Our
Leadership Team

At the Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame (SIHOF), we are driven by our mission to honor, celebrate, and elevate the legacy of swimwear and the visionaries who have shaped its impact on fashion, culture, and beauty. SIHOF is powered by passionate individuals who believe in the transformative influence of the swimwear industry and summer lifestyle -from its role in design innovation to its impact on body confidence, sustainability, and global style. Our passionate team of industry experts and creatives, serving on the SIHOF Board and Gala Benefit Committee, collaborate seamlessly to bring this vision to life.

Through our annual SIHOF Gala, we are building a platform that not only recognizes the legends of swimwear and culture around it, but also inspires future generations.

  • Board Chair - Natalija Dedic Stojanovic

    Natalija Dedic Stojanovic is a pioneering entrepreneur with a profound impact on the swimwear industry. As the visionary behind PARAISO Miami Swim Week, Natalija has transformed swimwear events from traditional formats into exclusive, curated, and interactive experiences. This innovative approach is garnering over 14 billion media impressions, establishing the event as a premier platform for brand awareness and exposure across swimwear, resort wear, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. With over 15 years of diverse experience in fashion event management, marketing communications, and strategic partnerships, Natalija’s foresight and creativity continue to shape the industry's future. Her forward-thinking vision was instrumental in creating Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame.

  • Chair of the Advisory Board - Shawn Vardi

     

    Shawn Vardi is the CEO of Think Hospitality, South Florida’s largest and fastest-growing hospitality management company for independently owned hotels and restaurants. A visionary leader with a strong academic foundation, Shawn graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern University, where his commitment to excellence first took root. At Think Hospitality, he brings a unique dual perspective—representing ownership interests while relentlessly driving profitability. His strategic insight and innovative approach have positioned the company at the forefront of the industry, leading to sustainable growth and transformative change. Over the past decade, Shawn has worked closely with the Paraiso team, leveraging his expertise in hospitality to enhance the impact of Paraiso Swim Fashion Week on the city of Miami. He is an advocate for the role Miami Swim Week has played in elevating the Miami swim fashion space, by seamlessly integrating fashion, lifestyle, and high-end hospitality. Through his leadership and dedication, Shawn continues to shape the future of hospitality while leaving a lasting mark on Miami’s cultural and event landscape.

  • Finance Chair - Alexandra Waryn

    Alexandra Waryn is the CFO/COO at Lagardère Labs and a Board Member of Lagardère North America. With over a decade of expertise in Finance and Operations, she has led several acquisitions and integrations in the Sports and Entertainment industries, driving strategic financial growth and optimizing business processes. Before her current role, Alexandra held leadership positions at Lagardère Sports, overseeing global financial operations, M&A, and ERP system implementations. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance from Audencia Business School and has been volunteering in Africa and Asia, focusing on education and poverty alleviation programs.

SIHOF Advisory Board

  • Paige Mastrandrea

    Editor-in-Chief of Ocean Drive Magazine

  • Melody de la Fe

    Director of Marketing — Think Hospitality

  • Camille Kostek

    Model, Host, and Entrepreneur

  • Bridget Halanski

    CCO at Select Model Management

  • Lyndzee McDaniel

    Senior Model Manager — Wilhelmina

  • Stephanie Shimon

    Executive Producer for SIHOF

  • Natalia McDonald

    COO, N. America – Freedom Models

  • Alle Fister

    Founder of Bollare Communications

  • John James Muller

    Founder JJPR

  • Chelsey Wayte Kaffka

    Brand marketing strategist

  • Aba Kwawu

    Founder — TAA PR