Photo Flash: Chita Rivera Receives First Ever Latina Legend Award

Last night, the incomparable Chita Rivera received the very first Latina Legend Award from 100 Hispanic Women, Inc. at their 19th Annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street. The Broadway icon was honored for her service representing the Hispanic community. Scroll down for a photo!

In her remarks, Rivera said, "Not only here in New York City but throughout the country, Hispanic women are giving new strength and energy to the world economy, whether it be in the arts, medicine, law or Wall Street. We have made vital contributions and will continue to do so. I feel that soon we will become not 100 Hispanic Women but 100 million Hispanic women all doing daring and exceptional things. We are ALL part of the American dream."

Also being recognized at the Gala were the following honorees: Lorraine Montenegro, Historical Consultant for United Bronx Parents, Inc. (the Latina Service of Excellence Award); Rose Rodriguez, New York State Chief Diversity Officer (the Public Service Leadership Award); the Every Woman Wellness (the Groundbreakers Award) accepted by Juana L. Cuevas, Dr. Lisette Lugo and Dr. Monica Simons; and the annual "Men-Ción" Honorable Award was presented to Dr. Magdy Mikhail, Chair of the Department of OBY/GYN and Women's Health at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center.

"We are extremely proud of Chita Rivera's outstanding accomplishments, the many years of commitment from Milagros Baez O'Toole, and the amazing work of all this year's gala honorees," President of 100 Hispanic Women, Inc. Nancy Genova stated.

"The Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center Family is especially proud that Dr. Magdy Mikhail was selected for the Honorable 'Men' Cion award. Bronx-Lebanon's Womens Health Center, under his leadership, is delivering exceptional services for the women of our community," said Milagros Baez O'Toole, Executive Committee, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center Board of Trustees/President Emerita & Founding Member of 100 Hispanic Women, Inc.

Chita Rivera is Broadway's most versatile and accomplished singer, dancer and actress. She has won two Tony Awards and received an exceptional 10 Tony Award nominations for her starring roles in such landmark Broadway musicals as WEST SIDE STORY, BYE BYE BIRDIE, CHICAGO, THE RINK, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN and, most recently, THE VISIT. Rivera received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama, and was the first Hispanic woman to receive a Kennedy Center Honor.

100 HISPANIC WOMEN NATIONAL, INC. is a non-profit, non-partisan women's organization dedicated to guiding Latinas towards excellence in leadership by fostering educational enrichment and creating opportunities to promote personal and professional advancement. It is through the annual gala that the organization raises the much needed funds to support the organization's efforts to secure scholarships for our young scholars.

Photo Credit: Daily Photography