Connect with us

Technology

A Night for Good: Goodwill Gala Unites Designers and Industry Leaders for Purpose and Style

Published

on

The annual event celebrated visionary design and inclusive workforce impact, honoring Brian Fetherstonhaugh and Synoptek while also featuring runway presentations from Collina Strada, LAPOINTE, Romeo Hunte, and Andy Yu.

NEW YORK, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, May 20, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. (Goodwill NYNJ) hosted its fifth annual Goodwill Gala at Tapestry’s global headquarters in Hudson Yards, uniting leaders across fashion, technology, and philanthropy for a powerful night of purpose and style.

Co-hosted by Felita Harris, Executive Director and Co-Founder of RAISEfashion, and Peter Som, award-winning fashion designer and culinary creator, the evening honored outstanding contributions to inclusive innovation and service.

Brian Fetherstonhaugh received the Visionary Leadership Award in recognition of his decades-long commitment to Goodwill, having served as a dedicated board member since 1990. The award was presented by his former colleague, Shelly Lazarus, Chairman Emeritus of Ogilvy, who had the honor of recognizing his enduring impact.

Synoptek, a leading systems integrator and managed services provider, received the Corporate Leadership Award for its partnership in advancing digital equity and workforce inclusion.

“Being recognized by Goodwill NYNJ is an honor we’re especially proud of,” said Salil Godika, CEO of Synoptek. “It’s always meaningful to be acknowledged for the work we do with our partners, but when that work uplifts those who need it most, it carries even greater significance. At Synoptek, our commitment to excellence, our people, and our communities drives everything we do and we’re proud to stand alongside organizations making a lasting difference.”

The night also showcased an exclusive fashion presentation featuring designers known for their bold creativity and commitment to sustainability, including Collina Strada, LAPOINTE, Romeo Hunte, and Andy Yu. Each designer brought a unique perspective, illustrating how fashion can serve as a catalyst for change.

“I built my brand on the foundation of empowerment and believing in the power of you. I have always said that fashion does not have to be complicated, unattainable, or intimidating, and that making a statement with your clothing is easy. That’s why when Goodwill approached me to do this project, I was more than excited and honored to do it.” stated Sally LaPointe, founder and designer, LAPOINTE.

“Sustainability is the core of my work, so I start my projects at Goodwill,” added designer, Andy Yu. “Giving new life to second-hand pieces lets creativity shine without adding waste.”

Upcycled looks from the evening’s featured designers are now available through an online auction—offering fashion lovers a rare opportunity to own exclusive pieces while supporting Goodwill NYNJ’s job training and placement programs.

The event spotlighted Goodwill NYNJ’s mission to expand access to employment and promote sustainable fashion as a force for good.

“At Goodwill NYNJ, we believe that investing in people and the planet creates lasting change,” said Katy Gaul-Stigge, CEO of Goodwill NYNJ. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’re building a more inclusive employment movement that empowers New Yorkers of all abilities and backgrounds to thrive and ensure no talent is left behind.”

The incredible support from sponsors, donors, and attendees helped the Goodwill Gala raise $586,000 to advance programs offering job training, placement, and career growth to thousands of individuals across the region.

For more information about Goodwill NYNJ or to get involved, visit: goodwillnynj.org/financial-giving/

About Goodwill NYNJ
Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. (Goodwill NYNJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates retail stores across the region, fueled by donations of clothing and household items. These donations support Goodwill NYNJ’s mission to provide workforce development services, job training, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and individuals facing barriers to work.

For 110 years, Goodwill NYNJ has helped build better lives for thousands of individuals and families across the New York City metropolitan area. Its mission is to empower people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to achieve independence through the power of work.

Learn more at www.goodwillnynj.org and find us on Facebook and Instagram @GoodwillNYNJ.

