The Courageous Class is a group composed of young, determined individuals who overcome life’s challenges and fearlessly pursue their dreams to become inspirational role models. Meet these modern role models chosen by American fashion label Kenneth Cole.
Connor Franta (LGBTQ+ advocate, YouTube personality, author, and entrepreneur)
Connor Franta has evolved from a YouTube personality to a global trendsetter, author, philanthropist, activist, and entrepreneur.
With an expanding audience of more than 20 million, he continues to evolve into multiple arenas. Franta launched his lifestyle company Common Culture, which offers superior clothing, premium coffee, and a variety of undiscovered musical talent. He is a co-founder of Hear Well, the first record label powered entirely by social tastemakers.
Franta is also a dedicated supporter of GLSEN, a non-profit whose mission is to affect positive change for LGBTQ+ children in schools. He was also the recipient of the prestigious GLSEN Game Changer Award in 2016 for his work with and activism for LGBTQ+ youth.
Flaviana Matata (Education provider and model)
Born and raised in Tanzania, Flaviana Matata is a model with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Since she was discovered by hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, she had gone achieving various recognitions in the modelling industry, such as the Model of the Year title at Arise Magazine Fashion Week in Nigeria, one of the 2014’s Most Influential People in Africa by New African Magazine, and one of the Top 10 African Models by Forbes Africa, among many others.
Aside from walking hundreds of runways and gracing the pages of numerous magazines, she also empowers young girls in Tanzania through her Flaviana Matata Foundation, she is an Angel Ambassador of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, and she has worked for Mitindo House, Life Project for Africa, Malaika for Life, Usher New Look, Malaria No More, SOS Village, and the Hassan Maajar Trust.
Matata is also the founder of Lavy Products, a line of non-toxic, cruelty-free nail polish that’s available in more than 60 stores in six countries.
Cordell Broadus (Youth motivator, creative director, and filmmaker)
Up until 2016, Cordell Broadus was a wide receiver for UCLA’s football team, but decided to turn down a lucrative future because it wasn’t his true passion in life. He has openly admitted that he only played football for his father, rapper and entertainer Snoop Dogg.
Today, he is studying for a film degree at UCLA, directs music videos, and serves as the creative director of ‘90s-inspired athleisure brand Joyrich.
Broadus is also the founder of Revolt of the Youth—a youth group initiative that helps support underprivileged communities in the Greater Los Angeles area. In addition to giving free pizza and essential supplies out to the homeless, Revolt of the Youth partners with the non-profit group Hav A Sole in giving away shoes.
“This is a dream I’ve had since I was 15 years old. It means the world to me. I have a passion for helping others and this is just the beginning,” shared Broadus.
Hanne Gaby”‹ Odiele (Intersex activist and model)
Born and raised in Kortrijk, Belgium, Hanne Gaby Odiele, at a young age, underwent invasive medical procedures due to misinformation from medical professionals and a fundamental lack of sensitivity to intersex children.
In January 2017, she made the boldest statement to date as a fashion model, by disclosing being born intersex and subsequently becoming an activist for intersex rights across the globe. By being the first public figure to come out as intersex, and through her partnership with interACT Advocates, Odiele now adds activism to her list of accomplishments, which includes a fashion career that spans over 12 years.