The Licensing International Hall of Fame is home to esteemed executives who have shaped the global brand licensing business. This year’s inductees will be celebrated at the Hall of Fame Induction & Global Rising Star Awards in New York City on December 2, 2026. The luncheon is a fundraiser for our Scholarship Program and will support the LI Foundation in its mission to inspire the next generation of licensing professionals globally.

What does being inducted into the Licensing International Hall of Fame mean to you, both personally and professionally?
This has been a great honor as we enter our 45th anniversary year. When you spend more than four decades building a brand, you’re not always thinking about the legacy you’re creating; you’re focused on the next collection, the next idea, the next challenge. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame gives me a chance to pause and really reflect on how far we’ve come. Nicole Miller has been such a big part of my life, and I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve built and the many talented individuals who have been part of that story. Licensing has allowed us to take the brand places I never could have imagined when I started and introduce Nicole Miller to generations of consumers around the world. To be recognized by an industry that has played such an important role in our growth is deeply meaningful. And to share this honor with so many leaders and innovators I admire makes it even more special. More than anything, I see it as a celebration of the partnerships, creativity, and shared passion that have made this possible—and a reminder that the most rewarding part of building a brand is seeing it continue to evolve, inspire, and live on.

What first drew you to the brand licensing industry, and what has continued to inspire your passion throughout your career?
I’ve always been interested in the idea of creating a complete lifestyle around the Nicole Miller brand. Fashion was the starting point, but licensing gave us the opportunity to take that point of view into new categories and become part of more areas of our customers’ lives. What continues to inspire me is seeing the brand interpreted in new ways. I love collaborating with partners who bring their own expertise to a category while understanding what makes Nicole Miller distinctive. When that balance works, you can create something that feels both new and completely authentic to the brand.  

How has the industry changed from when you first started your career, and how has it stayed the same?
The industry moves much faster today. Consumers have more choices, trends develop almost instantly, and brands have to think across retail, digital, social media, and new channels all at once. There are also so many more ways for consumers to discover and interact with a brand. What hasn’t changed is the importance of having a strong point of view. You need to understand who you are as a brand and choose partners who understand that vision. Relationships are also still incredibly important. The best licensing partnerships are built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to creating great product.

Looking back on your career, what moment or accomplishment stands out as particularly defining, and why? 
Building a brand that has remained relevant for more than four decades is something I’m incredibly proud of. There have been countless memorable moments throughout my career, but watching Nicole Miller evolve from a fashion brand into a true lifestyle brand has been particularly meaningful. With each new category, we’ve had the opportunity to introduce Nicole Miller to new audiences and expand what the brand can represent. What makes me most proud is that we’ve been able to grow and evolve without losing the identity and point of view that have always made Nicole Miller distinctive. Seeing the brand continue to connect with new generations while staying true to its roots is a legacy I’m deeply grateful to have built, and one I’m excited to continue shaping.

What is the most valuable piece of career advice you’ve received, and how has it influenced your leadership or decision-making?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to trust your instincts. Fashion and licensing are constantly changing, and there will always be outside opinions about what you should or shouldn’t do. I’ve learned that you have to listen, stay curious, and be willing to evolve but you also have to know what feels right for your brand. That has influenced so many of my decisions throughout my career. I’m always open to something new, but there still needs to be a reason for it and a connection to the Nicole Miller point of view.

Licensing International is committed to developing the next generation of industry leaders through its Scholarship Program. Why do you believe investing in emerging talent is essential to the future of our industry? How can today’s leaders help mentor and inspire the next generation?
Young talent brings a fresh perspective that every industry needs. They’re approaching brands, technology, culture, and the consumer experience differently, and that challenges all of us to keep learning and evolving. I think established leaders have a responsibility to give emerging talent opportunities to participate, contribute, and have their ideas heard. Mentorship isn’t just about giving advice, it’s about creating access, sharing experience, and giving someone the confidence and opportunity to develop their own point of view. The next generation will ultimately determine where this industry goes, so investing in them is an investment in its future.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of brand licensing?
The possibilities for brands are broader than ever. Consumers no longer experience brands within a single category—they experience them as part of a lifestyle. That creates tremendous opportunities to enter new categories, connect with new audiences and tell a brand’s story in unexpected and meaningful ways. As we approach our 45th anniversary, I’m especially excited about finding new ways to celebrate our heritage while continuing to evolve the brand for the future. There is an incredible archive and history to draw from, but I’ve always believed that the best way to honor the past is to keep moving forward. That balance of heritage, innovation, and reinvention is what makes the future of licensing so exciting.

For table and sponsorship opportunities at this year’s Hall of Fame Gala, please contact Maria Ungaro at [email protected]