The Hellenic Initiative will honor entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria with its Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization’s 14th Annual New York Gala on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan.
The black-tie event at 55 Wall Street begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Dinner and awards follow at 8 p.m., with entertainment and dancing scheduled for 10 p.m.
Born in Los Angeles to a Greek immigrant mother and Italian immigrant father, DeJoria co-founded John Paul Mitchell Systems with hairstylist Paul Mitchell in 1980. According to the company’s history, the business began with $700 in startup financing.
DeJoria remains chairman of the board of John Paul Mitchell Systems. He also co-founded Patrón Spirits with Martin Crowley in 1989. The tequila company later became part of Bacardi, which acquired DeJoria’s majority stake in 2018.
The Hellenic Initiative announced DeJoria as this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in promoting the New York gala. The organization, founded in 2012, supports programs in Greece through its international network of Greeks and Philhellenes.
Individual tickets for the gala are currently listed at $800, with tables and sponsorship packages also available. Registration and additional event information are available through The Hellenic Initiative’s gala page.
Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending, as dates, times, locations, and registration information may change.