• Tag Archives: advocacy

    35th Annual CIELO GALA – 2025

    35th Annual CIELO GALA – 2025

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    The Latino Commission on AIDS Cielo Gala, took place on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the elegant Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.

    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.

    Acclaimed actors and comedians Dominic Colón and Jenni Ruiz, bringing a blend of warmth and humor to an inspiring evening, hosted this milestone event.

    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.

    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.

    “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.

    “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:

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    For more information about Latino Commission on AIDS and its many programs click here.

    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.

    See much more in our World Liberty TV, Latin Channels, Blogs and who is Who? of the Latin Community by Clicking here.

    Jane Fonda, Two-Time Academy Award Winner

    Jane Fonda, Two-Time Academy Award Winner

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    Jane Fonda is an American actress, writer, political activist, former fashion model, and fitness guru. She rose to fame in the 1960s with films such as Barbarella and Cat Ballou. She won two Academy Awards, an Emmy Award, three Golden Globes and received movie awards and nominations in more than 50 years as an actress. After 15 years in retirement, she returned to film in 2005 with Monster-in-Law, followed by Georgia Rule two years later. She produced and starred in exercise videos released between 1982 and 1995, and again in 2010.

    Fonda has been an activist for political causes; her opposition to the Vietnam War and associated activities were controversial. She has protested the Iraq War and violence against women. She describes herself as a liberal and a feminist. In 2005, Fonda worked alongside Robin Morgan and Gloria Steinem to co-find the Women’s Media Center, an organization that works to amplify the voices of women in the media through advocacy, media and leadership training, and the creation of original content. Fonda currently serves on the board of the organization. Since 2001, Fonda has been a Christian.

    Fonda has been a longtime supporter of feminist causes, including V-Day, a movement to stop violence against women, inspired by the off-Broadway hit The Vagina Monologues, of which she is an honorary chairperson. She was present at their first summit in 2002, bringing together founder Eve Ensler, Afghan women oppressed by the Taliban, and a Kenyan activist campaigning to save girls from genital mutilation.

    In 1981, she was awarded the Women in Film Crystal Award.

    In 1994, the United Nations Population Fund made Fonda a Goodwill Ambassador.

    In 2004 Fonda was awarded the Women’s eNews 21 Leaders for the 21st Century award as one of Seven Who Change Their Worlds

    In 2007, Fonda was awarded an Honorary Palme d’Or by Cannes Film Festival President Gilles Jacob for career achievement. Only three others had received such an award – Jeanne Moreau, Alain Resnais, and Gerard Oury.

    In December 2008, Fonda was inducted into the California Hall of Fame, located at The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts.

    In December 2009, Fonda was given the New York Women’s Agenda Lifetime Achievement Award.