Atenea Maldonado Wins the 2025 VMSD Scholarship + Experience
- PAVE Global
- Oct 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 10
PAVE Global, in partnership with VMSD magazine and SmartWork Media, is proud to announce Atenea Maldonado as the recipient of the 2025 VMSD Scholarship + Experience. Atenea will receive a $3,000 scholarship, along with airfare, hotel accommodations, daily per diem, and registration to attend the 2025 International Retail Design Conference (IRDC) in Providence, Rhode Island, on October 22–23.
A Passion for Retail Design
Atenea’s winning portfolio and personal essay demonstrated a clear passion for creating immersive, emotionally engaging retail environments. She aims to connect people to brands and experiences through her designs.
“We are thrilled to have Atenea Maldonado join us at the 2025 International Retail Design Conference as our PAVE x VMSD Scholarship winner of 2025,” says Carly Hagedon, Editor-in-Chief of VMSD magazine and Co-Chair of IRDC. “Atenea’s portfolio showcased a range of engaging retail designs, including window displays, pop-ups, and traditional environments. All of our student entrants provided amazing portfolios for review this year. Their design prowess proves the future is bright for the retail design industry. Congratulations to Atenea!”
Crafting Memorable Experiences
In her essay, Atenea reflected on a lifelong love of building imaginative worlds. She emphasized the ability of design to shape how people feel in a space. She described retail environments as immersive, sensory experiences that welcome customers and create lasting emotional connections. Her perspective—that design is about sparking joy, nostalgia, and curiosity—underscored the judges’ decision. It demonstrated how she views design as a way to craft memorable experiences.
“Atenea’s portfolio stood out amongst our student entrants this year, all of which provided impeccable design talent and strategy,” says Murray Kasmenn, VP Group Publisher of VMSD magazine. “Each year, we receive a range of submissions that inspire and impress us. From traditional apparel stores to unusual pop-ups, these students’ designs show that they will be invaluable members of the retail design industry in the future. Congratulations again to Atenea!”
The Impact of the VMSD Scholarship + Experience
The VMSD Scholarship + Experience, now in its fifth year, continues PAVE Global’s mission. It supports the next generation of designers by providing financial assistance, mentorship, and professional opportunities. This initiative is crucial for nurturing talent in the branded environment design sector.
The Future of Retail Design
As the retail landscape evolves, the role of designers becomes increasingly important. They must adapt to new trends and technologies while maintaining a focus on creating engaging experiences. The scholarship awarded to Atenea is a testament to her potential in this dynamic field.
Building Connections
PAVE Global aims to connect students, educators, and professionals in the branded environment design industry. This connection is vital for fostering collaboration and innovation. By providing resources and support, PAVE Global helps young talent build amazing careers.
Mentorship and Guidance
Mentorship plays a crucial role in the development of aspiring designers. Through programs like the VMSD Scholarship + Experience, students receive guidance from industry leaders. This mentorship not only enhances their skills but also builds confidence as they enter the workforce.
Financial Support for Emerging Talent
Financial aid is essential for many students pursuing careers in design. The scholarship awarded to Atenea alleviates some of the financial burdens associated with education. This support allows her to focus on her studies and creative projects without the stress of financial constraints.
Conclusion
Atenea Maldonado's achievement is a significant milestone in her journey as a designer. Her passion and creativity set her apart in a competitive field. As she prepares to attend the 2025 International Retail Design Conference, her future looks bright.
The VMSD Scholarship + Experience exemplifies PAVE Global's commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers. By providing financial aid, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth, PAVE Global is helping to shape the future of the retail design industry.
About VMSD, *www.vmsd.com
Since 1897, VMSD (Visual Merchandising Store Design) has been committed to providing retail professionals with the most up-to-date, innovative retail design ideas and industry news. They aim to inspire, challenge, and motivate.
About International Retail Design Conference (IRDC), *www.vmsd.com/irdc
Presented annually by VMSD magazine, IRDC is a one-of-a-kind conference that delivers two full days of education and design dialogue. Recognized as the premier educational and networking event for the store design and visual merchandising communities, attending IRDC offers student designers a unique opportunity to broaden their knowledge of retail design while they interact with and learn directly from professionals.
About PAVE, *www.paveglobal.org
Founded in 1992 as The Planning and Visual Education Partnership, PAVE Global is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. All proceeds benefit PAVE's educational programs. The organization enables young talent to build successful careers designing and creating consumer environments. Their vision is to cultivate relationships with students, educators, and the design industry through financial assistance, top-industry thinking, inspiration, and mentorship.
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