ethnicity or one race.”

Junior marketing major Manshal Brohi said she will be one of the models in the show.

“I’m going to be wearing jewelry that’s a big part of my culture, these big earrings called

jhumkas,” Brohi said, referring to her South Asian heritage.

On a campus where 38.9% of the student population is white and the largest sororities often lack diversity, Delta Theta Mu’s mission is to create a welcoming environment for women from minority backgrounds. Emily Ramstetter, senior communications manager for GirlForward said the sorority’s mission aligns with that of the non-profit.

Siddiqui said GirlForward’s mission to help girls coming to America is a relatable experience for many of the member’s parents.

“They’re fighting for a cause that is very near and dear to most girls’ hearts,” Siddiqui said.

The fundraiser resonates with GirlForward because it centers around a fashion show, which girls in the program often put on, Ramstetter said.

“We’re excited to see how creative (Delta Theta Mu) are with it,” Ramstetter said.

Local businesses partnered with the sorority to donate for the silent auction, which is expected to bring in $2,000, depending on the bids, Siddiqui said.

“We’re auctioning off jewelry, hotel stays and anything to sell so we can hand over a big check

to GirlForward,” Siddiqui said.

Beyond the money the show is expected to raise, members also expressed their enthusiasm about the high number of participants.

“I didn’t think there would be so many people,” Orosco said. “To see how many people actually care about what we’re trying to profit for was exciting to see.”

Siddiqui said she is excited because the sorority canceled last year’s show due to the difficulties of having a virtual fashion show.

“The most exciting (part) is definitely seeing everything finally come into place,” Siddiqui said.