The Latino Commission on AIDS, a nonprofit organization founded in 1990 dedicated to  meeting the health challenges and addressing the impact of HIV and AIDS in the  Hispanic/Latinx community, will be honoring Dr. Meléndez-Rivera, LAS (FUNDACIÓN  LATINOAMERICANA DE ACCIÓN SOCIAL), and Laith Ashley by awarding them the  Esperanza, Fuerza, and Ilka awards, respectively. The Cielo Latino Gala takes place this Friday June 2 at Cipriani Wall Street.

In Spanish, Esperanza means hope. This award  recognizes efforts by community leaders who continue to work towards a world without AIDS.
Fuerza, meaning strength, recognizes organizations and advocates who have been leaders and  innovators in providing access to healthcare for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The Ilka award  honors the late actress, Ilka Tanya Payán by awarding the Ilka award to an outspoken and supportive  celebrity who dedicates their voice and time to the HIV and AIDS causes.

Laith Ashley

HIV disproportionately affects Hispanic communities in the nation and U.S. Territories. While Latinos  are 19% of the U.S. population, they represent 30% of new HIV infections. The Cielo Gala ignites the Latino Commission on AIDS’s fundraising campaign to support its Zero Homophobia and Zero  Transphobia campaigns. The Cielo Gala on June 2, 2023 kicks off Pride Month in NYC. For more  information and to buy tickets visit www.cielolatino.org. Donations are also encouraged.  

To attend the event visit www.cielolatino.org

Guillermo Chacon with Cielo Latino Madrina Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel