By: Gloria Smith, Associate Editor for World Liberty TV
Star-Studded Evening to Honor Leaders in the Fight Against HIV and AIDS, Featuring Live Entertainment, Fashion, and the Presentation of the Ilka Award to Daphne Rubin-Vega.
35th Annual Cielo Gala 2025
The Latino Commission on AIDS Cielo Gala, took place on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the elegant Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
Dr Adal with Guillermo Chacon CEO Latin Aids Commission
Marking the organization’s 35th anniversary, the Gala continues its tradition under the theme Designing a World without AIDS, honoring trailblazers in the fight against HIV and AIDS while raising vital funds to support the Commission’s advocacy and community-based programs.
Dr Adal Congrulating Frankie Miranda CEO Hispanic Federation on his award
Acclaimed actors and comedians Dominic Colón and Jenni Ruiz, bringing a blend of warmth and humor to an inspiring evening, hosted this milestone event.
adrian alicea with his male models wearing his designs
Guests enjoyed a dynamic program featuring live entertainment by the Grammy Award-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra and a fashion presentation spotlighting designers Cindy Castro and Adrian Alicea.
The Commission also presented the Ilka Award, named in memory of Dominican actor and activist Ilka Tanya Payán, who courageously battled AIDS and passed away in 1996.
Dr Adal with adrian alicea male models
This year’s honoree is Daphne Rubin-Vega, the celebrated actor and advocate, recognized for her unwavering commitment to raising awareness and breaking stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS since her breakout role as “Mimi” in the original Rent.
adrian alicea with his models
“The Cielo Gala is not only a celebration of resilience and progress, but a call to action,” said Guillermo Chacón, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS.
Silent Auction Items
“As we celebrate 35 years of community service, we reflect on how far we’ve come and recommit to the work ahead—especially in the Hispanic/Latino community, where new HIV infections remain disproportionately high and services are threatened by several challenges.”
This year’s Cielo Awards will honor outstanding leaders and organizations making a difference:
Honoring , Dennis de Leon of Latin Aids Commission
Esperanza Award – Dr. Laura Cheever, former Associate Administrator, HIV/AIDS Bureau, HRSA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for her groundbreaking work in HIV treatment and care.
Mr Chacon with Honorees Francisco Ruiz & Daphne Rubin-Vega
Compañero Award – Hispanic Federation, for its enduring partnership and leadership in improving the quality of life for Latino communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
Business Leadership Award – Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health, for his corporate leadership and advocacy in health equity.
Honoree Dr. Laura Cheever, former Associate Administrator
Dennis de León Voz de Compromiso Award – Francisco Ruiz, former Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, for his unwavering commitment to HIV education, leadership development and public service.
In addition to dynamic entertainment, the evening included cocktails, dinner, and a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the Commission’s work in prevention, education, healthcare access, and health policy advocacy.
L-R Roy Cosme CEO Arcos Communications & Publicist for event with guests
The Cielo Gala also continues to highlight the Commission’s partnership with the Hispanic Health Network, reinforcing efforts to expand access to care and address health disparities within Latino communities nationwide.
Dr Adal with Model wearing adrian alicea design
About Latino Commission on AIDS: The Latino Commission on AIDS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Hispanic/Latino communities through education, prevention, and advocacy.
Established in 1990, the organization has worked tirelessly to address the health inequities that disproportionately affect Hispanic/Latinos and to elevate the voices of those affected by HIV and AIDS.
Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health honored
The Commission provides health education; advocacy, HIV prevention, capacity building, and health behavioral research that lead to community-based initiatives that aims to reduce the spread of HIV and improve the quality of life for those living with the virus.
Live performance by Grammy Award-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra
For more information about Latino Commission on AIDS and its many programs click here.
Dr Adal with Designer adrian alicea
Cielo Gala in Celebration of 35th Anniversary 2025, was well attended by a little over 300 people in attendance, supporting this wonderful cause. It was World Liberty TV’s 15th Appearance covering and showcasing the Celia gala to our audience, see exclusive interview with Guillermo Chacón, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS, by clicking here.
Young Guillermo Chacón starting his Career with Latin Aids Commission
See much more in our World Liberty TV, Latin Channels, Blogs and who is Who? of the Latin Community by Clicking here.