About Brian Fetherstonhaugh
Brian Fetherstonhaugh is the CEO of The Long View Talent Group and the author of the award-winning career strategy book The Long View. Brian began his career at Procter & Gamble Canada and spent over two decades at Ogilvy, where he held global leadership roles including President of Ogilvy Canada, Chairman of Global Brands, Chief People Officer, and Global CEO of its digital marketing division. A frequent lecturer at McGill, Columbia, Yale, and MIT, Brian brings deep expertise in branding, leadership, and strategy. His connection to Goodwill spans over three decades, with past roles including Chairman of Goodwill Toronto and Executive Committee member of the Goodwill International Board. Currently serving on the Board of Goodwill NYNJ, he has led the organization’s last four strategic plans and continues to support its mission through committee work, leadership training, and site engagement.

About Synoptek
Synoptek is a global, full-service business and digital technology solutions provider and advisory firm that helps companies envision, transform and evolve their customer experiences, application ecosystems and infrastructures. As a systems integrator and managed technology provider, Synoptek partners with organizations worldwide, helping them navigate the ever-changing technology landscape and build solid tech foundations for their businesses. With its comprehensive offerings, global workforce and strategic technology partnerships, Synoptek helps companies optimize their IT environments and enable innovation through technology. With growth, ownership, inclusiveness and philanthropy embedded in its DNA, Synoptek is committed to delivering improved business results and unmatched service to all its stakeholders.

About LAPOINTE
Designed by Sally LaPointe and produced in NYC, LAPOINTE is a color-driven luxury fashion brand known for making a statement with bold monochromatic palettes and head-to-toe sets that embrace simple, effective empowerment of individual expression. LaPointe graduated with a BFA in Apparel Design from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2006 and, with fellow RISD graduate Sarah Adelson, moved to New York City and founded the eponymous collection in 2010. LAPOINTE soon became the go-to brand for a broad range of women including Zendaya, Beyonce, Rihanna, Oprah Winfrey, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Chastain, to name a few. LAPOINTE is sold via its e-commerce flagship site shopLAPOINTE.com as well as top retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Harrods, among others.

About Collina Strada
Collina Strada isn’t just a fashion label, it’s also a platform for social issues and awareness. Created by Hillary Taymour, her main concern is staying true to her craft, and staying on course to becoming a fully sustainable and radically transparent brand in the near future. Based and manufactured in New York, the brand’s cult status core pieces transcend trends. Taymour’s designs are imbued with a fearlessly fluid attitude, re-inventing classics and unexpected details. Collina Strada embodies humor and youth. The brand DNA is now firmly cemented in the ability to look inward, even when we’re loud and expressive on the outside. Season after season, Collina Strada’s goal remains the same: to encourage self-reflection through clothing. How can you be the best version of yourself today?

About Romeo Hunte
Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Romeo Hunte has always been inspired by the women around him and their creative approach to fashion. After turning down two full athletic scholarships in Track and Field, he pursued his passion for design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Hunte launched his namesake brand, Romeo Hunte New York, while working full-time as a personal shopper in luxury retail and in editorial styling. Over the past decade, he has proven to be a hardworking self-starter, excelling in both unique design and business. He has secured lucrative partnerships with renowned companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Christian Louboutin, Speedo and was the first Black designer to collaborate with Tommy Hilfiger. Specializing in mixing high-quality fabrics, Hunte skillfully plays with denim and leather, transforming them into ready-to-wear pieces for any occasion. His innovative approach has garnered an impressive cult following of VIPs, including Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, and Stevie Wonder, proving that there is no limit or box you can put him in.

About Andy Yu
Andy Yu is an Asian American fashion designer celebrated for his sustainable, upcycled creations and his ability to blend art, culture, and community. After studying fashion and graphic design at Virginia Commonwealth University, Yu launched his first womenswear collection at just 22, with pieces selling at major retailers like Barneys and Saks. Over the years, he built a successful fashion business, Contributing to brands such as Magaschoni Cashmere, J.Crew Luxury, and Michael Kors. His designs, often upcycled from vintage materials, have garnered attention from fashion icons, including Martha Stewart, who owns over 20 pieces from his private collection. Yu’s commitment to the community is evident in his work as a mentor up-and-coming designers and support for local initiatives, including the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts and the Community Center of Northern Westchester. Through his work, Yu continues to inspire by merging sustainability with style, fostering connections across cultures.

