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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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From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.


June 2nd, 2025

If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.

From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.

Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear

Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.

  • Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
  • CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
  • Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.

Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions

Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.

  • Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
  • David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
  • Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
  • Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.

Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.

Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.

The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.

During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.

Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.

Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.

While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.

What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.

If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.

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Tucked away on the ultra-exclusive Venetian Islands, the private waterfront villa felt more like a fashion fantasy than a party venue. Imagine stepping into a space where every palm is lit just right, the pool reflects the skyline like a high-gloss editorial, and the whole place hums with that “something fabulous is about to happen” feeling. It wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the mood.

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The soundtrack of the night? DJ Brooke Brazelton spun a set that floated perfectly between rooftop lounge and full-body groove. Think vibey house, remixed classics, and the kind of bassline that makes strangers become dance partners. It wasn’t just background music—it moved the night along like a perfectly timed runway show. The crowd swayed, sipped and sparkled, and by midnight, the villa felt like the heartbeat of Swim Week itself.

As for the crowd, it was Miami at its best. A stunning blend of models, stylists, editors and locals who looked like they walked straight off a set. There were breezy linens, sheer mesh, bold swimwear, and sunglasses that stayed on long after the sun went down. The fashion was fearless, the conversation flowed, and every corner of the villa buzzed with excitement and ambition.

Somewhere between the third glass of prosecco and the fifth compliment on someone’s outfit, it became clear, Miami Swim Week 2025 wasn’t just starting. It had arrived. And if this kick-off party was just the beginning, we’re all in for a summer of serious style.

Bookmark it now: this is the summer where swimwear slays, the music flows, and the vibes are always turned way up. See you at the next villa.

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