José Andrés Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Joe Biden

José Andrés has earned a presidential honor…

The 55-year-old Spanish chef, restaurateur and philanthropist is among the 19 individuals who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Joe Biden.

Jose Andres, Joe Biden, Presidential Medal of FreedomDuring a special ceremony on Saturday, Andrés was recognized for his work with the World Central Kitchen, the organization he founded that the White House says “has revolutionized the way food aid reaches communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.”

Biden praised Andrés’ unwavering commitment to nourishing communities affected by disasters.

“You answered the call to serve and led others to do the same thing,” President Biden said, addressing the award recipients during the ceremony. “You leave an incredible mark on our country, of insight and influence that can be felt around the globe—in major cities and remote areas alike—binding us closer as people and showing us what’s possible as a nation.”

In 2010, Andrés traveled to Haiti after a devastating earthquake, determined to help. While cooking with displaced families, he learned to prepare black beans the Haitian way—mashed and sieved into a creamy sauce. For José, it wasn’t just about providing food but about listening, learning, and cooking alongside locals. This approach to food aid became the foundation of WCK. Since then, we have served more than 450 million meals to people impacted by crises worldwide.

“José nourishes not only bodies but hearts, in his humanitarian endeavors. His impact on the world will resonate for generations”, WCK CEO Erin Gore said. “This honor reflects his extraordinary global contributions and the deep humanity that defines him. He inspires us all.”

WCK teams are currently on the ground in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Spain, Mayotte and North Carolina supporting families affected by conflict and natural disaster.

Biden also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Lionel Messi, who was unable to attend the ceremony.

The White House cited the 37-year-old Argentine professional soccer star, who plays for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, for his philanthropic efforts, including the Leo Messi Foundation and his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador as part of the basis for the award.

Per USA Today, Messi was “deeply honored” by the award and hoped to have a chance to meet Biden in the near future.

Other recipients of the medal included U2 front man Bono, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, actor Michael J. Fox, software programmer and activist Tim Gill, primatologist Jane Goodall, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, science educator Bill Nye, investment firm owner David M. Rubenstein, philanthropist George Soros, director George Stevens Jr., actor Denzel Washington and fashion editor Anna Wintour.

Former Secretary of Defense Ashton Baldwin Carter, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, former attorney general Robert Francis Kennedy and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development George W. Romney were all honored with the award posthumously.

Joan Smalls Signs with M88

Joan Smalls has new representation…

The 33-year-old Puerto Rican supermodel and actress has signed with M88.

Joan SmallsSmalls began modeling in 2007 and exploded onto the runway scene after walking in the Spring/Summer 2010 Givenchy Couture show.

A year later, she made history as Estée Lauder’s first Latina brand ambassador.

She’s also the face of David Yurman and Ralph Lauren.

In 2012, Smalls was awarded the title of “Model of the Year” at the ninth annual Style Awards and has been ranked the No. 1 model in the world on models.com.

In 2013, she entered Forbes magazine’s “World’s Highest-Paid Models” list for the first time, ranking at number eight with over $3 million in earnings.

Now as one of the most sought after supermodels, she’s partnered with major global brands like Marc Jacobs, Stuart Weitzman, Moschino, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Hugo Boss, Tom Ford and Gucci.

Smalls has also been honing her craft as an actress working in 2017’s John Wick: Chapter 2 for Lionsgate and in Netflix’s hit romantic comedy Set It Up a year later.

On the small screen, she’s appeared in RuPaul’s Drag RaceLip Sync Battle, and Movie Night with Karlie Kloss.

Aside from her modeling career, she gives back to the community via involvement in various non-profit organizations, like The Fifteen Percent Pledge.

Smalls will continue to be represented by IMG and WME.

Gina Rodriguez: The Best-Dressed Latina at the Oscars

She’s better known for her work on television… But, Gina Rodriguez proved to the night’s scene-stealer on the red carpet at this year’s Academy Awards.

Gina Rodriguez

 

The 33-year-old Puerto Rican actress and Jane The Virgin star earned the title of Best Dressed Latina at the Oscars.

Gina Rodriguez

Rodriguez turned heads in a plunging gold Zuhair Murad gown with shimmering accents.

Sofia Carson had the world seeing red… 

Sofia Carson

The 24-year-old Colombian American actress/singer and Descendants film franchise star, who served as a host of the Oscars: All Access live stream, wore a caped red dress from Giambattista Valli dress.

Carson paired her dramatic dress with Jimmy Choo shoes and a Chopard necklace.

Eiza González had a bright moment on the red carpet…

Eiza Gonzalez

The 28-year-old Mexican actress and singer turned heads in a backless yellow dress by Ralph Lauren, which highlighted her incredible figure.

Wearing her wavy hair down, Gonzalez added a large bracelet and a pair of drop earrings to the look, and she complemented it with silver-polished nails.

