The Latino Commission on AIDS recently hosted its annual Cielo Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The event recognized several individuals who continue the fight against HIV, AIDS and access to health care for marginalized and under-resourced communities. Those honored were Dr. Mitchell Katz, President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals; former White House Director of National AIDS Policy Harold Philips; screenwriter and producer Steven Canals; and community activist Valerie Reyes-Jimenez. This year’s gala was held in memory of beloved Trans advocate and pillar in the New York LGBTQ+ community, Ms. Cecilia Gentili.

Guillermo Chacon, President of Latino Commission on AIDS; Laith Ashley, actor, model, singer and activist; Dominic Colón, actor and producer.

“At a time when we are facing serious anti-gay and anti-trans attacks, we are humbled by the work of amazing public health leaders and community based organizations in responding to HIV and AIDS. We treasure the support to our diverse community programs as we continue our mission for creating safe spaces where all Hispanic/Latinx people can access proper healthcare, free of stigma and discrimination.” said Guillermo Chacon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS and founder of the Hispanic Health Network

Congressman Ritchie Torres, representing New York’s 15^th district, presented the Esperanza Award to Dr. Katz. Representative Torres emphasized “Dr. Katz’s impact on LGBTQ+ healthcare in New York and how important these resources were to Torres growing up as a gay Afro-Latinx kid in the Bronx.” Congressman Torres commended Dr. Katz on his achievements and acknowledged the effect Dr. Katz’s has had on public leaders in New York who identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Dr. Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, Executive Director of the Insititute for Policy Solutions at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, and Board Member of the Latino Commission on AIDS; Harold Philips, former White House Director of National AIDS Policy

Dr. Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, Executive Director of the Institute for Policy Solutions at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, and Board Member of the Latino Commission on AIDS, presented the Compañero (Partner) Award to Harold Philips. During his tenure as Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy from June 2021 to January 2024, Mr. Phillips played a pivotal role in shaping the Biden Administration’s domestic HIV/AIDS priorities. His leadership was instrumental in monitoring and implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, ensuring that America’s response to the epidemic was comprehensive, accelerated, and inclusive of the experiences of those at risk of and living with HIV.

 Laith Ashley, actor, model, singer and activist, who received the Ilka Award with virtual remarks in 2023, attended in person to present the same award to our 2024 honoree, Steven Canals.  Canals delivered his pre-recorded remarks via video emphasizing the need for destigmatizing HIV/AIDS by providing a personal anecdote of his first encounter with the disease via a neighbor.  Canals has dedicated himself to amplifying narratives of individuals whom have long been marginalized. 

Valerie Reyes-Jimenez, activist; Dr. Yvette Calderon, Dean and Vice President for Equity in Clinical Care at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Health System, and Board Member of the Latino Commission on AIDS

Our final award of the evening, The Denis Deleon Voz the Compromiso (Voice of Commitment) Award, was presented to Valerie Reyes-Jimenez due to her relentless organizing efforts with HousingWorks and activism in the HIV and AIDS space. Dr. Yvette Calderon, Dean and Vice President for Equity in Clinical Care at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Health System, and Board Member of the Latino Commission on AIDS presented the award. 

Elisa Crespo, Executive Director of The New York State NEW Pride Agenda

The New York State NEW Pride Agenda’s Executive Director, Elisa Crespo, delivered her heartfelt and moving remarks in memoriam of the beloved Cecilia Gentili. Crespo honored Gentili’s legacy as a pioneer in Trans activism and work as a pillar in the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Crespo was joined onstage with Gentili’s partner, Peter Scotto. Scotto added heartwarming personal anecdotes of Gentili while honoring the life and legacy of his love, leaving not a dry eye in the room. 

The 2024 Cielo Gala was hosted by Dominic Colón, actor, writer and producer. The night also auctioned a dress custom designed by Brazilian designer and Project Runway alum, Layana Aguilar. The program closed with a surprise from Southwest Airlines as three lucky guests each won tickets for a roundtrip international flight. Three-time Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra along with DJ Missy B provided live entertainment during the event.

Over 400 guests attended in support of the organization’s fundraising goals. Individuals can still donate by texting CIELO to 76278. 

 For more information about Cielo, and to learn about opportunities for our next year’s Cielo Gala taking place on Friday, June 6, 2025 please visit www.cielolatino.org.