The Latino Commission on AIDS and Hispanic Health Network have announced  that acclaimed creative artist and author D’angelo Thompson will serve as Chair of  the 2026 Cielo Gala Committee, leading the organizations’ highly anticipated annual  fundraising event. 

The Cielo Gala will take place on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Cipriani Wall Street in  New York City, bringing together leaders from the arts, philanthropy, business, and advocacy  to celebrate innovation, impact, and community. 

“It is a profound honor to serve as Chair of the 2026 Cielo Gala Committee,” said Mr.  Thompson. “It is a full circle moment, honoring my 30+ years of activism, fundraising,  education, and community engagement. Cielo’s work has long been rooted in love, resilience,  and the belief that we can design a world without AIDS by working together. The fight is more  important now than ever and I am proud to stand with the Latino Commission on AIDS and  Hispanic Health Network to ensure that no one is left behind.” 

The Commission also announced that MISTR, will be honored with the Pioneer Award in  recognition of the company’s groundbreaking leadership and transformative impact offering  free online access to PrEP, HIV prevention and treatment, STI testing and Hepatitis C testing  and treatment via its telehealth platform.
The award will be accepted by Tristan Schukraft,  CEO of MISTR, whose vision has helped redefine access, equity, and innovation within the  healthcare and wellness landscape.
MISTR is also supporting the Latino Commission on AIDS as the Corporate Chair of the 2026 Cielo Gala. 

In addition, the organizations will debut the Creative Visionary Award, inaugurated in 2026 to  honor trailblazing artists whose work expands the way we imagine a healthier, more equitable  future for all.
The inaugural award will be presented to Milagros Medina-Cedeira, the  celebrated Broadway and Hollywood make-up artist whose artistry and influence have  shaped some of the most iconic stages and screens of our time. 

These honorees join Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde, former CEO of NYC Health +  Hospitals/Elmhurst, who will receive the Esperanza (Hope) Award, Gregory Millett, MPH, Vice  President and Director of Public Policy at amfAR, to be honored with the Dennis deLeon Voz de  Compromiso (Voice of Commitment) Award, and Mario Pérez, Director of the Division of HIV and  STD Programs for Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, who will receive the Compañero  (Partner) Award and were announced in December 2025. 

“Each of this year’s honorees and our Gala Committee Chair embodies the creativity,  courage, and commitment to progress that define the spirit of Commission and the Hispanic  Health Network,” said Guillermo Chacon, president of the Latino Commission on AIDS.  “Their visionary leadership, pioneering impact, and creative legacies will help make the 2026  Cielo Gala a powerful celebration of those shaping a more inclusive future.” 

Sponsorships, tables, tickets, journal ads and silent auction opportunities are available  at www.cielolatino.org.