Amazing things happen when fashion and purpose unite! On March 6th, 2025, Mercado Global transformed Tribeca 360° in New York City into a breathtaking celebration of female power and cultural heritage. The annual Fashion Forward Gala couldn’t have been more perfectly timed to honor International Women’s Day, bringing together the most inspiring minds from fashion, finance, and philanthropy—all passionate about uplifting Indigenous women artisans across the Americas.

Julia Kisla, Madeleine Sinclair, Fernando Garcia Source: BFA

Honoring Visionaries Who Are Changing the Game

This year’s spotlight shone on three incredible trailblazers who epitomize what it means to create meaningful change:

Madeleine Sinclair: The powerhouse Senior Managing Director and Head of Private Wealth for North America at Blue Owl Capital
Fernando García: The brilliantly creative Co-Creative Director at Oscar de la Renta
Julia Kisla Taylor: The visionary CEO of The Lions Management

Each honoree represents a commitment to building a more equitable world—and don’t we all want to see more of that kind of leadership?

A Night of Glamour with Purpose

The evening unfolded like a dream—starting with an exclusive VIP cocktail hour before moving into an elegantly curated dinner and program. The incredible Yayis (Oralia A. Villarreal) brought her magnetic energy as host, guiding guests through a truly unforgettable experience.

The guest list? Absolutely stunning! Fashion icons Ubah Hassan, Hiandra Martinez, Lineisy Montero, Maggie Rowlins, and Lameka Fox graced the event with their presence, alongside the fabulous Maribel Lieberman of MarieBelle chocolates.

But the true highlight was the special screening of “A Profound Journey of Heritage and Culture”—a moving documentary created with CORE that beautifully captures the life-changing impact of Mercado Global’s work. (Mark your calendars—the full documentary drops March 8th on International Women’s Day, and it’s definitely one to watch!)

The Movement Behind the Moment

For over two decades, Mercado Global has been revolutionizing the fashion industry by placing Indigenous women artisans at the center of their mission. Through their innovative approach, they’re not just creating gorgeous accessories—they’re building pathways to financial independence that transform entire communities.

By partnering with major brands like Levi’s®, Stuart Weitzman, Liverpool Los Angeles, and Free People, Mercado Global is proving that fashion can be both ethical AND exquisite. This is the future of fashion we’ve been waiting for!

As Ruth Álvarez-Degolia, the brilliant Founder and Executive Director of Mercado Global, so beautifully stated: “This year’s gala showcased the incredible impact we can achieve when we come together to empower women. Thanks to our honorees and supporters, we’re able to expand our mission of creating economic opportunities for Indigenous women and building a more equitable future for all.”

Ready to be part of this inspiring movement? Visit mercadoglobal.org to discover how you can support these amazing women artisans and their communities. Because when women thrive, we all rise together!

Author Profile

Sterling Jones

Sterling Jones is the Founder and Editor of The Beauté Study, where is responsible for leading the editorial calendar and creation of online educational content across all categories, brand partnerships, VIP concierge, agency-side of business, and online classes. Sterling loves to write and create engaging content about the power of beauty, cultural trends and lifestyle brands. She founded this platform in 2017 and organically grown into a trusted media platform with the support of a growing population of feminine women growing and defining in their beauty epiphanies. Under her leadership, the brand has worked with other brands in partnership like La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Mejuri, Follain, Cocokind Skincare, Moisture Love, Rein Beauty, Proven Skincare, The Beaute Culture Conference, QCNY Luxury Spa, Merit Beauty, and more. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Sterling holds two undergraduate degrees in Art History and Business of Beauty and Fragrance, the perfect blend between cultural know-how.