ISAIC Vice President of Manufacturing and Innovation Lionel Vargas Cruz received a Rising Star Award at the 2026 SPESA Executive Conference last month in San Antonio, Texas.
Leading up to the 2026 Executive Conference, SPESA launched an initiative to recognize emerging leaders within the sewn products industry, inviting its members to submit nominations for individuals they considered to be “Rising Stars.” Lionel was one of two leaders selected, alongside Zain Khan of Everra. Both were honored during the SPESA Business Meeting in San Antonio.
The nomination for Vargas Cruz, who joined the SPESA Board last year, described him as a rare individual who “both champions and challenges industry, demonstrating respect for experience while maintaining a dedication to exploring new ways… He is positive, approachable, and action-oriented.”
In true SPESA fashion, the honorees received bottles of local whiskey in lieu of traditional plaques. The SPESA team commemorated the occasion with a prominent star affixed to each bottle's label.
Congratulations to Lionel on this well-deserved accomplishment!
Learn more about how ISAIC and SPESA joined forces to bring you our annual ISAIC Honors event here.
Or, read our latest blog post to learn more about the power of collaboration!