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will.i.am’s Inspiring Young Minds

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will.i.am’s Passion for STEM Shines at the 2023 FIRST Inspire Gala in Miami Beach: A Night of Innovation, Music, and Education Excellence.

December 6th, 2023

In a resounding fusion of music, technology, and philanthropy, the 2023 FIRST Inspire Gala, a collaborative effort between youth-serving nonprofits FIRST® and the i.am/Angel Foundation, took center stage at the illustrious Loews Miami Beach Hotel on December 6. This annual celebration marked a triumphant ode to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and its pivotal role in shaping the young minds of today.

The gala unfolded against the backdrop of Art Basel Miami, drawing luminaries from the worlds of STEM education and industry. Chaired by Dean Kamen, Founder of FIRST and President of DEKA Research & Development Corporation, and will.i.am, the multifaceted musician, tech entrepreneur, and philanthropist, the event sparkled with star-studded allure and purposeful vigor.

Notable attendees included influential figures such as Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox Corporation; Melissa Smith, a stalwart in the STEM advocacy space; Nadja Sayej, renowned art curator and commentator; Mike Bezos, a notable figure in philanthropy and father to Amazon’s Jeff Bezos; Eliad Cohen, a prominent advocate for STEM education; Chris Moore, a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist; and George Clinton, a legendary musician with an enduring commitment to innovation, graced the event with their presence.

(L to R) will.i.am and George Clinton

will.i.am, the multifaceted musician, tech entrepreneur, and philanthropist, shared insights on the advice and guidance he received from his mother, emphasizing the importance of education.

“First, I went to a science magnet school,” he said. “My school taught us computer science, physics, and oceanography at an early age. So, before I was into music, I was into some form of STEM education. Music was a way for me to express myself when I got a little older. I was at a magnet program from 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. 15 is when I really fell in love with music. By 17, I had a record deal, but education was always first in my life. When I fell in love with music, I realized my passion and my calling. And with that success, I went back to my community and started a college prep program and robotics science programs. Started with 65 kids, now serving around 13,000 students. Music changed my life. My mom was a mentor to keep me on track and keep me away from trouble. Both my education and my music were a way to keep me out of trouble, especially when you live in a community that’s troubled.”

“The reason why I love robotics is because it’s a pathway for kids to apply themselves,” he continued. “While applying themselves, solving problems, they are getting the skill sets to not only solve tomorrow’s problems, but they have the ability to create tomorrow’s industries and fill jobs that are of the future. Especially going into your neighborhoods where a kid doesn’t have to leave their neighborhood to get an education. For me, I was one of those kids that left my neighborhood to get a better education by going to a better neighborhood. I thank my mom for having the foresight to send me off.”

“Now I want people to love their community and bring the skill sets and the tools to their community,” will.i.am elaborated. “Because every single hood eventually gets gentrified. Brooklyn. Every single hood eventually gets gentrified. Boyle Heights. But if you can transform the hood coming within that doesn’t drive people out and just brings them up. So yeah, that’s my whole mission.”

Highlights of the evening included a captivating red carpet adorned by these luminaries, riveting robot demonstrations by local students, and an inspirational program showcasing the myriad ways in which FIRST empowers students. Dean Kamen, a fervent advocate for STEM education, expressed the transformative impact of FIRST on students, emphasizing the development of critical skills, exploration of career possibilities, and the carving of individual life paths.

The event featured a fireside chat between Dean Kamen and will.i.am, delving into the current state of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education for young minds and its profound impact on the future. will.i.am, founder of the i.am/Angel Foundation, passionately underlined the opportunities FIRST provides for students to acquire career and life skills, collaborate in teams, and become part of a global community empowered to design a better world.

(L to R): will.i.am and Dean Kamen

A special tribute unfolded at the gala, recognizing Ursula Burns for her unwavering commitment to FIRST. As a member of the FIRST Board of Directors since 2000, Burns graciously shared her time with students at FIRST events and served as a mentor to FIRST alumni in their careers. Her tenure as the CEO of Xerox Corporation from 2009 to 2016 further exemplifies her leadership in transforming the company into the world’s most diversified business services entity.

The gala also welcomed students from various FIRST teams, including Robotics Competition Team 59 “RamTech” and Tech Challenge Team 16484 “ROBOCANES,” showcasing the diverse impact of STEM education across different age groups and programs.

