From the Editor

BY CHANELLE HAYES-SESSIONS

As the season of giving approaches, we’re reminded of what a community can achieve when people come together and how even small acts of kindness matter. In this edition of Chic Compass, we celebrate the people and organizations whose generosity (often shown in the quiet, steady ways they give their time, energy and care) and sense of purpose inspire others most during this time of year.

Our cover star, Naomi Parisette, is a perfect example. She balances life on the runway with her work as a high school teacher, but it’s her devotion to her students that truly stands out. She guides them with empathy and inspires them to give back. As you read about her journey, you’ll see that giving is about more than helping; it’s about sharing your gifts and lifting those around you.

This issue also highlights others who embody that same spirit, including Assisting Lives in Las Vegas, formerly the Assistance League of Las Vegas, which in 2026 will celebrate its 50th anniversary and has spent decades improving the lives of children and adults in need through hands-on programs, services, resources and philanthropic initiatives.

We also feature hospitality veteran Richard Femenella. Beyond owning Mae Daly’s Fine Steaks & Whiskeys, he devotes his time and energy to supporting the autism community in Las Vegas through the Autism Community Trust and Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Southern Nevada (FEAT), showing that giving extends far beyond his business. Other local organizations are making a difference, like the Foundation to Assist Young Musicians (FAYM), which offers scholarships and mentoring to help rising musicians pursue their careers.

Celebrating the spirit of giving, our wellness expert talks with three inspiring organizations: the Morlon Greenwood Foundation, Vegas for Athletes and Girls on the Run Las Vegas. Each is dedicated to health, hope, confidence and empowering the next generation. This season, they’re spreading joy and making a real difference in their own remarkable ways.

Since it’s the holiday season, we’re also excited to share that the Youth for Youth Holiday Concert is back for its fourth year. The event brings the community together to celebrate local youth talent while supporting this year’s chosen charity, The Just One Project, which works to combat food insecurity and assist underserved youth in Las Vegas.

On the topic of faith, we meet Vera Jackson Moore, who is building second chances for herself and others through True Beginnings, an organization dedicated to hope, dignity and renewal for women facing challenges like her own. We also feature singer-songwriter Laura Taylor and saxophonist and recording artist Bryan Thompson, who has collaborated with everyone from Darryl Williams to Babyface. In the business world, we explore how big-box security is reshaping the industry.

As always, our compass takes you around the globe. We’ll transport you to Italy with coverage of the annual Venice Film Festival, then to Cody, Wyoming, for a feature exploring the history, art and culture of the American West, and onward to Naples, Florida, a coastal getaway where I spent my honeymoon this past summer at not one but two of the city’s most iconic hotels. In the world of fashion, we take you front row at New York Fashion Week and Art Hearts Fashion’s London debut before returning to Las Vegas for the highly anticipated launch of Vegas Fashion Week. Also in Las Vegas, we spotlight Ai Pazzi, an elevated Italian dining experience from Fabio Viviani, and take you inside On Stage Essentials, the store founded by Lady Gaga’s sister Natali Germanotta Dolan. With November marking the excitement of the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix, we shine a spotlight on the women leading the way in this thrilling city-wide event.

As we close out another inspiring year, thank you for journeying with us as we explore the stories, people and places that define Chic Compass. Wishing you a joyful, reflective and connected holiday season, and may the spirit of giving guide the way forward.

Chanelle Hayes-Sessions

ON THE COVER

MODEL:
Naomi Parisette

PHOTOGRAPHY:
Jaime Lim (Liquid Star Photography)

FASHION:
David Tupaz Couture