American fashion designer and activist Kenneth Cole was named on Wednesday as the recipient of the 2025 Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion, honoring his leadership in mental health advocacy and efforts to combat stigma through storytelling, awareness and collective action.
The award, presented by the Ruderman Family Foundation, recognizes Cole’s founding of the Mental Health Coalition (MHC), a national alliance launched in 2020 to unify leading mental health organizations, amplify voices often marginalized and build a public movement to reframe how society understands and supports mental health. The award will be formally presented in Spring 2026 at a ceremony in New York City.
“Nearly five years ago, I founded the Mental Health Coalition (MHC) with a clear understanding: we can and must confront the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health that prevents millions from seeking the essential treatment they deserve,” Cole said in a statement. “This award from the Ruderman Family Foundation is a meaningful reminder of how inclusion can change and save lives, continuing our efforts to destigmatize and prioritize mental health fostering happier, more productive, and more connected communities.”
The announcement comes ahead of the coalition’s 3rd Annual Wellbeing at Work Day, set for December 2 in New York City. The initiative convenes CEOs and business leaders across industries to promote mental wellness in the workplace — a key area where Cole has extended his advocacy for inclusion and health equity.
“Kenneth Cole has redefined what it means to lead—not only in fashion, but in culture,” said Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “For decades, he has used his platform to confront stigma, challenge silence, and elevate the voices of those too often overlooked. In the realm of mental health, his leadership has united advocates, organizations, and everyday individuals into a movement that is both visible and impactful.
"He has used his influence not to speak over others, but to empower them to speak for themselves—to share their stories, claim their space, and be heard. His work is a powerful reminder that inclusion means visibility, vulnerability, and action, and that true change happens when we create space for every voice at the table.”
Under Cole’s leadership, the Mental Health Coalition has brought together more than 50 organizations—including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention—creating a unified force for advocacy and public education. The coalition offers a free online mental health resource library and produces national campaigns addressing the structural and social roots of mental health stigma.
Cole joins a distinguished group of past recipients recognized by the Foundation for promoting inclusion and mental health awareness, including actress Selena Gomez, Olympian Michael Phelps, NBA All-Star Kevin Love, actress Eva Longoria and actor Taraji P. Henson. Other honorees have included tenor Andrea Bocelli, actress Marlee Matlin and former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin.
Beyond mental health, Cole has long been a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, homelessness and gun violence prevention. He was one of the first fashion designers to use his brand as a vehicle for social impact, incorporating advocacy into his advertising and public messaging.
The Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion, now in its 11th year, honors individuals who have advanced the inclusion of people with disabilities and other marginalized groups through innovation, leadership and advocacy. It is named after the Foundation’s founder, Morton E. Ruderman.