Blackburn and Project Runway alumna to address the Class of 2026
Blackburn College has announced that Kahindo Mateene ‘99, an award-winning fashion designer, entrepreneur, and alumna of the College, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 157th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at 10:30 am.
Mateene is the founder of KAHINDO, a fashion brand recognized for bold, statement occasion wear that blends African heritage with modern design. Born in Uganda to Congolese parents and raised across several African countries, she continues to be shaped by her background in color, textiles, and storytelling.
A 1999 Blackburn graduate, Mateene earned her Bachelor of Arts before continuing her studies in fashion design at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. During her time at Blackburn, she participated in the College’s student-managed Work Program, gaining hands-on experience that helped shape her professional path. That experience, combined with her academic work, laid the foundation for building a global brand rooted in creativity and purpose.
Through KAHINDO, Mateene champions ethical production and economic opportunity. Her collections are produced in Africa, where her work supports sustainable employment for women. Her designs have been carried by major retailers, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Anthropologie, Shopbop, Rent the Runway, Nuuly, and Wolf & Badger.
Mateene gained national recognition as a designer on Season 12 of Project Runway. She has also been named a Tory Burch Fellow and completed the Workshop at Macy’s. Her work has been featured in publications including Vogue, WWD, The New York Times, Elle, Essence, and Marie Claire.
Commencement weekend activities will begin Friday, May 15, with Senior Convocation at 7:00 pm in Bothwell Auditorium. The 157th Commencement ceremony will follow on Saturday, May 16, at 10:30 am on the Hudson Quad.
For more information, visit blackburn.edu/graduation.