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PAVE Global and The Hershey Company Announce the Winners of the 30th Annual PAVE Student Design Competition

A three-panel graphic showcasing the winning concepts from the 2025 PAVE International Student Design Competition sponsored by The Hershey Company. The left panel features a vibrant orange-and-white Hershey’s snacking kiosk with a popcorn machine at the center and shelves of packaged treats surrounding it. The middle panel shows a sculptural, swirling chocolate-inspired fixture topped with an oversized Hershey’s Kiss, surrounded by product displays and digital messaging. The right panel displays a vintage-style Hershey’s train-themed retail vignette with a family interacting in the foreground. A blue overlay in the bottom-right corner includes the PAVE Global logo, the text “The 2025 PAVE International Student Design Competition,” and the Hershey Company logo with “2025 Winners.”

PAVE Global, in partnership with The Hershey Company, is pleased to announce the winners of the 30th Annual PAVE International Student Design Competition. This annual program offers college-level design students worldwide a real-world design challenge centered on retail environments, brand storytelling, and experiential consumer engagement.


For the 2025 competition, The Hershey Company invited students to design an innovative Store-within-a-Store snacking destination inside a traditional grocery store. Participants were challenged to create a fun, immersive experience that showcases Hershey’s iconic family of brands, incorporating technology, sensory design, dynamic lighting, and memorable micro-occasions. All submissions were evaluated through a blind, multi-stage review process by a panel of industry professionals.


PAVE Global congratulates the Top 3 Winners:

  • Emmy Saltzman, Appalachian State University, Interior Design, Class of 2026

  • Makayla Hall, Fanshawe College, Interior Design, Class of 2026

  • Natalie Opdebeeck, Fanshawe College, Interior Design, Class of 2026



Each student will receive a $4,000 cash prize and will be attending the 2025 PAVE Gala in New York City on December 11th to be honored for this achievement. A $1,000 travel stipend will also be awarded to each winning student’s educator to accompany them to the Gala.


Top 3 Finalist | Project by Emmy Saltzman - Appalachian State University

“The creativity and thoughtfulness displayed in this year’s PAVE student design competition were truly remarkable. Each submission showcased exceptional design skills and a deep understanding of Hershey’s heritage and values, highlighting the talent and dedication of these emerging designers. With so many outstanding entries, selecting the Top Three was incredibly challenging, emphasizing the remarkable quality and diversity of ideas presented. Their passion for co-creation, embrace of digital transformation, and drive to connect brands with consumers meaningfully are setting the stage for the future of retail.

Top 3 Finalist | Project by Makayla Hall - Fanshawe College

Milton Hershey believed in making quality products accessible to all and using business as a force for good, building not just a company but a community. His vision of ‘doing well by doing good’ continues to inspire us to support and empower the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of retail design with purpose, compassion, and creativity. Thank you to all the students who inspired us. We appreciate the time and effort you put into making this competition truly sweet!” said Tiffany Pieja, Senior Manager, Permanent Merchandising, and Stephan Calhoun, Senior Manager, Retail Design & Experience at The Hershey Company, in a joint statement.

Top 3 Finalist | Project by Natalie Opdebeeck - Fanshawe College


PAVE Global extends its sincere appreciation to The Hershey Company for sponsoring the 30th Annual PAVE Student Design Competition and for providing students with an engaging and meaningful real-world design brief.


PAVE also thanks the judges for dedicating their time and expertise to reviewing this year’s submissions:

  • Alberto Pavanello, The Estée Lauder Companies

  • Caroline Smith, The Hershey Company

  • Dennison Lalla, Gilson Graphics

  • Hayden Rodgers, The Hershey Company

  • Jose Padron, The Hershey Company

  • Kate Kyung-ha Lee, Arcadis

  • Mackenzie Minturn, The Hershey Company

  • Matt Hoover, The Hershey Company

  • Stephen Balliet, The Hershey Company

  • Steve Calhoun, The Hershey Company

  • Tiffany Pieja, The Hershey Company

  • Tomomi Marzan, The Bicester Collection


The PAVE International Student Design Competition remains one of PAVE’s signature academic programs, supporting the organization’s mission to connect students, educators, and industry professionals through mentorship, real-world design experience, and opportunities that help emerging talent build successful careers in the design of consumer environments.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a global confectionery leader known for iconic brands such as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kit Kat®, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher, Skinny Pop, and many more. Guided by its purpose of making more moments of goodness, Hershey brings sweetness to the world through innovation, sustainability, and community impact. Learn more at www.thehersheycompany.com.


About PAVE Global

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, enabling students to build successful careers designing and creating consumer environments. PAVE’s mission is to connect students, educators, and industry professionals through mentorship, inspiration, and financial support. Learn more at www.paveglobal.org.

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