The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) was honored as the NRF Foundation’s 2025 RISE Up Partner of the Year at the tenth annual NRF Foundation Honors, held on January 12 in New York City. The award, presented by Old Navy, recognizes the College's implementation of the NRF Foundation’s RISE Up training and credentialing in CFK’s Project ACCESS program for students with intellectual disabilities and autism. Representing the College at the ceremony, which was attended by more than 700 retail industry professionals, were Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, CFK President and CEO, Dr. Nina Medyk, CFK Project ACCESS instructor, and Geraldine Darius, CFK Assistant Director of Student Success Services. The award included a $10,000 donation to support Project ACCESS.

“The College of the Florida Keys is an exemplary RISE Up partner, utilizing the training program to provide its students with the knowledge and skillset to navigate their entrance into the workforce and secure jobs in retail and elsewhere,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie said. “The NRF Foundation is honored to recognize The College of the Florida Keys as the 2025 RISE Up Partner of the Year.”

Project ACCESS, which stands for “Accessing Community College Educational experiences, Social experiences, and Skills for careers,” provides academics, social activities, employment experiences, and independent living skills. With employment as a primary goal, the College includes the NRF Foundation’s Retail Industry Fundamentals Specialist Certificate in the educational plans for all students in the Project ACCESS program. Dr. Medyk has expanded the RISE Up curriculum with hands-on, real-world experiences including scavenger hunts to spot retail industry concepts at local stores.

“Putting it in the real world helps connect things for students,” notes Dr. Medyk. “The more they can apply concepts to their worlds, the more they will use it. It motivates them to learn more, and we have a lot of fun.”

Dr. Medyk also uses role-playing to bring concepts to life. In a cumulative group project, students create their own retail company and set up a store in the classroom, where they interact with other students and employees acting as customers using play money. The experience provides opportunities for the students to demonstrate their knowledge and practice customer service, math, and communication skills in a comfortable space. Students gain further experience through working in CFK’s food pantry, Tuga Shelves. They help process food donations, organize products, and maintain inventory.

The College’s recognition as the 2025 RISE Up Partner of the Year highlights its dedication to equipping students with intellectual disabilities with essential skills for employment and independence.

“It’s a monumental recognition for The College of the Florida Keys to be named the 2025 RISE Up Partner of the year,” said Dr. Gueverra. “Thank you to the retail industry for embracing this opportunity to give individuals who may not ordinarily have a chance to participate in the labor force.”

Along with CFK, the NRF Foundation Honors recognized fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger with The Visionary award and leaders from PepsiCo, Costco Wholesale, PATTERN Beauty, IKEA U.S., and Domino's as The List of People Shaping Retail's Future 2025. The event was co-hosted by Macy’s, Inc. Chairman and CEO and former NRF Foundation Board Chair Tony Spring and Walmart U.S. President and CEO and former NRF Board Chair John Furner and raised over $2.7 million to support career development programs and resources.