“This year’s NRF Foundation honorees represent an inspiring group of industry leaders and rising talent, and we are proud to recognize their incredible achievements and contributions to the industry.”
WASHINGTON – The 10th annual NRF Foundation Honors took place on Sunday in New York City to recognize industry visionaries, award student scholarships and showcase the retail industry’s diverse and dynamic workforce. The event raised more than $2.7 million to fund the NRF Foundation’s career development programs and resources.
“The retail industry provides unlimited opportunities and pathways for successful careers and the NRF Foundation provides early talent with the training and resources they need to thrive,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie said. “This year’s NRF Foundation honorees represent an inspiring group of industry leaders and rising talent, and we are proud to recognize their incredible achievements and contributions to the industry.”
Presented by American Express and PwC, the event featured more than 700 attendees and was co-hosted by Macy’s, Inc. Chairman and CEO and former NRF Foundation Board Chair Tony Spring and Walmart U.S. President and CEO and former NRF Board Chair John Furner.
Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger was honored with The Visionary award for his four decades of transformative contributions to the retail industry and his leadership in building one of the world’s most recognized premium lifestyle brands. Renowned for blending classic American style with a modern twist, the brand has become a global symbol of excellence in the fashion industry. Additionally, the company was acknowledged for its impactful support of the NRF Foundation’s Rising Stars Scholarship. This program introduces students to the diverse career opportunities in retail and provides scholarships to attend the NRF Foundation Student Program early in their academic journeys.
“Retail is a powerful and dynamic industry, and I am truly honored to be recognized by the NRF Foundation as The Visionary 2025,” Hilfiger said. “Throughout my career, it has provided me with countless opportunities, and I am committed to creating pathways for the next generation of leaders through the Rising Stars program. It’s a privilege to give back to a field that has shaped my journey, and I look forward to celebrating the future achievements of these emerging talents.”
The event also celebrated The List of People Shaping Retail's Future 2025:
PepsiCo Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Dr. Athina Kanioura
Costco Wholesale Chief Technology Officer Torsten Lubach
PATTERN Beauty Co-CEO Christiane Pendarvis
IKEA U.S. CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer Javier Quiñones
Domino’s Chief Digital Officer Christopher Thomas-Moore
The evening also included the announcements of the top recipients for each of the NRF Foundation’s scholarships. Miri Chan of Boston University was awarded the 2025 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship. Hazel Avery, Graeme Coté, Michelle Flores and Natilee Strey of Columbia College of Chicago were announced as the top team of the 2025 NRF Foundation University Challenge presented by Kohl’s.
The College of the Florida Keys was also honored as the 2025 RISE Up Partner of the Year for its exceptional use of RISE Up training and credentialing to help prepare students for careers in retail and beyond.
Since 2015, the NRF Foundation Honors has raised funds to provide educational programs and resources that connect people to life-changing careers in retail. The Honors celebrates retail professionals who are building better lives and stronger communities. It is the NRF Foundation’s biggest stage for telling the story of how retail is a great place to start and grow a career.
For more information, visit nrffoundation.org/honors.
NRF Foundation Honors photos are available to download here.
About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
About NRF Foundation
The NRF Foundation provides the skills and resources needed for a life-changing career. As NRF's nonprofit 501(c)(3), we connect people to an industry that’s a great place to start and a great place to grow. Together, we help people build better lives and stronger communities. nrffoundation.org