Marty's Light: The Marty Staff Scholarship Fund

Industry Legend and Renaissance Man, Marty Staff

 lived, worked and played by these words. 

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends,’ to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others,’ to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. 

This is to have succeeded!’” 

(Attributed to Ralph Walden Emerson, from a poem written by Bessie Anderson Stanley in 1904)

Marty Staff was known for having the rare ability to see someone’s brilliance and potential. Marty generously extended himself to others and helped many “spark their light” and find their path. He built not only brands and companies but also careers — forever changing the fashion industry. And he wanted to see the next generation

 realize their dreams and aspirations. Believing in their potential, he took risks, gave people opportunities, and challenged them, 

as he did himself, to reach high. 

Partnering with The Fashion Scholarship Fund, Marty’s Light: The Marty Staff Scholarship Fund will uphold Marty’s legacy to ensure the next generation is provided with the inspiration for their success within the fashion and design industry, through scholarship, 

mentorship and internship opportunities. 

• To inspire, you have to be inspired yourself.
• Be fearless and take risks.
• Do not be afraid to make a big pivot.
• Make it fun. Make it sexy.
• Think outside the box.
• Match ideas across industries. 
• Bring joy into the workplace.
• Strive to be a non-traditional force in a traditional world.
• Keep ahead of new technology, innovation and trends.
• Always be cognizant of the changing times.

"Marty had a magnificent zest for life, and 

wanted to experience it to the fullest. 

A true entrepreneur, he thought big and swung for the fences, 

and in the end, he did it all.”

David Fisher

Marty Staff Scholarship Selection Committee

Becky Mick    Susan Posen

Kenton Selvey  John Varvatos

Marty’s Light Founding Members

Robin Staff  Nancy Fortgang

Diane and David Schonberger Foundation

Susan Sheehy   Lucia Perich   Claudie Mabry

Travis Pagel   Jackie Moran   Megan Karlen

Edna Gruvman   Deborah Goldstein   Abby and Eli Gruvman

Tamara Greenfield  Kathy Moran   Claudie Mabry    Giorgio Milella