AFA Staffing is proud to introduce the inaugural Market Excellence Awards, celebrating the innovators shaping the future of the apparel industry. These awards honor excellence across brand leadership, culture and people development, trend comprehension and strategy direction, and long-term impact, recognizing the teams breaking boundaries and setting the new standard for what’s possible.
Market Excellence Awards
Announcing AFA’s 1st Annual
2025 Award Winners
Excellence in Client Partnership Award
Recognizing an unwavering commitment to serving retailers, department stores, and buyers with precision and professionalism.
Trend Leadership Award
Recognizing outstanding industry foresight and proven ability to interpret consumer trends with precision to create forward-thinking products.
Outstanding Employee Development & Culture Award
Recognizing dedication to deliberate, long-term employee development, and commitment to fostering a culture built on trust, accountability, and purpose.
Breakthrough Growth Award
Recognizing outstanding annual growth, demonstrating strategic execution, market traction, and operational excellence.
Legacy of Excellence Award
Recognizing long-standing leadership and an unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and performance, setting the industry standard.
Learn About Our Panelists
Rosemarie Ursua
Apricot Lane Boutiques Headquarters
As a leader at Apricot Lane Boutiques Headquarters, Rosemarie Ursua leverages years of hands-on retail customer service and buying experience across both boutique and vendor perspectives to support strategic owner and buyer decisions.
Janel Massaro
Discount Divas
Janel Massaro is a seasoned sales leader at Discount Divas, where she spearheads boutique account sales. Her strong background in the Los Angeles market driving revenue growth and fostering strategic partnerships, give her a keen understanding of the fashion industry’s intricacies.
Kelly Helfman
Girls Day LA
With over 20 years of experience in fashion and events, Kelly Helfman is a dynamic leader, speaker, and influencer, who inspires action, fosters connection, and empowers women to thrive both personally and professionally.
Mary Williams
AFA Staffing | Array Events
Mary Williams brings over a decade of experience in customer service and seven years of experience in the wholesale apparel industry. She has served as a leader in the industry overseeing Client Relations & Permanent Placements at AFA Staffing, and acting Director of Array Events.
Brooke Hoda
AFA Staffing
Brooke Hoda is the Founder and CEO of AFA Staffing, a national talent partner for the wholesale apparel industry. AFA is now the largest provider of temporary staff, and a trusted full-time placement partner, recruiting top talent nationwide and transitioning them into high-impact, long-term careers within the fashion industry.