2026 Social Impact Summit x NYC: Celebrating Fashion, Beauty, and Philanthropy Leaders
Selena Gomez and Kenneth Cole are set to be honored at the upcoming 2026 Social Impact Summit x NYC, taking place at the Fashion Institute of Technology on March 30. The summit aims to celebrate leaders in the fields of fashion, beauty, and philanthropy. Building on the success of previous summits in Los Angeles, the event, organized by SIF and FIT, serves as a platform for discussions and collaborations at the intersection of fashion, beauty, and advocacy. Gomez will be presented with the Excellence in Beauty Philanthropy Award for her work with Rare Beauty and the Rare Impact Fund, while Cole will receive the Excellence in Fashion Philanthropy Award for his longstanding commitment to social justice.
Gomez, known for her roles as an actress, producer, singer, and mental health advocate, is being recognized for her efforts through Rare Beauty and the Rare Impact Fund. Rare Beauty, founded with a focus on mental well-being and self-acceptance, aims to redefine the beauty industry's approach to mental health support. The brand donates 1 percent of all sales to the Rare Impact Fund, which seeks to raise $100 million to enhance access to mental health services and education for young people globally. Gomez expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of using her platform to drive meaningful change and destigmatize mental health challenges.
Cole, a designer, social advocate, and founder of the Mental Health Coalition, will be honored for his forty-year dedication to social justice causes. He believes that business and philanthropy are interconnected and is proud of the progress made by the Mental Health Coalition in promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma. Cole is committed to continuing this vital work and is humbled to be acknowledged by the Social Impact Fund for his passionate efforts in the mental health space.
The summit will feature panel discussions on various topics, including Trailblazers in Fashion and Beauty Philanthropy, Diversity and Creative Inclusion, and The Sustainability and Impact Mandate. Panelists from renowned companies like MAC Cosmetics, Kate Spade New York, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Tommy Hilfiger, the Estée Lauder Cos., and Hope for Flowers by Tracey Reese and Artisan Studio will share their insights and experiences. The event promises to be a platform for thought-provoking conversations and collaborations that drive positive change in the fashion, beauty, and philanthropic sectors.