Hudson County Community College Welcomes Steve Madden as 2026 Fashion Show Gold-Level Sponsor

“Steve Madden Presents the 2026 Career Closet Fashion Show: Your Runway to Success” will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at the HCCC Culinary Conference Center, located at 161 Newkirk Street in Jersey City. HCCC students, faculty, and staff will serve as runway models, showcasing professional attire provided by Steve Madden. Following the event, the clothing will be retained by the College’s Career Closet and made available to students preparing for interviews, internships, and employment.

Buying business attire can be stressful for anyone preparing to enter the workforce, particularly when resources are limited. While skills and experience are essential, first impressions matter. A well-fitting suit or professional wardrobe can significantly boost confidence and presence. Since its launch in 2021, the HHRC Career Closet has provided more than 1,000 items of professional clothing to over 330 students, helping them take meaningful steps toward career success.

The College extends special appreciation to HCCC Instructor of Chemistry Raffi Manjikian, and his spouse, Steve Madden, Ltd. Privacy Counsel and Assistant Secretary Beata Safari. Their partnership and advocacy were instrumental in securing this sponsorship.

“The HCCC family is profoundly grateful to our partners at Steve Madden for their generosity in supporting our students beyond the classroom,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “By investing in programs like the Hudson Helps Resource Center and the HCCC Career Closet, our partners help ensure students have the resources they need to thrive as they transition into professional environments.”

Support from partners such as Steve Madden plays a critical role not only in the success of individual events, but in the long-term sustainability of essential student support programs. As initiatives like the Career Closet continue to grow, they require ongoing investment to maintain inventory, staffing, facilities, and access. The College and HCCC Foundation are actively working to build a diversified base of philanthropic support to ensure these vital resources remain available for future generations of HCCC students.

The Steve Madden sponsorship builds on an ongoing partnership with Hudson County Community College. The company served as Gold Sponsor for the inaugural Career Closet Fashion Show in February 2024, contributing financial support and professional clothing for student use.

“At Steve Madden, we believe that meaningful impact begins with showing up for the communities we serve,” said Gregg Meyer, Steve Madden Chief Sustainability Officer. “The Career Closet Fashion Show reflects that commitment by helping students step confidently into the workforce. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Hudson Helps and Hudson County Community College.”

Proceeds from the Career Closet Fashion Show support the Hudson Helps Resource Center, which addresses food and housing insecurity, financial emergencies, case management needs, and other essential supports. Established in 2021, the HHRC serves thousands of HCCC students each year, advancing equitable pathways to academic and career success.

Organizations and individuals interested in supporting the event may contact Katherine Acosta, Director of Hudson Helps, at kmoralesFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.