Frank Rondel
Selena Gomez and Kenneth Cole will be recognized for their philanthropic efforts at the 2026 Social Impact Summit, scheduled for March 30 at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, reports customreceipt.com via The Hollywood Reporter. Gomez will receive the Excellence in Beauty Philanthropy Award for her work with Rare Beauty and the Rare Impact Fund, while Cole will be presented with the Excellence in Fashion Philanthropy Award, honoring decades of social advocacy in fashion and mental health initiatives.
Gomez established Rare Beauty with a focus on mental well-being and self-acceptance, pledging 1% of sales to the Rare Impact Fund, which aims to mobilize $100 million to expand mental health services and education for young people globally. The fund collaborates with 30 nonprofit organizations, including The JED Foundation, The Trevor Project, and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, supporting youth in schools, communities, and crisis situations. Over five years, Gomez’s leadership has helped raise more than $30 million.
Cole is recognized for four decades of social advocacy, beginning with his pioneering efforts to address the HIV/AIDS crisis through fashion in the 1980s. In 2020, he founded the Mental Health Coalition to tackle growing mental health challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cole emphasizes the interconnection between business and philanthropy, noting the importance of fostering open dialogue around mental health and reducing stigma.
Craig Cichy, executive director of the Social Impact Fund, stated that the summit brings together culture and conscience, highlighting leaders who integrate impact into business, storytelling, and design. FIT President Jason S. Schupbach noted that honoring Gomez and Cole reflects the institution’s values, demonstrating how entrepreneurship can serve communities and inspire students.
Panels at the summit will address topics including fashion and beauty philanthropy, diversity and creative inclusion, and sustainability in design. Industry leaders involved in shaping the event include Nicola Formichetti, Taryn Bird, Corey Smith, Randy Cousins, Jillian Mercado, Nancy Mahon, Tracy Reese, Steven Kolb, Fern Mallis, Amber Valletta, Robert Rizzolo, and Elaine Welteroth. The invitation-only event will run from 3–6 p.m., followed by a reception. Sponsors include Kate Spade New York (Gold), Perlman & Perlman, LLP and Ulta Beauty (Bronze), with Delta Air Lines serving as the official airline of the Social Impact Fund.
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