Events
will.i.am’s Inspiring Young Minds
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.
Events
Art, Light and Motion: Majeed’s Miami Beach Debut
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club Debuts Hira Majeed’s Multidisciplinary Exhibition for Miami Art Week. (more…)
Events
Miami Art Week Belongs to Art Hearts Fashion
Five days. Four iconic venues. One production shaping the energy, glamour, and momentum of Art Basel.
December 4, 2025
Miami Art Week has been building momentum by the hour, and Art Hearts Fashion is clearly the driving force behind the excitement. After stepping into the opening atmosphere at Kiki on the River, it became obvious that the production isn’t simply participating in Art Week. It’s leading it.
But the attention now shifts forward.
Tomorrow is December 5, and Friday’s programming is positioned to become the defining moment of the week.
Friday at Queen: The Night That Sets the Tone for the Weekend
Tomorrow night, Queen will turn into a couture theater. The venue itself is already built with the kind of Art Deco glamour Miami never tires of, but on December 5 it becomes something entirely different—a stage where designers and creative houses will set the style language for the rest of the weekend.
Friday’s runway features:
- Capristan
- Merlin Castell
- Mister Triple X
Each brings a distinct point of view: editorial elegance, sculptural silhouettes, hyper-modern textures, and that unmistakable Miami boldness that has become the signature of this week.
Once the final look walks, the night transitions into its second act.
The crowd moves to LIV at the Fontainebleau, where Black Coffee will headline a packed after party that merges fashion insiders, artists, models, and the kind of Miami night owls who never miss a moment of the city’s cultural pulse.
Friday isn’t just busy. It feels like the center of gravity.
Saturday December 6 at 555 Studios Wynwood
555 becomes the creative heart of the weekend with two full runway blocks.
8 PM: Luxe Ilse, Marible JD, Slay Swimwear
9 PM: Chavelis Playhouse, Hiromi Asai, Sharnel Guy
10 PM: Bad Pink, Idol Jose, Pia Bolte
Afterward, the night moves again to LIV, where John Summit takes over. Saturday’s energy is expected to stretch deep into the night, blurring the edges between fashion event, art installation, and nightlife ritual.
Sunday December 7: The Finale
Sunday closes the week at 555 Studios Wynwood, beginning with a red carpet and Talent Awards hosted by Talent Management Agency. It’s a celebratory moment, but also a showcase of emerging creative voices defining the next wave of Miami and beyond.
Sunday’s runway includes:
- Divaska
- Isabel Original
- Carolos Pineda
- Giannina Azar
Then comes the final chapter: LIV on Sunday, the unofficial but undeniable conclusion to Miami Art Week’s most in-demand fashion program.
What’s increasingly clear is that Art Hearts Fashion has become the gravitational center of Miami Art Week. It moves with confidence, curates with intention, and delivers the blend of artistry, spectacle, and nightlife that defines Miami at its best.
Wednesday hinted at it.
Friday will confirm it.
For anyone planning their next move during Art Basel, this is the lineup that leads the conversation.
Full event details and guest list HERE
Events
Kiki Becomes the Fashion Launch of Miami Art Week
Art Hearts Fashion turned Kiki on the River into a living fashion scene, complete with yacht entrances, dancing models, champagne-filled tables, and a crowd dressed to be part of the moment.
December 4, 2025
Miami Art Week did not ease in gently this year. It strutted in wearing sequins and a perfect tan, and it did it at Kiki on the River. Last night’s opening event felt like the moment the city remembered who it is. Art. Fashion. Nightlife. A little chaos. A lot of beauty. And a waterfront runway that refused to take itself too seriously.
The party started the moment the models arrived on a yacht. People actually gasped. It was theatrical in the best possible way. Lights on the water. Music carrying down the river. Everyone already reaching for their phones. Kiki looked like a scene from a fashion movie and the night had barely begun.
A Runway That Became a Party in Real Time
The dinner began with Greek spreads and Kiki Fries, which is the most peaceful the evening ever got. Because once the music shifted, the whole room woke up.
Mister Triple X sent out bold, confident looks that matched the mood of the night. Berry Beachy brought swimwear that felt like Miami sunshine turned into clothing. Diyanni Yacht Club showed pieces that looked even better under pink lights than anyone expected. The models owned every inch of the space. Some posed. Some danced. Some teased the crowd with little moments that made the room erupt.
Then came the platform moment. A group of models climbed onto a white pedestal and instantly turned the venue into a high fashion nightclub. Guests cheered them on. People got out of their seats. Bottles sparkled. It was impossible not to smile.