Notably, the Gala raised funds to support the FIRST mission, directing proceeds toward making STEM programs more accessible globally, particularly to underserved and underrepresented populations. The collaboration between the i.am/Angel Foundation and FIRST headquarters initiatives promises to inspire and support young minds on their educational journeys.

(L to R): will.i.am and Dean Kamen

To learn more about FIRST, donate, or contribute to this transformative cause, please visit https://www.firstinspires.org/. The 2023 FIRST Inspire Gala stands as a testament to the collaborative force of will.i.am and First Robotics, igniting the flame of STEM education that will continue to illuminate the paths of countless young innovators around the world.

About FIRST
FIRST® is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured afterschool programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors that include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges. An international not-for-profit organization founded by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. Participants and alumni of FIRST programs gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life. Learn more at firstinspires.org.

Pictured: FIRST® team with will.i.am and Dean Kamen

About i.am/Angel Foundation
As part of his commitment to philanthropy, will.i.am launched the i.am Angel Foundation in 2009 to TRANS4M lives through education, inspiration and opportunity. The foundation administers charitable activities and programs targeted towards providing college scholarships (i.am scholarship), college preparation (i.am College Track), and opportunities in STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). The i.am Angel Foundation is especially committed to transforming will.i.am’s hometown of Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles. Boyle Heights is a predominantly low-income, working class, immigrant community that is rich in culture and potential, but struggling with a lack of resources and opportunities. The i.am/Angel Foundation strives to turn Boyle Heights into a model for other communities around the world.  Visit i.am/Angel Foundation for more information.

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Lila Nikole and Platinum FUBU Transform Tequila Town

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Miami Swim Week ventured beyond the traditional runway on Sunday afternoon as designer Lila Nikole unveiled her highly anticipated collaboration with Platinum FUBU at Tequila Town.


June 1, 2026

Unlike the nightclub runways and fashion tents that dominate Swim Week, this presentation offered something entirely different: an immersive experience that blended fashion, culture, music, and storytelling into a single event.

Guests arrived at Tequila Town for an afternoon that felt more like a creative journey than a traditional fashion show. The venue buzzed with anticipation as media, influencers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts gathered to experience the latest evolution of the Lila Nikole brand.

Inspired by the spirit and energy of the Brazilian rainforest, the presentation embraced bold colors, powerful visuals, and larger-than-life moments. Models moved through the venue in designs that reflected Nikole’s signature approach to fashion, blending cultural influences, vibrant storytelling, and fearless creativity.

Throughout the afternoon, guests were immersed in a world where fashion extended beyond clothing. Music, movement, and performance became part of the presentation, creating an atmosphere that encouraged attendees to engage with the story unfolding around them rather than simply watch from the sidelines.

What made the event particularly memorable was its ability to blur the lines between runway show, cultural celebration, and artistic performance. Every detail contributed to the experience, from the venue itself to the presentation’s cinematic approach to storytelling.

As Miami Swim Week continued to expand beyond traditional swimwear showcases, Lila Nikole’s collaboration with Platinum FUBU stood out as one of the weekend’s most unique presentations. By combining fashion, heritage, and immersive entertainment, the event demonstrated how modern runway experiences are evolving into something far more interactive and memorable.

For attendees gathered at Tequila Town, it was more than a fashion show. It was a reminder that great fashion tells a story and on Sunday afternoon, Lila Nikole and Platinum FUBU delivered one worth experiencing.

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Copacabana, Mister Triple X, and Capristan Bring the Heat to Kiki on the River During Miami Swim Week

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Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion continued on Saturday night with a waterfront runway experience at Kiki on the River, where fashion, nightlife, and Miami’s signature energy came together along the Miami River.


June 1, 2026

Known for its glamorous atmosphere and picturesque setting, Kiki on the River provided a fitting backdrop for an evening featuring runway presentations from Copacabana, Mister Triple X, and Capristan. As guests arrived by car and boat, the venue quickly filled with influencers, media, designers, and fashion enthusiasts eager to experience one of the week’s most unique showcases.

The evening opened with Copacabana, whose collection embraced the vibrant spirit of tropical destinations through bold colors, playful prints, and vacation-ready silhouettes. The runway reflected the carefree energy of beach culture while delivering looks designed for both travel and resort living.

Mister Triple X followed with a presentation that brought confidence and attitude to the waterfront catwalk. Contemporary styling, statement pieces, and modern silhouettes created a runway experience that felt both fashion-forward and distinctly Miami. The collection balanced bold design choices with wearable looks that resonated with the crowd.

Closing the evening was Capristan, whose presentation combined elegance and resort-inspired glamour. Flowing fabrics, sophisticated details, and polished styling captured the luxury lifestyle aesthetic that has become synonymous with Miami Swim Week. The collection felt perfectly suited for sunset cocktails, yacht gatherings, and waterfront escapes.

What set the evening apart was the setting itself. Unlike the traditional nightclub atmosphere of many Swim Week venues, Kiki on the River offered a more intimate experience where the runway unfolded against views of the water, creating a uniquely South Florida backdrop for the night’s fashion presentations.

As models made their final walk and guests transitioned into the evening’s celebrations, the event demonstrated why Miami Swim Week continues to expand beyond traditional runways. By pairing emerging and established designers with some of the city’s most iconic venues, Art Hearts Fashion continues to create experiences that are as memorable as the collections themselves.

With luxury waterfront views, energetic crowds, and three distinctive runway presentations, Saturday night at Kiki on the River delivered a stylish reminder that in Miami, fashion is never limited to the runway.

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Miami Swim Week Turns Up the Glamour at M2 Miami with a Star-Studded Friday Night Runway

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Friday night at Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion delivered exactly what attendees came for: bold fashion, high-energy runway moments, and a packed house at M2 Miami.


June 1, 2026

The evening unfolded across three runway presentations, each bringing a distinct aesthetic to the catwalk.

The first runway featured Sun Life Beachwear, Cross Colours, Swiss Digital Design, and Brilleska. From vibrant swimwear and resort-ready styles to bold prints and contemporary silhouettes, the opening presentation celebrated individuality and creativity while embracing the energy and color that define Miami Swim Week.

The second runway shifted toward elevated resort fashion with collections from Belle D’Amour, Ca-Rio-Ca, and Vizcarra. Flowing fabrics, tropical influences, and sophisticated beach-to-evening looks highlighted the versatility of modern resort wear, offering designs suited for everything from poolside afternoons to waterfront dinners.

As the evening progressed, anticipation grew for the final runway presentation featuring Sorrento Blu and Giannina Azar.

Sorrento Blu opened the final showcase with polished resort looks inspired by Mediterranean luxury, setting the stage for one of the night’s most talked-about presentations.

Giannina Azar delivered a dramatic finale that transformed the runway into a celebration of glamour, confidence, and artistry. Known for her celebrity clientele and red-carpet creations, Azar’s designs featured intricate embellishments, sparkling details, structured silhouettes, and statement-making gowns that immediately captured the audience’s attention.

The collection embodied the bold spirit that has made the designer a standout presence at fashion weeks around the world. Each look seemed designed to command attention, blending couture craftsmanship with the kind of theatrical elegance that thrives under the lights of a Miami runway.

Beyond the fashion itself, the atmosphere at M2 reflected the unique energy of Miami Swim Week. Influencers, media members, buyers, designers, and fashion enthusiasts filled the venue throughout the evening, creating a vibrant environment where fashion, entertainment, and nightlife seamlessly intersected.

As the final models exited the runway and guests prepared for Jason Derulo’s appearance later that evening, Friday night at M2 Miami proved once again why Miami Swim Week remains one of the most exciting events on the international fashion calendar. With standout presentations, a dynamic crowd, and a memorable Giannina Azar finale, the evening delivered the glamour and excitement that fashion lovers have come to expect from Art Hearts Fashion.

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Fire, Ice, and a Vitamin Boost: Inside Miami Swim Week’s Chicest Wellness Reset at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach

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Miami Swim Week is usually all about bikinis, bronzed skin, camera flashes, and running from one fabulous event to the next. But tucked inside the iconic Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, one of the weekend’s most memorable stops offered something every Swim Week guest secretly needed: a chance to sit down, cool off, glow up, and get recharged.


June 1, 2026

Hosted at the Nobu Penthouse, the exclusive Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge brought a luxury wellness escape to Miami Swim Week® The Shows. Created by Skin Sports Society in collaboration with Cellebration, the private RSVP-only experience welcomed select media and influencers for an afternoon of beauty, recovery, and next-level self-care.

Set high above the Eden Roc Miami Beach complex, the Nobu Penthouse provided the perfect backdrop for the experience. With ocean views, sleek interiors, and a refined Japanese beach house feel, the space instantly transported guests away from the nonstop Swim Week schedule and into something much calmer, cooler, and definitely more hydrated.

The lounge was designed around the contrast of fire and ice therapies, giving guests the chance to move between treatments that warmed, cooled, refreshed, and revived. The Fire Experience featured options like LED and red light therapy, microcurrent facials, aromatherapy, and restorative beauty treatments designed to leave skin glowing. The Ice Experience leaned into cryotherapy, cold spoons, cooling masks, oxygen sprays, and chilled recovery moments that felt especially necessary in the Miami heat.

Guests could also enjoy vitamin B-complex shots and IV therapy, adding an inside-out wellness element to the afternoon. During our visit, the B-complex shot was a quick but energizing boost, while the IV therapy stations offered guests a more customized way to hydrate, recover, and reset during one of Miami’s busiest fashion weekends.

The experience also included personalized aura readings by Auratherapy, giving the afternoon a playful spiritual twist. Between the beauty treatments, wellness stations, oceanfront views, and calming lounge setup, the event felt like a luxury spa day with just the right amount of Swim Week sparkle.

What made the Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge stand out was how perfectly it matched the mood of modern Miami luxury. Today’s beauty scene is not just about looking good in photos. It is about recovery, energy, hydration, skincare, and feeling confident enough to keep going from the afternoon lounge to the evening runway.

For Miami Swim Week guests moving between shows, parties, meetings, and beachside events, this was the reset button everyone needed. It was chic, intimate, soothing, and just indulgent enough to feel special without losing its wellness focus.

At a weekend known for high heels, high heat, and high-energy fashion moments, the Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge proved that sometimes the best Swim Week accessory is a fresh glow, a cold treatment, and a little vitamin boost.

The Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge took place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach as part of Miami Swim Week® The Shows.

When you go to publish this, make sure you talk about the Photo Booth lady and the guy who was providing everyone with the oxygen masks and the shots

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Take PRIDE! Brings Community Together at Galleria

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Pride Month Launches with Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s “Take PRIDE!” 2026 Benefit Reception and Exhibition Preview Honoring LGBTQ+ Community Advocates.

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Melissa Odabash Brings the French Riviera to PARAISO Miami Swim Week

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The glamour of the French Riviera arrived in Miami Beach as Melissa Odabash presented Riviera: La Côte d’Azur during PARAISO Miami Swim Week.


May 29, 2026

Before the runway began, guests explored sponsor activations throughout the venue, including cocktails from Empress 1908 Gin, pours from Maker’s Mark, refreshments from LaCroix, Australian Gold sun care products, and sweet treats from Tony’s Chocolonely. A crystal-covered MINI convertible featuring a sparkling pink palm tree quickly became one of the evening’s most photographed attractions.

As guests settled into their seats, the atmosphere shifted from Miami Beach to the Mediterranean coast.

Inspired by the timeless elegance and relaxed luxury of the French Riviera, the runway showcased the effortless resort style that has become synonymous with the Melissa Odabash brand. Models floated down the catwalk in sophisticated swimwear, airy coverups, crochet pieces, flowing dresses, and polished resort looks that felt equally at home in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, or Miami Beach.

A palette of crisp whites, soft neutrals, shimmering metallics, and ocean-inspired blues reinforced the coastal aesthetic, while lightweight fabrics and elegant silhouettes captured the ease of luxury vacation dressing.

The presentation celebrated more than swimwear. It embraced an entire lifestyle centered around sunshine, travel, seaside glamour, and effortless sophistication. Each look reflected the idea that great resort fashion should feel both elevated and wearable, whether spent poolside at a beach club or dining waterfront at sunset.

By blending timeless resort pieces with the romantic spirit of the Côte d’Azur, Melissa Odabash delivered one of the week’s most transportive runway experiences. For a few moments inside the PARAISO Fashion Tent, guests were no longer on Collins Avenue. They were somewhere along the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera.

Feeling inspired to plan your next getaway? The looks featured on the runway and additional resort wear styles can be purchased through MelissaOdabash.com, offering shoppers the opportunity to bring a touch of Côte d’Azur elegance to their own summer travels.

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Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party Brought SPF and Swim Week Energy to Strawberry Moon

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The Miami Swim Week® The Shows event mixed model casting, poolside glamour, sunscreen touch-ups, and a very South Beach kind of scene.


May 26, 2026

Miami Swim Week® The Shows is known for runway lights, bold swimwear, and a little bit of beautiful chaos, but Neutrogena brought the action poolside with its Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party at Strawberry Moon.