Hometown Héroe: Weslaco’s Wardrobe Warrior Myleen Trevino

It’s not really common to grow up and live your childhood dream. After all, most little ones say they want to be professional athletes, performers or even astronauts.

But Myleen Trevino is one of those rare exceptions… And this Jill of all trades is shooting for the stars in her quest to be fashion’s next big thing.

Myleen Trevino

“I see myself living in California… in La La Land and seeing my work on the big screen,” declares the 29-year-old Mexican American fashionista, a native of Weslaco, Texas. “I pray that I’m continuing my work as a stylist and working on major film and television projects, as well as working with A-list celebrities.”

From the moment she could dress herself Trevino says she was her own stylist. And her parents’ experiences as models would further ignite her passion for fashion.

“I started enjoying fashion at the age of 6,” recalls Trevino, who currently resides in Dallas, where she works as a stylist to stars big and small. “My parents modeled for Barbizon Modeling & Talent Agency, and I would watch home videos of them walking the runway. Watching them all Barbie- and Ken-like in their extravagant-looking clothing was so inspiring to me. I just knew I’d be involved in the fashion industry, in one way or another.”

Three years later, Trevino was learning how to sew from her grandmother, who enjoying creating garments and making quilts for her grandchildren.

Myleen Trevino's Styling Work

“My grandmother taught me how to use the sewing machine,” says Trevino, who would research the creations of designers and fashion houses like Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Max Azria. “So I started playing with fabric and making my own clothes.”

By the time Trevino reached high school, the style-savvy savant was the go-to girl for everything fashion.

“I’d give makeovers and let girls borrow my clothes, and I didn’t even care if I got my clothes back,” remembers Trevino, who appreciated the opportunity to hone her hair, makeup and dressing skills. “I really just wanted to see my style on someone else, and I was proud when they felt confident and happy with their look.”

Trevino, knowing her life’s mission, attended the Art Institute of Houston and the Art Institute of Dallas, where she studied fashion retail management and fashion design.

Myleen Trevino's Styling Work

“Fashion school helped me tremendously and really prepared me for the industry,” acknowledges Trevino. “I learned about fabrics, textures, fit and trends. Fashion is always changing and you have to keep up! You think you know everything because you dress well, but you sit in a classroom and quickly discover there’s so much more to learn.”

But Trevino didn’t just study fashion; she lived and breathed it. Throughout her high school and college years, she worked at several retail stores like Guess, Ralph Lauren, BCBG and Nordstrom.

“Retail helped put things into perspective when it came to the fashion industry,” says Trevino. “It helped me expand my knowledge base, including learning about retail concepts, styling clients and customer service.”

Myleen Trevino's Styling Work

But it would be Trevino’s fateful meeting with her school’s career placement officer that would lead her onto her current path as a stylist.

“She recommended I look into being a dresser for runway fashion shows,” says Trevino. “I ended up doing my first styling job at Houston Fashion Week, where I helped dress the runway models for Fendi.”

In no time, Trevino has managed to make a name for herself in the Lone Star State. She’s worked with La Mode Magazine, Austin Fashion Week and several brands/designers like Sharrari Swimwear and Abi Ferrin. In addition, the fashionista has had the opportunity to style celebrities like Dallas Cowboys ‪tight end Jason Witten, America’s Next Top Model contestant Hannah Jones and Survivor: Guatemala winner Danni Boatwright and singer Solange Knowles, Beyonce’s sister.

“Solange came into BCBG to shop and I had the pleasure of helping her choose outfits and accessories for some upcoming trips and events,” says Trevino. “She had a great sense of style, a sweet personality and was confident in my choices.”

Myleen Trevino's Styling Work

So what does it take to become a master wardrobe stylist? It’s all about the research, according to Trevino.

“You have to really study a person and get a sense of who they are, so that you find the right outfits for them,” says Trevino, who keeps up-to-date on the latest fashion trends by reading magazines like Vogue, Marie Claire and WWD. “I want my clients to feel comfortable, stylish, confident and happy with their look.”

And it appears that Trevino could be increasing her client list in the near future. She recently signed with On Set Management, an agency that will be helping her secure more high-profile projects like her most recent project, wardrobe styling on a catalog and website photo shoot for JCPenney corporate.

“My agent says there’s more work to come,” announces Trevino, who says growing up in a small town made her want to stand out instead of fit in. “Once I get more big name projects on my resume, I definitely will be more confident to take my skills to Los Angeles!”

Myleen Trevino's Styling Work

With her strong work ethic, determination to succeed and style savoir-fair, there’s no doubt Trevino will be moving to La La Land in the near future. And, she’ll only need a one-way ticket to get her there.

For more on this rising star, make sure to visit her website, myleenstyles.com.

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