The New School Pressroom

The 76th Annual Parsons Benefit Honors Artemis Patrick, President and CEO of Sephora North America, Madelyn Wils, and Designer Willy Chavarria

The annual celebration of industry leaders and Parsons students will take place on Tuesday, May 20th in New York City

NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 — The New School is pleased to announce that Artemis Patrick, President and CEO of Sephora North America, Madelyn Wils, CEO of the Fifth Avenue Association, and designer Willy Chavarria will be honored at the 76th annual Parsons Benefit. The event honors visionary figures in fashion, business, design, and philanthropy that embody the university’s commitment to creativity, innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, and will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in New York City.

The Parsons Benefit is an annual celebration of the transformational role fashion, design and the arts play in today’s world. Artemis Patrick, Madelyn Wils, and Willy Chavarria will be presented with The Parsons Table Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a noteworthy impact on the design industry and their influence across fashion, beauty, retail, and more by championing social innovation and creativity.

“We are pleased to recognize Artemis Patrick, Madelyn Wils, and Willy Chavarria,” said Yvonne Watson, Executive Dean of Parsons School of Design. “Every year, Parsons seeks to honor leaders who are creating a positive impact within the design industry and the world at large, and our honorees reflect those values.”

“I’m incredibly humbled to receive this recognition from Parsons and The New School. Being a part of Sephora and the larger beauty industry, celebrating and cultivating expression, innovation, and creativity is integral to the continued evolution of this beautiful community,” said Artemis Patrick, President and CEO of Sephora North America. “Parsons is leading the way in educating and helping to shape the next generation of creatives and I’m energized for what the future holds and honored to be a part of this journey.”

“I’m so excited to be honored by Parsons and The New School for my work in New York City and beyond,” said Madelyn Wils, CEO of the Fifth Avenue association. “Throughout my career, I have collaborated with designers, architects, and artists to create innovative urban spaces and programs that create positive social change, and inspire the next generation to leave their mark on the world.”

“I am honored to receive this recognition from Parsons School of Design,” said Willy Chavarria. “I believe that design is the most sophisticated voice in communication. Our future designers will have the tremendous responsibility of influencing the way society thinks and feels, and the ability not only to shape culture but also to guide it in a way that creates a better world. As designers, we can create positive cultural change no matter what role our talents guide us to hold.”

Parsons, one of the leading art and design schools in the world, hosts the Parsons Benefit each year to present and empower the next generation of fashion designers and to raise instrumental funds for student scholarships. Donors’ generosity through the Benefit supports education that enables students to pursue studies in art, design, liberal arts, music, technology, and social innovation.

Artemis Patrick, Madelyn Wils, and Willy Chavarria join an esteemed list of past honorees. From Donna Karan, Jason Wu, and Vera Wang to LVMH, Olivier Rousteing, and Kehinde Wiley, Pharrell and Rihanna to Sarah Jessica Parker, Tory Burch, and Gucci’s Marco Bizzarri, The New School celebrates the creativity and vision of past, present, and future leaders.

Gena Smith, Chief Human Resources Officer, LVMH Inc. and Mazdack Rassi, Co-Founder of Milk, serve as the Parsons Benefit Co-Chairs. This year’s Parsons Benefit will also include a presentation of student work from a variety of degree programs at Parsons.

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