Goodwill Contact: LaKara Person, lperson@goodwillny.org, (929) 627-0222

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-night-for-good-goodwill-gala-unites-designers-and-industry-leaders-for-purpose-and-style-302463493.html

SOURCE Goodwill NYNJ

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

DEFSEC Ships New BLISS (“Battlespace Laser Identification Sensor System”) To U.S. Army Yuma Test Center

Published

on

By

OTTAWA, ON, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – DEFSEC Technologies Inc. (TSXV: DFSC) (TSXV: DFSC.WT.U) (NASDAQ: DFSC) (NASDAQ: DFSCW) (“DEFSEC” or the “Company”) today confirmed that it has now shipped two new networked BLISSTM systems to the United States Army Yuma Test Center (US Army YTC) for test and evaluation.

The BLISSTM shipment today to the US Army YTC follows delivery of an earlier version, called BLDS (Battlefield Laser Detection System) to the U.S. Army last year for testing and trial activity.  BLISSTM is an enhanced, networked version of BLDS as the next step in the evolution of the Company’s technology roadmap for battlespace laser detection and intelligence.

The patent-pending BLISSTM system alerts operators to laser activity across the battlespace, providing critical early warning and valuable seconds to assess, evade, defend, and deploy countermeasures. Miniaturized BLISSTM sensors can be mounted on vehicles and fixed infrastructure, or worn on personnel, to affordably blanket a battlespace with sensors for enhanced survivability and situational awareness and battlespace intelligence in contested environments.  It transforms laser warning into shared, actionable battlespace information.

Beyond real-time detection, BLISSTM incorporates enhanced laser pulse signature capture and analysis to help identify the source, intent, and affiliation of detected emissions.  By enabling users to distinguish among known signatures, the system supports faster, more informed tactical decisions.

“The BLISSTM system shipped today to Yuma for US Army testing represents a major step forward in tactical-edge force protection and actionable battlespace intelligence for commanders,” said Sean Homuth, President and CEO. “This capability will provide operators with critical time, better information, and a meaningful operational advantage against laser-enabled threats, including those seen in current Middle East conflicts.”

DEFSEC expects to brief domestic and foreign delegations on its BLISS product at Canada’s upcoming annual defence and security show, “CANSEC”, May 27 and 28, 2026, in Ottawa.

About DEFSEC

DEFSEC (TSXV: DFSC) (TSXV: DFSC.WT.U) (NASDAQ: DFSC) (NASDAQ: DFSCSW) (FSE: 62UA) develops and commercializes breakthrough next-generation tactical systems for military and security forces. The company’s current portfolio of offerings includes digitization of tactical forces for real-time shared situational awareness and targeting information from any source (including drones) streamed directly to users’ smart devices and weapons. Other DEFSEC products include countermeasures against threats such as electronic detection, lasers and drones. These systems can operate stand-alone or integrate seamlessly with OEM products and battlefield management systems, and all come integrated with TAK. The company also has a new proprietary less-lethal product line branded PARA SHOTTM with applications across all segments of the non-lethal market, including law enforcement. The Company is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.

