Our Story
Meet the Founder
The vision behind IMBRACE Collegiate Designs.
Monique A. Cannon Broadnax
Howard University Alumna • Educator • Founder & Executive Director of IMBRACE Education • Founder & CEO of IMBRACE Collegiate Designs
"Howard University transformed my life. It gave me more than a degree—it gave me purpose, confidence, lifelong friendships, and a commitment to serve others. Through IMBRACE Collegiate Designs, my hope is to honor that legacy while inspiring others to celebrate their heritage, pursue excellence, and experience the transformative impact of higher education."
— Monique A. Cannon Broadnax
More Than a Brand. A Celebration of Legacy.
IMBRACE Collegiate Designs (ICD) is more than a collegiate lifestyle brand—it's a celebration of Black excellence, higher education, culture, and community.
Founded by educator, Howard University alumna, nonprofit leader, and entrepreneur Monique A. Cannon Broadnax, ICD was born from a lifelong passion for education and a desire to create meaningful products that celebrate achievement, inspire conversations, and honor the institutions that have transformed generations of students and families.
Howard University forever changed the trajectory of Monique's life. The experience shaped her into the educator, leader, entrepreneur, and servant she is today. That transformation became the foundation for a greater purpose: creating a brand that celebrates the life-changing impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities while inspiring future generations to pursue educational excellence.
For more than 27 years, Monique has dedicated her career to helping students and families navigate the path to college and career success. Through public schools, charter schools, early college programs, college advising, scholarship initiatives, and educational leadership, she has devoted her life's work to expanding opportunities for others.
That same passion led to the creation of IMBRACE Education, a nonprofit organization committed to helping middle school, high school, and college students access greater opportunities through college readiness, career awareness, scholarships, mentorship, and educational programming.
IMBRACE Collegiate Designs extends that mission beyond the classroom.
Every collection is thoughtfully designed to celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities, honor the traditions that have shaped generations of leaders, and inspire meaningful conversations about education, culture, leadership, and excellence.
While our journey began with HBCU-inspired apparel, our vision extends far beyond apparel. As our brand grows, you'll discover thoughtfully designed gifts, accessories, stationery, home décor, educational resources, digital products, and lifestyle collections that celebrate higher education, cultural pride, lifelong learning, and the power of community.
Whether you're a student, graduate, educator, family member, supporter, or simply someone who believes in the transformative power of education, you're part of our community.
When you choose IMBRACE Collegiate Designs, you're doing more than purchasing a product.
You're supporting a mission.
You're investing in educational opportunity.
You're celebrating culture.
You're representing a legacy.
Thank you for joining us as we inspire future generations to dream boldly, pursue excellence, and proudly celebrate the institutions that help make those dreams possible.
Our Commitment
IMBRACE Collegiate Designs proudly supports the mission of IMBRACE Education, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students.
Our work extends beyond creating meaningful products. We are committed to inspiring educational excellence, celebrating HBCU culture, and supporting initiatives that encourage students to pursue higher education and lifelong success.
Our Mission
To design meaningful products that celebrate Black excellence, higher education, and lifelong pride while inspiring future generations to pursue educational achievement, honor their heritage, and embrace their legacy.
Our Vision
To become a nationally recognized lifestyle brand celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities while inspiring educational excellence, cultural pride, and generational impact through thoughtfully designed products, educational initiatives, and community engagement.
Our Core Values
Education
We believe education opens doors, transforms lives, and creates opportunities that change generations.
Excellence
We pursue excellence in every product, every interaction, and every opportunity to serve our community.
Heritage
We honor the rich history, traditions, and enduring impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Community
We celebrate the connections that unite students, alumni, educators, families, and supporters across generations.
Purpose
Every product is thoughtfully created to inspire pride, encourage meaningful conversations, and celebrate educational achievement.
Our Promise
At IMBRACE Collegiate Designs, every collection is designed with quality, authenticity, and purpose.
Our goal is to create products that inspire pride, preserve culture, celebrate educational achievement, and make a lasting impact—one design at a time.
We don't simply create products.
We create opportunities to celebrate excellence.
We honor heritage.
We inspire what's next.