Tag Archives: Hispanic health network

Exclusive interview with Miss Universe 2023 R’BONNEY GABRIEL

R’Bonney is an eco-friendly fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor based in Houston, TX, and New York City. She attributes her upbeat, optimistic outlook to a childhood immersed in the arts, sports, and travel

R’Bonney first fell in love with fashion through her mother, who taught her how to sew and took her on adventures to thrift shops, where they would find pieces to upcycle with their own designs. As a teenager, she followed this passion to the University of North Texas, where she earned her degree in Fashion Design and Fibers. She combines her talent for design with caring for the environment in her own sustainable clothing line, R’Bonney Nola. 

R’Bonney Nola supports and advocates for ethical practices in the fashion industry by using upcycled and sustainable textiles to transform discarded material into beautifully handmade garments – including the cape R’Bonney wore for the Miss Universe competition!

R’Bonney is the lead sewing instructor at Magpies & Peacocks, a Houston-based nonprofit design house that is dedicated to using “Fashion as a force for good” through sustainability and community impact. They received a Gucci Changemaker grant for their work in transforming unwanted textiles and fabrics from landfills into new fashion collections. As part of their MAKR program, R’Bonney teaches sewing classes to women that have survived human trafficking and domestic violence, which helps them find sustainable careers. 

As the first Filipino-American to win Miss Universe and Miss USA, much of her platform is about embracing your culture. She is a voice for Asian-Americans, opening the door for more diversity and representation in society. R’Bonney’s mission is to inspire women and young girls to achieve their goals while owning who they are.

We had a pleasure of interviewing Miss Universe 2023, R’BONNEY GABRIEL at The Latin Aids Commission Madrino/Godmother Ceremony which you can view by clicking here.

See More Miss universe exclusive interviews in our World Liberty TV, Fashion Channels, Blogs and Fashion Photo-Galleries by clicking here.

Exclusive interview with Miss Universe ANDREA MEZA -2021

Miss Universe, Andrea Meza, is the newest Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS a nonprofit organization founded in 1990 dedicated to meet the health challenges and address the impact of HIV and AIDS, viral Hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the Hispanic/Latinx community.

Her role as the organization’s 2021 ambassador to help promote HIV and AIDS education and prevention was announced today at a media reception held at Rosa Mexicano Union Square in New York.

The Hispanic Federation, a premier Latino nonprofit membership organization was co-presenter of this event. “As we culminate our 30 th anniversary and enter a new era of providing holistic health care services and advocacy for the Latino community in New York, the South, and across the country, we are so grateful to have the participation of Miss Universe Andrea Meza and we welcome her to the family!” said Guillermo Chacon, president of the Latino Commission on AIDS and founder of the Hispanic Health Network.

“I want to thank the Miss Universe Organization for continuing their commitment to our cause. It is with such dedication and recommitment to education, prevention and stigma reduction efforts that we can ultimately end HIV and design a world without AIDS.”

“I am deeply honored to join in support of the Latino Commission on AIDS and its mission to defeat HIV and AIDS as its official Madrina – or Godmother,” said Miss Universe Andrea Meza.“I am motivated by the Commission’s attention to continuing its work to educate our youth and new generations about how to prevent HIV infection and access treatment if needed. While it’s been 40 years since the initial case of AIDS was discovered, the virus is still among us and I want to encourage everyone who is sexually active to know the facts about HIV and to get tested.”

In her role as Madrina, Miss Universe will lend her voice, during appearances with the Latino Commission on AIDS, to educate and promote HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention within the Latino community throughout the U.S. She will also be introduced as the Commission’s Madrina at this year’s Cielo Gala, taking place in person on Friday, October 15, 2021, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. All guests must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend the event.

The Cielo Gala is an important platform to recognize the work of those who support the Commission’s goals of ending HIV and AIDS and improving overall health outcomes and wellness for the Hispanic/Latinx community. The 2021 Gala will culminate the Commission’s commemoration of 30 years of service and launch a new era of service and commitment to meet the health challenges ahead.

About the Latino Commission on AIDS: The Latino Commission on AIDS (Commission) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1990dedicated to meet the health challenges and address the impact of HIV and AIDS, viral Hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), addressing stigma 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 South, the Latino Religious Leadership Program and other prevention, research, capacity building, and advocacy programs across the United States and its territories. The Commission is also the founder of the Hispanic Health Network, dedicated to addressing health disparities.

Miss Universe ANDREA MEZA 2021:  Alma Andrea Meza Carmona (born 13 August 1994) is a Mexican model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe 2020. Since winning the title, she became the third Mexican woman to be crowned Miss Universe. She had previously been crowned Mexicana Universal 2020 and Miss Mexico 2017, and placed as the first runner-up at Miss World 2017.

See exclusive interview with Miss Universe ANDREA MEZA 2021, in our World Liberty TV, Channel at by clicking here .

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.

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.

THE NAHN NY CHAPTER ANNUAL AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP GALA

The purpose of this organization is to serve the Hispanic Community, and professional Registered Nurses and nursing students; in an effort to promote the Hispanic presence in society. A commitment to research, academic activities for the membership and continued advancement of Hispanic healthcare and culture are a concomitant focus of the NY NAHN Chapter.

María Elena Piña-Fonti. RN MA,President of NAHN.

Native of Cuba obtained her BS in nursing from Hunter College and the Masters Degree from Teachers College Columbia University. Her nursing experience spans a total of thirty eight years of which twenty eight years have been dedicated to the discipline of nursing education.
Professor Pina Fonti has presented at varied Nursing Organization Conferences and community educational events.
As an educator she Her clinical experience has a strong concentration in Emergency nursing, Orthopedics, Gastroenterology and Medical Surgical nursing
Maria Elena Pina Fonti is current president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses; Vice President of the Northeast Chapter of the Transcultural Nursing Society; Board member of the Club Civico Cubano and participates in varied organizations dedicated to the promotion of Hispanic health and the Latino culture.

Prof Pina Fonti is a member of NBSP;Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society.

THE CELEBRATION AND SAYING HASTA PRONTO TO THE OUTGOING BOARD AND SALUDOS TO THE NEW BOARD.

World Liberty TV, Team was on hand to cover this Wonderful NAHN NY CHAPTER ANNUAL AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP GALA-2014.