For more information, please visit https://www.defsectec.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which may be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “may”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “foresee”, “have sight of”, “believe”, or “continue”, the description of “optimism”, ” momentum” or “interest”,  the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these terms and phrases. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of assisting the reader in understanding us, our business, operations, prospects and risks at a point in time in the context of historical and possible future developments and therefore the reader is cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of DEFSEC’s management and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties that are documented in detail in the Company’s public filings. Forward-looking statements included in this include, but are not limited to: management’s belief of sufficiency of available financial resources to support forecasted activities in 2026 based on cash on hand, anticipated revenue streams and planned expenditures in the fiscal year, subject to execution of the Company’s operating plan and other risks and factors described  in its public filings; interest in DEFSEC LightningTM, BLISSTM or other products and services as well as timing of full implementation or commercial release thereof; the Company’s estimates of increases to annualized gross margin on a go-forward basis and extent thereof, if any; the stage of scaled production for the PARA SHOTTM technology into new training cartridges and timing of release thereof; and management’s belief that its extensive customer base of law enforcement agencies for ARWEN throughout North America is a ready market for its new products like PARA SHOTTM as well as DEFSEC LightningTM.

Although DEFSEC’s management believes that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. The forward-looking statements discussed in this news release may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting DEFSEC, including DEFSEC’s inability to execute on its current operating plan and/or fiscal 2026 forecasted activities, DEFSEC’s inability to secure contracts and subcontracts (on the timelines, size and scale expected or at all), statements of work and orders for its products in fiscal 2026 and onwards for reasons beyond its control, the renewal or extension of agreements beyond their original term, the granting of patents applied for by DEFSEC, inability to finance the scale up to full commercial production levels for its physical products, inability to secure key partnership agreements to facilitate the outsourcing and logistics for its ARWEN® and PARA SHOTTM products, inability to commercialize DEFSEC’s Battlespace Laser Identification Sensor System (BLISS), inability to secure or complete the execution of government contracts, inability to drive growth in DEFSEC’s ARWEN® product line, inability to advance the commercialization of DEFSEC’s PARA SHOTTM products, delay or inability to launch DEFSEC’s Lightning SaaS offering, lower than expected or delayed demand for DEFSEC’s BLISS, overall interest in DEFSEC’s products being lower than anticipated or expected; general economic and stock market conditions; a stagnation or decrease in North American defense and public safety spending, adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in Canada, the United States and elsewhere; the inability of DEFSEC to implement and execute its business strategies; risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in DEFSEC’s filings with the Canadian Security Administrators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and many other factors beyond the control of DEFSEC. Although DEFSEC has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and DEFSEC undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its respective Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/defsec-ships-new-bliss-battlespace-laser-identification-sensor-system-to-us-army-yuma-test-center-302758001.html

SOURCE DEFSEC Technologies Inc

Continue Reading

Technology

SPX Cooling Tech Unveils the Marley® OlympusMAX™ Fluid Cooler

Published

on

By

Maximum Capacity. Trusted Performance.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SPX Cooling Tech, LLC announced the launch of the Marley® OlympusMAX™ Fluid Cooler, engineered to deliver unmatched performance, efficiency and design flexibility for mission-critical facilities. Designed to meet the evolving demands of data centers, industrial plants and high-density cooling applications, the OlympusMAX Fluid Cooler sets a new benchmark in dry and adiabatic cooling technology.

Built on a century of heat rejection expertise, the OlympusMAX Fluid Cooler brings a new level of performance in dry and adiabatic cooling.  It is available in both adiabatic and dry configurations. The bolt-on adiabatic module can be factory or field installed—or even installed after the equipment is operational in order to provide maximum flexibility in response to changing conditions and site demands.

As global data center density continues to expand, operators are increasingly seeking cooling solutions that balance performance, energy use, water use and operational flexibility. “OlympusMAX reflects our commitment to advancing cooling technology to support the evolving demands of mission-critical facilities,” said Dustan Atkinson, Director of Product Management for SPX Cooling Tech. “By offering scalable dry and adiabatic performance, engineered flexibility and streamlined installation, we’re helping facilities meet increasingly challenging demands while maintaining efficiency and long-term reliability.”

