The Latino Commission on AIDS, in partnership with the Hispanic Health Network, celebrated its annual Cielo Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. Continuing the powerful theme “Designing a World Without AIDS,” and reflecting on “Then. Now. Next.” the event highlighted the ongoing unequal impact of HIV on Latine communities and the need to protect and empower future generations in the fight to end HIV.

As one of the nation’s leading events celebrating advancements in the fight against HIV and honoring those propelling health equity, this year’s Cielo Gala gathered over 400 guests in support of the organization’s goal to build a world where HIV is no longer a public health threat and all communities have equitable access to prevention, care, support services free of stigma and discrimination. Individuals can still donate by texting CIELO to 76278 or by visiting  www.cielolatino.org

The 2026 Cielo Gala award recipients, each recognized for extraordinary dedication to improving health outcomes and championing underserved communities, included:

• Dr. Helen Arteaga, Deputy Mayor, Health and Human Services, City of New York, with the Esperanza (Hope) Award for her transformational leadership in community-centered healthcare and her unwavering commitment to advancing health equity for immigrant and Latine communities.
  

  Gregory Millett, MPH, Vice President and Director of Public Policy at amfAR 

• Gregory Millett, MPH, Vice President and Director of Public Policy at amfAR, with the Dennis deLeon Voz de Compromiso Award for his national leadership in HIV research, policy innovation, and advocacy efforts that illuminate and address racial and ethnic disparities in HIV.
  

  Mario Pérez and Guillermo Chacón

• Mario Pérez, Director of the Division of HIV and STD Programs for Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, with the Compañero Award in recognition of his decades-long contributions to HIV prevention, community partnerships, and systems-level improvements that have reshaped public health responses across diverse communities.
• MISTR, with the Pioneer Award, accepted by CEO Tristan Schukraft, for its groundbreaking telehealth model that provides discreet, end-to-end HIV prevention and long-term HIV care.
• Milagros Medina-Cerdeira, Broadway and Hollywood Make-up Artist, with the Creative Visionary Award, recognizing her power to shape culture through art and elevate Latine visibility in the entertainment industry.

The Latino Commission on AIDS also named acclaimed ballroom icon, advocate, and cultural trailblazer Honey Valentín Gonzales, whose stage name is Honey Balenciaga, as the NextGen Cultural Ambassador, spotlighting the importance of intergenerational leadership, cultural visibility, and continued investment in prevention, education, healthcare access, and advocacy.

Award-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa hosted the evening and the iconic nightlife personality DJ Lina Bradford provided musical beats throughout the night.

From left to right: Guillermo Chacon, President of the Latino Commission; Tristan Schukraft, CEO of Mistr; Honey Balenciaga; and Mario Pérez, Director of the Division of HIV and STD Programs for Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

For nearly four decades, the Latino Commission on AIDS has worked to address the entrenched inequities that fuel the spread and impact of HIV in Hispanic/Latino communities nationwide. In the face of federal cuts that threaten the healthcare infrastructure that has sustained thousands of people living with HIV, the 2026 Cielo Gala reaffirmed the Latino Commission on AIDS’ commitment to advancing culturally responsive programs, building leadership pipelines, strengthening community networks, and ensuring that public health systems meet the needs of all communities.

For more information about Cielo, and to learn about opportunities for our next year’s Cielo Gala taking place on Friday, June 4, 2027 please visit www.cielolatino.org.