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NRF - National Retail Federation

01/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/12/2026 12:25

NRF Foundation Honors Raises $2.7 Million to Support Retail Careers

NRF Foundation Honors Raises $2.7 Million to Support Retail Careers

For immediate release
January 12, 2026

"The NRF Foundation Honors is more than a celebration, it's a catalyst for the work we do year-round."

NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie

WASHINGTON - The 11th annual NRF Foundation Honors took place on Sunday in New York City to celebrate industry leaders, award student scholarships and highlight the diverse and vibrant talent across retail. The event raised $2.7 million to fund the NRF Foundation's career development programs and resources.

"The NRF Foundation Honors is more than a celebration, it's a catalyst for the work we do year-round," said NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie. "The funds generated through this event fuel our retail training and scholarships that launch and support retail careers. By honoring leaders and emerging talent, we make it possible to open doors, create opportunities and build a stronger future for our industry."

Presented by American Express and PwC, the event featured more than 700 attendees and was co-hosted by Goodwill Industries International President and CEO and NRF Foundation Board Chair Steve Preston and BJ's Wholesale Club Chairman and CEO and NRF Board Chair Bob Eddy.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CEO Fran Horowitz was honored with The Visionary awardfor her expertise in building brands and as a globally recognized industry leader.

The event also recognized the honorees of The List of People Shaping Retail's Future 2026,including e.l.f. Beauty Chief Marketing Officer Kory Marchisotto, Brooklinen CEO Billy May, American Eagle Outfitters Inc. Chief Global Asset Protection Officer and Chief Security Officer Scott McBride, Walmart Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Kathleen McLaughlin and PacSun CEO Brieane Olson.

Additionally, the NRF Foundation Store Leader Spotlight celebrated five store leaders who exemplify their brand mission, invest in their team, contribute to their community and drive success.

The evening also featured the announcement of the NRF Foundation's top scholarship recipients. Sarah Starko of Babson College was awarded the 2026 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship. Angel-Maryann Ntenyi, LaTasia Burton, Natasha Sturdevant and Marcos Rodriguez of the University of North Texaswere announced as the top team of the 2026 NRF Foundation University Challenge.

The Door was celebrated as the 2026 RISE Up Partner of the Year. Presented by Old Navy, the award recognizes the organization for its retail career training services and its success in implementing the Foundation's RISE Up training and credentialing program.

Since 2015, the NRF Foundation Honors has raised funds to provide educational programs and resources that connect people to life-changing careers in retail. The Honors celebrates retail professionals who are building better lives and stronger communities. It is the NRF Foundation's biggest stage for telling the story of how retail is a great place to start and grow a career.

For more information, visit nrffoundation.org/honors.

NRF Foundation Honors photos are available to download here.

About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs - 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com

About NRF Foundation
The NRF Foundation provides the skills and resources needed for a life-changing career. As NRF's nonprofit 501(c)(3), we connect people to an industry that's a great place to start and a great place to grow. Together, we help people build better lives and stronger communities. nrffoundation.org

Press Contacts
NRF - National Retail Federation published this content on January 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 12, 2026 at 18:26 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]