If anyone thought the guests would blend into the background, they were wrong. The room felt like a casting call for Miami’s best dressed. Linen looks. Metallic minis. Printed sets. Statement jewelry. Everyone arrived knowing this was the first major night of the week and no one planned on being forgettable.
Tables were covered in champagne flutes and bright cocktails. Friends leaned into each other for photos. Strangers bonded over their love of a runway look. People watched the show but they also watched each other. That is the real spirit of Miami Art Week.
Kiki Looked Like a Fashion Dream
The thatched ceiling, floral lanterns, and glowing lights made everything feel warm and dreamlike. The river breeze floated in just enough to remind everyone that they were eating dinner inside a living runway. Kiki’s signature glamour mixed with Art Hearts Fashion’s energy created an atmosphere that was part dinner party and part full fantasy.
It was romantic.
It was wild.
It was absolutely Miami.
The Perfect Start to an Over the Top Week
Kiki on the River delivered something that felt bigger than an opening event. It felt like a welcome ritual for the entire week. If last night is the starting point, the rest of Miami Art Week is about to get louder, brighter, and more unforgettable.
Art Hearts Fashion is clearly leading the conversation this year. A yacht entrance. A runway that never stayed still. A crowd that looked like it stepped out of a magazine. This is the beginning of a week that will be talked about long after the models go home.
And it all started on the river.
Events
A Sunset Filled Evening at Copala Beach for the Daniel Dugan Swim Pre Launch
Handcrafted details, warm coastal energy, and a boutique that felt like stepping inside an art piece
December 4, 2025
Miami Art Week unfolded another beautiful chapter last night with the Daniel Dugan x COPALA Beach Swimwear Pre Launch, a soft glowing event that traded the runway for something far more intimate. Held inside Copala Beach on Collins Avenue, the evening blended fashion, craftsmanship, and coastal artistry in a way that made the boutique feel like its own creative universe.
From the moment guests walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and personal. Instead of floodlights or booming music, the room carried the mood of a handcrafted paradise. Shelves held colorful woven pieces, each one a reminder of traditional artistry. Tables displayed symbolic beadwork, feathers, carved tools, and pieces that looked like they belonged in an exhibition rather than a retail space. Every corner seemed to tell a story about the materials, the history, and the communities that inspire the Daniel Dugan’s brand.
Clean, natural, coastal inspired and deeply rooted in artistic expression. His work always blends precision and calm and the boutique made his designs feel alive. It became clear that this pre launch was not only a reveal but an immersion into the world that shaped the collection.
Guests wandered through displays of handcrafted jewelry, natural pigments, woven symbols, and artifacts that felt like treasures. It was the kind of room where you slowed down and actually looked, because every detail deserved a moment. The textures and colors pulled people in. The lighting warmed everything. It felt like walking through a living mood board.
His pieces shone shelves lined with oils, beaded necklaces draped like artwork, and carefully designed pieces arranged with intention. Nothing felt commercial. Everything felt curated.
At the center of the boutique stood a musician in a flowing printed dress, playing a guitar with the gentlest confidence. Her sound softened the room and made the evening feel like a cozy gathering rather than a fashion event. Guests listened, swayed, and smiled. It was charming, authentic, and perfectly aligned with the brand. The music added magic. It created a lull in the usual Art Week chaos and invited everyone to settle in and just enjoy the moment.
A Reminder of What Fashion Can Feel Like
In a week filled with neon lights, mega clubs, and high drama runways, the Copala Beach pre-launch offered a refreshing shift. It celebrated craft, culture, storytelling, and a slower beauty. It reminded attendees that fashion can be rooted in place and memory, that a garment can carry a narrative, and that a boutique can hold as much artistry as a gallery.
Daniel Dugan’s collaborative collection felt right at home in this space. Natural. Clean. Emotional. Pieces created to be worn but also admired.
The event was peaceful yet alive, luxurious yet grounded, and filled with the kind of thoughtful detail that gives Miami Art Week its depth. Guests left with smiles, full hearts, and a sense of having stepped into a secret pocket of creativity.
It was not a loud night. It was a beautiful one.
Events
A Wicked Brunch to Remember at R House Wynwood
Elphaba opened the show, Glinda brought the sparkle, and guests partied through a birthday twerk off that shook the whole room.
November 27, 2025
If you ask a local where to find the most iconic drag brunch in Miami, ten out of ten will point you straight to R House Wynwood. Wicked Release Weekend proved exactly why. The moment you walked in, the room was already glowing with fabulous chaos. It felt like Miami brunch energy collided with Broadway magic and decided to stay for bottomless mimosas.
Sunlight streamed in like it was part of the cast. Disco balls shimmered above the tables. Yellow umbrellas swayed outside in the breeze. Guests were already sipping cocktails with the kind of confidence that says yes, I came prepared for brunch greatness.
