We Serve LGBTQ+ Youth

THURSDAY
JANUARY 28, 2021

6:30 PM
VIP RECEPTION
with Monica Lewinsky

7:00 PM
AWARDS CEREMONY
with Lance Bass and Mila Jam

8:00 PM
INSTAGRAM “LIVE” AFTER PARTY
with DJ Lina Bradford

Honoring
(click on image/name for bio)


ALFREDO PAREDES


THE PHLUID PHAMILY
accepted by Rob Smith

Hosted by
OTHO KERR & ROD GROZIER

The HMI Emery Awards are presented annually to honor outstanding members and organizations within the community who support, inspire and lift up HMI. In that spirit, we are delighted to co-host an evening that celebrates and honors Alfredo Paredes and The Phluid Project, founded by Rob Smith. Alfredo Paredes has been a tireless supporter of HMI, most notably serving as co-chair of the Board of HMI and the co-chair and inspiration behind the success of the “in-person” Emery Awards gala. Through retailing and consulting, The Phluid Project has supported and inspired HMI by changing the landscape for how LGBTQIA+ individuals, specifically transgender, non-binary and noncomforming persons, are seen and express themselves. Please join us as we recognize the extraordinary contributions and achievements of Alfredo Paredes and The Phluid Project.

 

TAX ID 13-3104537

ALFREDO PAREDES

Alfredo Paredes is a multidisciplinary designer and founder of his eponymous New York-based design studio. After a successful tenure of over three decades at Ralph Lauren, where he last served as Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Alfredo launched his own firm in 2019 as a multi-faceted design practice that brings a cinematic sensibility and a commitment to the exceptional projects and pursuits of all forms, from residential and hospitality, to special events and product development.

Above being an extraordinary designer, Alfredo Paredes is well-known for his philanthropic work with several NYC non-profit organizations, including Hetrick-Martin Institute, where his contributions have been equally impressive. In addition to serving as HMI Board Co-chair for two years and on the board for 9 years, Alfredo facilitated grants from the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation that have enabled us to provide hot meals to our young people over the years. Alfredo was also actively involved in our annual Emery Awards while serving on HMI’s board and was instrumental in getting Ralph Lauren to decorate for Harvey Milk High School’s prom. Because of his efforts, HMI has been able to establish a valued and long-lasting partnership with the RL Foundation.

THE PHLUID PHAMILY

The Phluid Project is th first retail brand that does not stick to the binary definition of gender — and is on a mission to build a brand that exists to empower individuals to express themselves openly, without judgment or fear. Founded by Rob Smith, former Board Chair of the Hetrick-Martin Institute, The Phluid Project has evolved from its origins as a ground-breaking retail concept to an expansive and award-winning brand that is challenging gender norms in the beauty industry and building corporate capacity to create inclusive workplaces through its training program, GET Phluid. GET Phluid is a comprehensive diversity and inclusion training program curated to provide companies, or organizations, with the skills to spearhead inclusion initiatives and create affirming spaces in the workplace for the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. The Phluid Project, due in large part to the enduring commitment of Rob Smith, has supported HMI through professional development opportunities for youth, fundraising events, and by modeling the type of workplace the LGBTQIA+ community deserves.