HISPANIC FEDERATION RAISES A RECORD OF MORE THAN $3.3 MILLION AT ANNUAL STAR-STUDDED GALA CELEBRATING LATINO CAUSES
For Immediate Release: April 19, 2024
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
NEW YORK—Hispanic Federation (HF), the nation’s premier Latino nonprofit membership organization, celebrated it's annual star-studded gala at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City last night. Chaired by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the gala raised more than $3.3 million in support of Latino causes, breaking HF’s fundraising record for the third year in a row. The evening was highlighted by global superstar and multi-hyphenate icon Jennifer Lopez, who received the Premio Orgullo (Pride Award) for her exceptional talents, vision, and altruism that continue to inspire and uplift Latinos across the globe. The Individual Achievement Award was presented to a dedicated and long-time friend and champion of the Hispanic Federation, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises Chief Administrative and Marketing Officer Mónica Gil. Monica’s award was presented by Cesar Conde, Chairman of the NBCUniversal Group, which is comprised of NBC News, CNBC, MSNBC, NBC News Now, Telemundo and NBC Local. The iconic department store, Macy’s, received the Corporate Leadership Award for their historic Hispanic Heritage Month “Round-Up” Campaign, which has helped raise $2.5 million dollars for the Hispanic Federation’s college success and digital equity programs. Centro Hispano of Dane County, an exceptional Latino organization in Madison, Wisconsin that has become a model for community-based education and empowerment, received the Community Service Award. Oscar-winning screenwriter Matt Damon and actor and filmmaker, Diego Luna also this year’s Gala. Television personality Valentina was one of the evening’s special presenters.
The theme of Hispanic Federation’s Annual Gala for 2024 was “NOW” and reflects the critical moment we find ourselves in our nation’s history. Hispanic Federation is urging communities to come together in action and generosity to safeguard the values we hold most dear, namely diversity, equity, justice and inclusion.
Proceeds from the evening will go toward Hispanic Federation’s vital work and mission, including supporting newly arrived migrants, 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.
Our gala is an opportunity for us to honor and 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 create groundbreaking initiatives that provide care, refuge, and empower diverse 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 our stellar group of honorees – global superstar Jennifer Lopez, Mónica Gil, Macy’s and Centro Hispano of Dane County – for making this event so memorable and impactful for us and our community. Our time is indeed now!”
“Ever since my father Luis A. Miranda, Jr. became founding president of the Hispanic Federation in 1990, I’ve been an eyewitness to how the organization has empowered and served Latino communities and transformed lives," said Gala Chair Lin-Manuel Miranda. “This annual event is a moment to reflect on the work and strengthen bonds with changemakers who share our values and mission. We all have a role to play. Together we must continue to build a stronger Latino community and nation.”
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.
“I extend my deepest thanks to Hispanic Federation for honoring me with its Premio Orgullo. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Lin-Manuel and the Hispanic Federation to increase health care access and support the victims of the Pulse Nightclub Tragedy and those impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The work we’ve done together is deeply personal because it’s bound by our shared roots and love of community and culture, said Jennifer Lopez. I know that when we work together, we can be an incredible force for good. I look forward to my continued partnership with the Hispanic Federation to advance the interests and aspirations of Latinas and Latinos across our nation.”
Mónica Gil, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises Chief Administrative and Marketing Officer received the Individual Achievement Award for her trailblazing and inspirational career and life. Gil has been instrumental in establishing Telemundo as the nation’s number one Spanish-language network.
“I am incredibly humbled to receive the Individual Achievement Award from an institution that embodies the ideals and values that have been a constant part of my professional journey. The fact is that Latinos are not only shaping America, we are America. That’s why I am proud to be such a champion of the work the Hispanic Federation does and their relentless pursuit to build power and greater access and opportunities for our communities nationwide. This award is not only a recognition of my personal story but also a testament to NBCUniversal Telemundo’s commitment to leadership development, diversity, and excellence in the workplace,” said Mónica Gil.
Macy’s received the Corporate Leadership Award for its unwavering support of Hispanic Federation’s philanthropy and educational programming designed for students and young adults. Macy’s is a proud partner of Hispanic Federation since 1999. Since 2022 alone, Macy’s has raised $2.5 million to help 18,500 young people go through the CREAR Futuros youth leadership program and expand digital equity centers around the country.
“Macy’s is proud to celebrate a more than 20-year-old partnership with Hispanic Federation. Our partnership recognizes the contributions, culture and impact of the Latino community and is integral to Macy’s mission of inspiring the next generation of leaders,” said Bobby Amirshahi, Macy’s, Inc. SVP and Head of Corporate Communications, Social Impact and Government & Public Affairs. “Through our social purpose platform, Mission Every One, we look forward to continuing our work with the Hispanic Federation to connect with communities and raise critical funds that will empower young people, removing obstacles and helping them to realize their full potential.”
“We are thrilled to receive this most special of awards from the Hispanic Federation, especially given the theme of this year’s Gala,” said Karen Menéndez Coller, executive director of Centro Hispano of Dane County. “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, Centro Hispano’s work is centered on greater power, 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 Wisconsin, and community partners like Hispanic Federation. Gracias, Hispanic Federation.”
Other luminaries in attendance included Tonatiuh Elizarraraz and government officials, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and others.
The gala is sponsored by an impressive group of Hispanic Federation partners from the private and philanthropic sectors. This year’s top-level sponsors were Macy’s, RBC Capital Markets, Merck, Charter Communications, T-Mobile, Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo, Morgan Stanley, Google.org, The Coca-Cola Company, Metropolitan Park, Moët Hennessy, Popular Bank, Wells Fargo, Warner Bros. Discovery, Brown Brothers Harriman, 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, Moet Hennessy, and Hamilton on Broadway.
About Hispanic Federation:
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 42 states and territories, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its network of more than 650 Latino nonprofits nationwide through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
