The NRF Foundation Honors, presented by American Express and PwC, celebrated a community partner making an impact with the NRF Foundation’s retail skills training.
The 2023 NRF Foundation RISE Up Partner of the Year was awarded by Old Navy, and the 2022 RISE Up Partner of the Year provided the introduction to the honoree.
“On this stage in April, I knew it was our time to shine and share our story,” says John-Martin Rigsby, Assistant Principal for Student Success at Trevor G. Browne High School in Phoenix. “That's why I'm thrilled to introduce this year's NRF Foundation RISE Up Partner of the Year. They may be in a different part of the country, dealing with different challenges - but they have the same commitment to making a difference in the lives of their students."”
A video highlighting how the training is used in the School District of Philadelphia – and the positive impact the program is having on students, families and the larger community – premiered to an audience of more than 700 attendees at the NRF Foundation Honors on January 15 in New York City.
Old Navy President and CEO Horacio Barbeito presented the award to instructor Denise Magasich.
“The students in the School District of Philadelphia are learning key customer service skills and so much more. They are not just getting jobs - they are finding their voice,” says Barbeito, who announced that in addition to the trophy, Magasich would receive $10,000 from the NRF Foundation to take back to her students.
“I'm eager to continue partnering with the NRF Foundation,” Magasich says. “I want to afford our students connections and mentorship opportunities in retail to support them on their pathways to graduation and beyond.”
Is your organization our next NRF Foundation RISE Up Partner of the Year? To be considered for this award, send a brief email to RISEUp@nrf.com describing how you’re using our training to make a difference in your community.