At the heart of the OlympusMAX adiabatic module is a patent-pending recirculating adiabatic design that significantly reduces blowdown, minimizing unnecessary water discharge while improving system efficiency. Unlike traditional once-through or spray systems, the unit’s recirculation technology delivers more uniform water flow across the pad – improving saturation efficiency, extending pad life and reducing mineral accumulation on critical components. The result is more predictable energy and water consumption – a critical advantage for performance-sensitive environments such as hyperscale data centers.

Engineered for uptime, the OlympusMAX features high-efficiency Marley Geareducer® gear drives, robust construction materials and integrated component redundancy, including mission-critical fan and VFD systems. With unit options ranging from 120 to 240 horsepower, the design maximizes cooling capacity per square foot, delivering industry-leading heat rejection density.

Installation and serviceability were key priorities in the system’s development. Each unit ships with a factory-assembled electrical access platform, single-point wiring connection, VFDs and PLC controls pre-installed, and full-size access doors with internal walkways. These features streamline installation while enabling safer operation and easier maintenance.

The launch underscores SPX Cooling Tech’s mission to provide flexible, high-efficiency heat rejection solutions across its full portfolio including dry coolers, adiabatic coolers, evaporative coolers, and cooling towers, ensuring customers have a single-supplier solution tailored to their operational strategy.

About SPX Cooling Tech, LLC
SPX Cooling Tech is a leading global manufacturer of cooling towers, fluid coolers, adiabatic and dry cooling systems, evaporative condensers, industrial evaporators and OEM aftermarket parts from brands that include Marley®, Recold® and SGS Refrigeration. Since 1922, our brands’ cooling systems, components and technical services have supported applications in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, and industrial process cooling. SPX Cooling Tech and its product brands are part of SPX Technologies, Inc. For more information see www.spxcooling.com.

About SPX Corporation
SPX Technologies is a supplier of highly engineered products and technologies, holding leadership positions in the HVAC and detection and measurement markets. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, SPX Technologies has approximately 4,700 employees in 16 countries and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “SPXC.” For more information, please visit www.spx.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spx-cooling-tech-unveils-the-marley-olympusmax-fluid-cooler-302758020.html

SOURCE SPX Cooling Technologies

Continue Reading

Technology

AMTD’s TGE Reports Full Year Results with 27.7% Increase in Revenue, with 25.5% Increase in Total Assets and 9.1% Increase in Net Assets

Published

on

By

PARIS and LONDON and NEW YORK, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Generation Essentials Group (“TGE” or the “Company”) (NYSE: TGE, LSE; TGE), a NYSE and LSE dual-listed company and a subsidiary of AMTD Group Inc., today announced the filing of its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with summary highlights below:

Total Revenue increased by 27.7% from US$77.0 million to US$98.3 millionTotal non-GAAP Net Income increased by 3.2% from US$44.7 million to US$46.2 million Total Assets amounted to US$1,464.1 million (US$30.2/share)Net asset value amounted to US$839.1 million (US$17.3/share)

The annual report is available on the Company’s investor relations website at  http://thegenerationalessentials.com. The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders upon request. Requests should be directed to Investor Relations Office at ir@tge.media.

About The Generation Essentials Group

The Generation Essentials Group (NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), jointly established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) and AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD), is headquartered in France and focuses on global strategies and developments in multi-media, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide as well as hospitality and VIP services. TGE comprises L’Officiel, The Art Newspaper, movie and entertainment projects. Collectively, TGE is a diversified portfolio of media and entertainment businesses, and a global portfolio of premium properties. Also, TGE is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsor manager, with its first SPAC successfully raised and priced on December 18, 2025.

For The Generation Essentials Group:
IR Office
The Generation Essentials Group
EMAIL: ir@tge.media

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amtds-tge-reports-full-year-results-with-27-7-increase-in-revenue-with-25-5-increase-in-total-assets-and-9-1-increase-in-net-assets-302757926.html

SOURCE The Generation Essentials Group

Continue Reading

Trending