Hispanic Federation Raises More Than $3 Million At Star-Studded Benefit Gala
For Immediate Release: April 21, 2023
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Actress and director Stephanie Beatriz, Nuveen CEO Jose Minaya, T-Mobile, and Instituto del Progreso Latino headline list of gala honorees
Gala chaired by award-winning songwriter, actor, director and producer Lin-Manuel Miranda with a special presentation from actor Wilmer Valderrama
NEW YORK—Hispanic Federation (HF), the nation’s premier Latino nonprofit membership organization, celebrated its annual star-studded gala, chaired by Lin-Manuel Miranda, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City last night. The gala returned in full force for the second time since the pandemic began and raised more than $3 million in support of Latino causes. Proceeds from the gala will go toward Hispanic Federation’s vital work and mission, including supporting newly arrived asylum seekers, COVID-19 relief efforts, food and housing aid, health care, workforce development assistance, and other essential social services that are supporting millions of Latino families in 42 states and territories.
“This event is a chance for us to celebrate the amazing collective of Latino community advocates, philanthropists, business leaders, and public servants that make our work possible. The model of the Federation is centered on community and coalition-building, and it’s that focus that’s allowed us to lead the largest Latino emergency relief effort in the nation and create groundbreaking initiatives that are providing care, refuge, and hope to Latino families and communities across the nation,” said Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of Hispanic Federation. “We thank our amazing Gala Chair Lin-Manuel Miranda and stellar group of honorees – Stephanie Beatriz, Jose Minaya, T-Mobile, and the Instituto del Progreso Latino – for making this event so memorable and impactful for us and our community.”
“For decades, Hispanic Federation and its member organizations have built inroads with the Latino community by delivering critical resources and programs that transform lives,” said Gala Chair Lin-Manuel Miranda. “This annual event is a moment to reflect on the work, to celebrate and to strengthen existing bonds between change-makers who share our values and mission. We all have a role to play, and nothing expresses that more than the honorees, advocates, community leaders, and philanthropic partners who share this night with us. Thank you to everyone for coming together to advance Latino communities. Now let’s get back to work!”
The gala’s program took place under the Museum’s iconic blue whale in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and brought together hundreds of the nation’s leading philanthropists and influencers in support of Latino causes. At the gala, Hispanic Federation paid tribute to amazing individuals and institutions working to inspire and uplift Latino communities nationwide.
This year, Hispanic Federation honored four extraordinary individuals and institutions, including actress and director - best known for her roles in “Encanto,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and “In the Heights - Stephanie Beatriz; Jose Minaya, CEO of Nuveen; T-Mobile; and an essential HF partner organization in the Midwest, Instituto del Progreso Latino.
Actor, producer, activist, and “Encanto” co-star Wilmer Valderrama presented the Premio Orgullo (Pride Award), bestowed to Latinos that bring pride to the community and demonstrate excellence in their respective fields, to Stephanie Beatriz, acclaimed for her roles in “Encanto,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and “In the Heights.” She received the award for her advancement of Latino culture and people on screen.
“I extend my deepest thanks to Hispanic Federation for honoring me with the Premio Orgullo. Our community is stronger only when we have organizations like Hispanic Federation in our corner, advocates who convene individuals and organizations to really make a difference in the lives of Latinos,” said Stephanie Beatriz. “I look forward to our continued partnership while advancing our culture on and off the screen.”
“I’m honored to have presented the ‘Premio Orgullo’ award to my friend and sister, Stephanie Beatriz. Thank you to the Hispanic Federation for uniting us to celebrate the transformative work the organization has done to support the health, wellness and success of Latinos nationwide,” said Wilmer Valderrama. “We are at our best when we do things together.”
Jose Minaya, CEO of Nuveen, received the Individual Achievement Award for his trailblazing and inspirational career and life.
“I would not be here without the love and support of my family and community, which is why I’m so humbled to receive this recognition from the Hispanic Federation. Hispanic Federation is an institution that embodies the ideals and values of a people that have been a constant part of my journey. Of course, this award is not only a recognition of my personal story, it’s also a testament to Nuveen’s commitment to leadership development, diversity, and excellence in the workplace,” said Jose Minaya.
T-Mobile received the Leadership Award for its philanthropic support of nonprofits around the world and for their pioneering support of HF’s Puerto Rico recovery work and our students’ digital empowerment programs.
“We are thrilled to receive this most special of awards from the Hispanic Federation,” said Karina Ayala-Bermejo, Instituto del Progreso’s President and CEO. “It is always great to be recognized for the work you do in the community, but it is especially meaningful when it comes from an organization that is very much family. Like the Federation, Instituto’s work is centered on building power and greater access and opportunities for Latinos and their families. This work requires great leadership, teamwork, and financial support. Fortunately, we’re blessed to be able to count on the commitment and hard work of an amazing board and staff in Chicago, and community partners like the Federation. Gracias, Hispanic Federation.”
At the gala, “Blue Beetle” director Angel Manuel Soto and star Belissa Escobedo held a special screening of the trailer for the upcoming DC Super Hero action adventure, set for release August 18, 2023.
“In the spirit of uplifting Latino communities across the country and celebrating our beautiful and diverse culture, I’m proud to say that our upcoming film, ‘Blue Beetle,’ is everything you want in a superhero movie: a true hero’s journey full of incredible action that takes you on an unexpected adventure. Our hero, Jaime Reyes, goes through this incredible experience with his family along for the ride -- they are loud, loving, and hilarious, which is something we as Latinos can relate to. It’s an honor to bring this particular DC Super Hero to the big screen for the first time this summer, and also to share this moment with everyone attending,” said Angel Manuel Soto.
Several government officials also attended the Hispanic Federation’s gala, including Senate Majority Leader Charles “Chuck” Schumer, Congressmember Adriano Espaillat, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, New York State Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James and others.
The gala was sponsored by Hispanic Federation’s Presenting-level sponsors: T-Mobile, Morgan Stanley, Banco Popular, Nuveen, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Charter Communications, Wells Fargo, Comcast/NBCUniversal/Telemundo, Bank of America, Moet Hennessy, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The gala was also sponsored by Hispanic Federation’s President’s Circle-level sponsors, including Brown Brothers Harriman, The Coca-Cola Company, TelevisaUnivision, and Toyota.
This year's cocktail journey was curated by Joseph D. Solis, an expert in wine and spirits, hospitality, and lifestyle. He has previously curated luxurious Latino-themed cocktail experiences for prestigious events and brands such as the Hispanic Federation Gala, Hennessy, and Hamilton on Broadway.
