Fashion Designers, Actors, Music Stars And Public Health Leaders Join Latino Commission On AIDS At Cielo Gala 2018

The Latino Commission on AIDS celebrated its 23rd annual Cielo Gala on Friday, June 1, at Cipriani Wall Street. During this event the Commission honored several leaders within the field of public health and inducted their new ambassadors to promote HIV and AIDS awareness, prevention, and access to treatment.

The Latino Commission on AIDS recognized NYS Department of Health, AIDS Institute Director,Johanne Morne; Centro Hispano of North Carolina; PhRMA; Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System, Dr. Jeremy Boal; and Jenna Ortega, Disney Channel star.

"In order for us to end the epidemic in New York State, we have to continue to ensure that we continue with our commitment, our compassion, and our dedication to ensuring that we always look for an innovative design to bring us to a place of a world without AIDS, to bring our state to ending the epidemic by the end of 2020, and more importantly, to ensuring that we leave no community behind," said Johanne Morne.

Jenna Ortega stated, "I've always said since the beginning of my career that I wanted to use my platform, no matter how big or small, for good. This is my first award ever and I don't think I would want it any other way."

Actor J.W. Cortes, best known for his role as Detective Carlos Alvarez in "GOTHAM," inducted singer and Love & Hip Hop: Miami star Amara La Negra, and Miss Universe 2018 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters,as the newest "Madrinas" (Godmothers) of the organization.

"Not only am I now an activist for the Afro-Latino community, I am also an advocate for people who have been affected by HIV," said Amara La Negra. "I will do everything in my power to make a difference."

The Brooklyn based band, Los Hacheros performed throughout the program and gala guests were treated to a special performance by Tenor and NBC America's Got Talent starCarlos Aponte. Stella Nolasco, who is one of Puerto Rico's most celebrated designers, revealed exclusive items from her collection, which has been worn by celebrities and fashion elites at high profile events worldwide.

"I feel honored to have been able to contribute to the Latino Commission on AIDS," said Stella Nolasco. "What a noble event, but above all it was an honor to have met such a special group of professionals who are passionate and committed to serve the Latino community."

Under the theme Designing a World Without AIDS, the Cielo Gala raised funds to create and promote HIV and AIDS service programs and initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, prevention, and treatment education, as well as building capacity among other organizations serving Hispanic/Latinx communities throughout the U.S. and its Territories.

This year, the Cielo Gala highlighted the work of the Commission's Latinos in the Deep South program. The project launched in 2006 as a regional assessment to learn about the realities and health needs of the growing Hispanic/Latino communities in the southern United States, where new HIV infection rates have been the highest in the nation.

For the past 23 years, the Latino Commission on AIDS has gathered artists, musicians, fashion designers and key leaders in healthcare to raise funds for programs and services to reduce the stigma and to improve the future of patients living with HIV and AIDS.

"We are extremely grateful for all the support for our beautiful Cielo Gala," stated Guillermo Chacon, president of the Latino Commission on AIDS and founder of the Hispanic Health Network. "We recognize the leadership of so many people committed to designing a world without AIDS. Today more than ever we need to integrate leadership, passion, and commitment to address stigma homophobia, transphobia, and any kind of discrimination as we welcome Pride month."

The Latino Commission on AIDS (Commission) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1990 dedicated to meet the health challenges and addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS, viral Hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the Hispanic/Latinx community. The Commission is the leading organization coordinating National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day (May 15), National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (October 15), Latinos in the Deep South, and other prevention, research, capacity building, and advocacy programs across the United States and its territories. The Latino Commission is also the founder of the Hispanic Health Network, dedicated to eliminate health disparities in Latino communities.