Set against the hotel’s dreamy pastel pool deck, the event felt less like a traditional casting call and more like a sun-soaked Swim Week hangout with a purpose. Models moved around the pool in swimwear, guests mingled under turquoise umbrellas, and the whole scene had that perfect Miami mix of fashion, beauty, heat, and “wait, is this a casting or a party?” energy.

The pool became the runway for the afternoon, with models walking along the water in front of Miami Swim Week® The Shows signage. It was casual, but still camera-ready. Instead of a stiff casting room, Neutrogena created a setting that felt alive, social, and very on-brand for Miami. There were bikinis, heels, palm trees, pool reflections, and enough sunlight to make the SPF message feel extremely relevant.

At the center of the event was Neutrogena’s bright activation area, complete with Ultra Sheer sunscreen products, yellow-and-white towels, and the perfect pool party reminder: “Arrive. Apply. Unwind.” Guests could check out the sunscreen lineup while taking in the casting atmosphere around them. It gave the whole afternoon a smart beauty angle without taking away from the fun.

The best part was how naturally everything fit together. Miami Swim Week is all about swimwear, bodies, beach culture, and confidence, so a sunblock casting pool party made perfect sense. Neutrogena did not just set up a table and call it a day. The brand turned SPF into part of the event experience, making sunscreen feel like the accessory everyone actually needed.

The atmosphere was playful and relaxed, with guests moving between the pool, the Neutrogena station, and nearby brand activations. Liquid Youth also added to the beauty-meets-wellness vibe with colorful collagen drinks, giving attendees another reason to stop, sip, and stay a little longer.

By moving the casting call into a pool party setting, Neutrogena gave Miami Swim Week a daytime moment that felt fresh, social, and easy to enjoy. It had the structure of a fashion event, the vibe of a South Beach pool day, and just enough glam to remind everyone that this was still Swim Week.

In a city where the sun is basically a main character, Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party was a natural fit. It brought together models, beauty lovers, swimwear energy, and SPF in one bright, splashy afternoon.

At Strawberry Moon, the message was simple: show up, get seen, protect the glow, and maybe get cast while you’re at it.

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Surfside’s Paddletopia 2026 Served Up Sunshine, Sweat, and Veggie-Packed Bites

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Veggies Made Great helped fuel a family-friendly weekend of free workouts, paddleboarding, coffee, small bites, and feel-good fun at 96th Street Park.


May 18, 2026

Surfside brought the good vibes this weekend with Paddletopia 2026, a two-day wellness and outdoor lifestyle event that turned 96th Street Park into a sunny little hub for movement, community, and family-friendly fun.

Held on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event welcomed kids, adults, fitness lovers, coffee drinkers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for a fresh-air weekend by the water. The best part? So many of the experiences were free, making it easy for families and locals to drop in, move around, and enjoy the day without overthinking it.

The workout classes were a highlight, bringing plenty of energy to the park with approachable, upbeat sessions that made wellness feel fun instead of intimidating. Between the fitness classes, paddleboarding, live music, wellness activations, and relaxed outdoor atmosphere, Paddletopia had that perfect South Florida mix of active and easygoing.

Of course, no great weekend event is complete without good bites. Veggies Made Great, an official event partner, kept guests fueled with complimentary samples of their veggie-packed favorites, including the Spinach Egg White Frittata and Lemon Blueberry Muffin. The samples were a smart fit for the day: light, wholesome, tasty, and easy to enjoy between activities. Paired with coffee and other small bites available throughout the event, it made for the kind of simple, satisfying spread that both kids and adults could get behind.

The event also had a thoughtful environmental angle through the “Paddle for Plastic” initiative with Plastic Fisherman, encouraging attendees to help clean Surfside canals in exchange for eco-friendly rewards. It added a meaningful layer to the weekend, blending wellness, community, and environmental care in a way that felt natural for a coastal town like Surfside.

Overall, Paddletopia 2026 felt like exactly what a South Florida weekend should be: outdoorsy, welcoming, active, delicious, and just a little bit sun-kissed. From free fitness classes to better-for-you snacks and community-focused fun, Surfside gave families a reason to get outside and enjoy the best of wellness by the water.

To bring a little of that Paddletopia feel-good energy home, check out more of the veggie-packed muffins, frittatas, and easy breakfast favorites from Veggies Made Great at https://www.veggiesmadegreat.com/ 

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