Jill Martin poses with the “Spirit of Life” award, presented by the City of Hope East End Chapter & Jeanne Kaye League at The Plaza Hotel (Photo by Valerie Terranova/Getty Images)

The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope’s highest honor, bestowed annually on influential leaders across industries who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of others through innovation in healthcare, philanthropy, and compassion. Past honorees include luminaries in business, entertainment, science, and philanthropy — all united by their shared belief in the power of individuals to effect meaningful change.

Jill Martin who is still recovering from what she hopes was her final surgery, Martin took to the stage to share her personal health journey, previously documented on The Today Show. In an emotional speech, she thanked her family and friends and urged the audience to prioritize early screenings and regular health checkups.

Jill Martin and Cassie Rosenthal pose with the “Spirit of Life” awards, presented by the City of Hope East End Chapter & Jeanne Kaye League at The Plaza Hotel (Photo by Valerie Terranova/Getty Images)

The afternoon’s energy peaked during the live auction, led by spirited emcee and auctioneer Letitia Frye, who rallied guests to contribute generously. The paddle-raise has become a signature moment of the event, directly funding City of Hope’s groundbreaking cancer research initiatives.

POP Style Tv had a pleasure to speak to Lisa Konsker , a supporter for close to three decades and part of the gift committee for the fundraiser

“One of the things that attracted me to the city of hope was that when I originally started, they were one of the only, if not the only, cancer research hospital that shared their research. It was very important at the City of Hope to encompass everything about the person, the emotional part, the physical part, and as Jill said today that you can hold two feelings at the same time, is that you can also want to look beautiful and they were one of the first people to help your family and help you, give hair, give makeup while you were going through things. And even though, thank God I’m not going through anything. I was empathetic as I had friends who were, and it does take a village and City of Hope is the village for people who need it.” – Lisa Konsker

The East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League, founded over four decades ago, includes 500 dedicated women from across New York’s business, philanthropic, and cultural communities. Together, they have raised more than $14 million to support City of Hope’s innovative therapies and compassionate care programs.

About City of Hope

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States and a global leader in research for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. With a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center at its core, City of Hope’s contributions include breakthrough cancer medications, synthetic insulin, and monoclonal antibodies. The organization’s growing national network spans locations in Southern California, Orange County, Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix, offering an integrated approach to care that combines research, treatment, and innovation.

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Alyce Panico, Robert Chavez, Maryanne Grisz, and Gary Wassner at the FGI Rising Star Awards in NYC on April 16

Hosted by Emmy, Grammy, and NAACP Image Award-winning actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Haddish, the event was infused with wit, energy, and star power. Making her FGI debut, Haddish praised the organization’s global reach and impact, saying, “Today we celebrate 29 years of the Rising Star Awards honoring emerging talent who are shaping the future of fashion, beauty, and beyond.”

Cyril Verdavainne and Tiffany Haddish at the FGI Rising Star Award

A key moment of the ceremony was the presentation of FGI’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Robert Chavez, former President and CEO of Hermès Americas (Ret.) and recently appointed Independent Director on Macy’s board. Reflecting on his career, Chavez shared, “For me, it’s always about people. As I look out, there are so many achievers, dreamers that I see, that have touched my life. It’s been an amazing journey.”

Now in its second year, the Macy’s Future Fashion Award in Fashion Merchandising was awarded to Camille Jiang of LIM College. Jiang received a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of her academic excellence and potential as a future leader in the industry.

For nearly three decades, the FGI Rising Star Awards have been a springboard for notable alumni including Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Brandon Maxwell, Phillip Lim, and Rent the Runway founders Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss. The program honors designers, founders, and entrepreneurs in the early stages of business—typically within two to six years of launch—offering them vital exposure and industry connections.

This year’s event attracted an influential audience of designers, executives, and tastemakers, including Elie Tahari, Dennis Basso, Fern Mallis, Gary and Cole Wassner, Cyril Verdavainne, Frederick Anderson, Jonathan Cohen, Ken Downing, James Aguiar, Joanna Coles, Micaela Erlanger, NJ Falk, and more.

FGI Global President and CEO Maryanne Grisz, along with Chairperson Alyce Panico, offered heartfelt remarks. Grisz quoted Eleanor Roosevelt, stating, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” adding, “Our Rising Stars truly embody this belief. Today’s celebration not only honors their achievements but also empowers them through connection with a dynamic network of peers, mentors, and leaders.”

The FGI Rising Star Awards stands as one of Fashion Group International’s cornerstone fundraising events. More than just a celebration, the event reflects FGI’s enduring commitment to supporting fashion professionals at every stage of their careers through access to vital resources, educational programming, and a global network for connection and growth.

2025 Rising Star Awards Jury Panel

Applications for the 2025 awards opened in September 2024 to businesses operating between two and six years. Final honorees were selected through a combination of FGI member voting and the insight of a distinguished jury of industry leaders. The panel included Nicole Fischelis, Constance White, Ken Downing, Gary Wassner, Fern Mallis, Sharon Graubard, Ty Hunter, Caroline Fabrigas, Karen Young, Laura Gellar, Claudia Poccia, Bryna Pomp, Roberta Naas, Karen Giberson, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, Carlos Campos, Reem Acra, Christina Plumlee, Cheryl Onodera, Jodi Kahn, Grace Chang, Vivian Rivetti, and Francois Damide.

Pre-Awards Celebration at APL Soho – April 15, 2025

On the eve of the Rising Star Awards, FGI hosted an intimate fireside chat at APL’s flagship store in New York City’s SoHo district. The April 15th event offered this year’s honorees the chance to connect ahead of the main ceremony, fostering thoughtful dialogue on leadership, mentorship, and giving back within the fashion industry.

The event was hosted by APL Managing Partner NJ Falk and moderated by FGI Chairperson Alyce Panico. Featured speakers included Falk, inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Robert Chavez, and fashion financier Gary Wassner. Joining the discussion were special guest and event host Tiffany Haddish, alongside FGI Global CEO and President Maryanne Grisz.

In her welcoming remarks, Alyce Panico—CEO of Luxe Collective Group—emphasized the values that define the Rising Star Program:
“Leadership and mentorship are at the heart of the FGI journey and the roots that inspire the FGI Rising Star Program. They’re not just buzzwords—they’re the building blocks of creative growth, personal development, and long-term success.”

2025 Event Sponsors
The 2025 FGI Rising Star Awards were proudly sponsored by Hilldun Corporation and Macy’s.

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