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Celebrate the strength and resilience of families and children with us! For over 20 years, Mercado Global has supported rural artisan entrepreneurs across the Americas, helping them achieve financial independence, gain market access, and send their children to school.
We know that supporting entrepreneurs and educating children is key to sustainable economic growth for the communities we serve. This exciting event brings together Bay Area leaders in philanthropy, technology, business, and fashion who are committed to creating a brighter future for families across the Americas.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate, inspire, and ignite change! Join a cause that uplifts communities, supports families, and creates lasting impact!
Olympic Club
Lakeside Clubhouse
San Francisco, CA
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cocktail Hour
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Seated Dinner & Program
Attire: Cocktail
For more information and to secure your sponsorship, please contact Leslie Callejas, Senior Development Manager, at leslie.callejas@mercadoglobal.org
Meet Our HonoreeS
Gia Colosi
Founder at Capitola Time Out
Jose Hernandez
Astronaut and Founder at Tierra Luna Cellars
Sergio Monsalve
Founder at Roble Ventures
Edward Newell
CEO & Founder at New Tree Ranch
Karl Richter
Managing Partner and CIO at Sora Investors
Chair
Lisa Staprans
Founder & CEO, Staprans Design
gala chair
Lisa Strapans
host committee
Aimee Armsby
Paul Balanoff
Laura Kavanaugh
Karae Lisle
Shari Mager
Alison Poetsch Long
Our Sponsors
SILVER Sponsor
Leadership Sponsor
Sam and Angela Schillace
PAST GALA HONOREES
Raghib Hussain
CEO, Altera
Lisa Staprans
Founder & CEO, Staprans Design
Ramzi Ramsey
Partner, Blackstone Growth
Mary Hughes
Founder, Close the Gap - California
Julie Castro Abrams
Managing Partner, How Women Lead
Manish Chandra
Founder and CEO, Poshmark
Antonio Tijerino
President and CEO, Hispanic Heritage Foundation
Jasmin Young
Founder, Netreo
Michelle Gass
President and CEO, Levi Strauss and Co.
Theo Schwabacher
Executive Director, Morgan Stanley
Hector Mujica
Head, Economic Opportunity, Americas at Google.org
Judy O’Brien
Partner, Wilson Sonsini
PAST CORPORATE PARTNERS
PAST fiesta Photos
RETAIL PARTNERs
In-kind Sponsors
Wally Hays
Christina Bullock
PAST GALAS Honorees
Edmundo
Castillo
SVP and Global Head of Design
at Stuart Weitzman
Maria
Cornejo
Designer and Founder
at Zero + Maria Cornejo
Fabiola Beracasa
Beckman
Film and TV Producer
Joan
Solotar
Global Head of Provate Wealth Solutions Blackstone
Lizzette
Kattan
Former Editor-in-Chief at Harper's Bazaar Italia
Mara
Hoffman
Founder and President at Mara Hoffman
Padma
Lakshmi
Emmy Nominated Host and Award-Winning Author
Stephanie
Drescher
Chief Client and Product Development Officer at Apollo
Individual Sponsors
Judy & Brad O’Brian
Angela & Sam Schallice
Laura & Bob Kavanaugh
Christina Bullock
Mark Swedlund
Mary Hughes & Joe Simitian
Karl Richter
Ginger Pistilli
2023 In-KIND SPONSORS
2023 AUCTION SPONSORS
BUY TICKETS
Advocate of Fashion Forward - $2,500
Two tickets to Fashion Forward with preferred seating
Two tickets to VIP pre-event party at Fashion Forward
Private virtual or in-person event co-hosted by our team and in conversation with our leadership
Listed as Advocate of Fashion Forward in all campaign collateral
Logo listed in all digital communications
Recognition at event on materials and signage
Included in social media post and listed in campaign eblasts
VIP Ticket - $1,000
One ticket to Fashion Forward
One ticket to VIP pre-event party at Fashion Forward
Event Ticket - $500
One ticket to Fashion Forward
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