The Black Retail Action Group honored Fashion Institute of Technology’s Dr. Joyce Brown, Saks Fifth Avenue’s Jamillah Davis Hernandez and Loewe’s Matthew Heller at its annual scholarship and awards benefit in New York City.
The event Thursday on FIT’s campus was a reunion of sorts, since the nonprofit had held its marquee event since 2020. Fittingly, Brown, who recently announced that she will exit FIT as president after the 2024-25 academic year, was first honored by BRAG when she started at the school. She received this year’s Legacy award.
During the cocktail hour, Brown said that enhanced the meaningfulness of the salute, primarily because of the group’s importance and how BRAG and Brown are committed to the transformation of young people through education among other things.
Established in 1970 and committed to improving diversity in retail-related industries, BRAG offers professional and educational opportunities. Although the organization has presented more than $1 million in scholarships for academic over-achievers in need of financial assistance, a few attendees spoke about the need for more of a pipeline and advancement for people of color in the industry.
Regarding some of the challenges that young people who are trying to make their way professionally face, Brown allowed how retail is experiencing a transformation. “The challenge is for young people of color to get into the industry and to get recognized for their talent — and not be brought in because they are young people of color. They are talented. They speak to a constituency and a consumer who is often overlooked. That would be helpful to merchandising and retail in general in terms of expanding the reach.”
Acknowledging how the challenges remain, Brown said, “There’s lots of questioning these days about new and different ways to approach the challenges not necessarily because people want to widen the net but because they know they need a new formula.”
B Michael
Photo Courtesy FIT
The fashion designer B Michael, who presented Brown with her award and created the dress that she was wearing, said he wanted “to celebrate the legacy and the continuing legacy of Dr. Joyce Brown. Her leadership has really made this a global institution.”
He, too, has been doing his part to support future generations, having recently met with students at Columbia University.
Giving DEI a different spin, BRAG president Nicole Cokley Dunlap mentioned the need for development, empowerment and integrity and asked attendees to take that message with them in future dealings.
Jamillah Davis Hernandez
Photo Courtesy FIT
Davis Hernandez, vice president and divisional merchandise manager of men’s footwear and accessories at Saks, was the recipient of the Business Achievement award, She spoke of being ”the middle child, who was raised by a single mom; a Queens native, who grew up in the crack era and a former athlete that is very competitive.” She also talked about some key ingredients that have shaped her — Black women, her Saks and vendor community, her teams past and present, an HBCU (historically Black college and university) education, faith, family, and her husband.
Davis Hernandez said, “My advice to those starting their career, in the midst of their career or anyone just starting out, is find the ingredients that will pour into your magical cocktail. Don’t let what excites you scare you away from your wildest dreams…ask yourself, ‘Was the business better because of what I did? How did I contribute to the team? Will they miss me when I’m gone?’ These are the questions I ask myself when performing the most menial to the most important tasks of my career.”
Nicole Cokley Dunlap and Matthew Heller
Photo Courtesy FIT
Accepting the Fashion Visionary award, Heller, who is president of Loewe Americas, spoke about how Loewe strives to create a world that is diverse, welcoming and inclusive. Nearly two thirds of the company’s team identify as coming from diverse backgrounds — “many of whom hold senior positions,” he said.
Having hosted student interns through its affiliation with BRAG, Heller said, “I can’t emphasize enough how rewarding it has been to meet these dynamic students, and how energized we have been by them participating in our work environment,” noting how their drive and passion are contagious. Beyond the walls of its own company, Loewe raises funds and awareness about mental health issues, and supports artists and artisans in communities of need to keep those crafts going, he said.
In addition, as part of the LVMH group, Loewe is fortunate to have access to group-wide employee organizations “that foster a strong sense of community and belonging to annual DEI training programs that challenge us to grow. We’re constantly striving to create a more equitable work environment. There is much more that we want to accomplish and to do, it’s essential to have the right partner,” Heller said.
In closing, he encouraged guests who were curious about BRAG to “absolutely be involved” and noted how “Loewe is grateful for the collaboration and plans to expand its efforts, forge new alliances and explore lasting change within the fashion industry and beyond.”
