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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.