Then Elphaba stepped out first and the entire room snapped to attention. She entered in full green glory with shimmering makeup, a dramatic witch hat, and a black gown that moved like midnight smoke. As the announcer, she commanded the space with a voice that wrapped around the room and pulled every guest straight into the story. She owned the stage from the first beat and set the tone for everything that followed.
Glinda floated in next like a burst of sunshine. Soft pink feathers and rhinestones sparkled with every turn. She radiated pure joy, a perfect contrast to Elphaba’s darker elegance. Together they created a Wicked themed duo that felt theatrical and campy. The whole room lit up.

Just when guests thought the show had reached its peak, a queen in a floor length silver sequin gown swept in like a walking disco dream. Her entrance was electric and her lip sync had the room screaming. People stood up. People filmed. People almost forgot their food entirely but honestly its so good, you cant. It was a performance that could live in a museum of iconic Miami moments.
Between each number, Elphaba kept the show moving with quick wit and crowd work that blended drag humor with Broadway timing. She teased the tables, hyped the guests, and made strangers laugh together as if they knew each other for years. It was R House at its best.
Then came the finale. Everyone celebrating a birthday was invited to the front for a twerk off and chaos in the very best way erupted. Guests in glitter, denim, bodycon dresses, and even a Patrick Star inspired outfit shook what they had with pride. The crowd cheered like they were watching championship finals. Every participant received a free shot as a reward for bravery and enthusiasm. It was joyful, messy, hilarious, and unforgettable.
This brunch had everything that makes R House Wynwood the heart of Miami drag culture. Unbelievable food, stunning performers, nonstop laughter, and a sense of community that feels like a warm, sparkly hug. Wicked Release Weekend was not just a themed brunch. It was a full emotional and theatrical experience that proved once again why R House continues to reign as Miami’s most beloved brunch destination.

To stay updated on events and weekend brunches, visit their website at rhousewynwood.com and follow them on Instagram at @rhousewynwood for upcoming shows, new menus, and behind-the-scenes fun.
Events
Flavors Beyond Borders 2025 Turns Miami Into a Global Culinary Dream
A glowing garden dinner, world-class chefs, and Shaggy’s electric performance made this one of the most stunning food events of the year.
November 25, 2025
If Miami ever needed proof that food can be both chic and world-changing, Flavors Beyond Borders delivered it on a silver platter. On November 20, THesis Hotel Coral Gables transformed into a glowing garden soirée, complete with twinkling trees, polished gold flatware, and tables so gorgeous they could have doubled as wedding inspiration boards.
Walking in felt like entering a secret dinner party curated by the universe’s most stylish host. Rows of long, white-linen tables stretched under a canopy of illuminated greenery. Candles flickered between the crisp stemware and lush white floral centerpieces, which gave the entire room a soft, romantic glow. It was giving “Michelin-star fantasy meets Miami dream sequence.”
Once the chefs took over, the night became a full-on culinary passport. The amuse-bouche selection floated out first, each one plated so delicately that guests hesitated before taking the first bite. The butter-poached halibut course arrived like a little edible sculpture on a scalloped white plate, and the crispy duck confit followed with rich golden tones that matched the candlelight around it. Every dish looked straight off the cover of a luxury food magazine.
Performances matched the energy. Shaggy got the room moving with his signature charisma, turning an elegant dinner into a celebration within seconds. Later, Fabrizio Sotti shifted the atmosphere into pure late-night jazz elegance, the kind of set you’d expect in a velvet-wrapped European club.
Throughout the evening, CIA chefs and alums stepped forward to introduce each course with stories, technique, and a kind of heartfelt pride that reminded guests exactly what this night was really about. The event supports the Flavors Beyond Borders Scholarship Fund and the INMERSO Foundation, opening doors for rising CIA talent to chase their culinary careers across cultures and continents.
After dinner, guests floated upstairs to Ivy Rooftop where the vibe flipped into full Miami mode. Think crafted cocktails, cigars, dueling DJs, live percussion, and that unmistakable rooftop breeze that means the party is nowhere near over.
This year’s Flavors Beyond Borders wasn’t just beautiful. It wasn’t just delicious. It was a celebration of talent, culture, generosity, and pure Miami glamour. And judging by the plates, the music, the sparkle, and the crowd, 2025 set the bar very, very high.
For more on the Culinary Institute of America’s programs, restaurants, and student opportunities, visit ciachef.edu. To experience the stunning THesis Hotel Miami for yourself — whether for dinner, drinks, or an overnight escape — explore reservations at thesishotelmiami.com.
Events
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