For immediate release: April 24, 2026
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Star-Studded Hispanic Federation Gala Honors Trailblazers and Raises More Than $3 Million For Vital Community Work
Chaired by award-winning artist Lin-Manuel Miranda, HF gala honored Chef José Andrés, actor Esai Morales, Merck, ourBRIDGE for KIDS, and was attended by Secretary Hillary Clinton, NY Governor Kathy Hochul, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and other dignitaries
Photos available upon request, select remarks available here, and hyperlinks to specific remarks below.
NEW YORK, NY – Hispanic Federation (HF), the nation’s leading Latino nonprofit umbrella organization with a network of over 840 partner community-based organizations in 43 states and territories, lit up the night at its annual gala at the American Museum of Natural History while honoring esteemed guests Chef José Andrés, actor Esai Morales, Merck, and ourBRIDGE for KIDS. Chaired by award-winning songwriter, actor, producer, and director Lin-Manuel Miranda, and attended by hundreds of national Latino changemakers and luminaries, the gala raised more than $3 million for the organization’s essential work.
Special presenters included Gov. Hochul, Mayor Mamdani, and Secretary Clinton.
This significant fundraising effort will power Hispanic Federation’s efforts to combat food insecurity, expand access to health care, increase educational and career opportunities, uplift immigrant communities, and safeguard civil rights, while providing other essential social services to thousands of families nationwide.
Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation, stated, “At a time when so many of our families and communities are facing uncertainties and barriers to fulfill their American dreams, this gala is a reminder that our community has trailblazers and champions committed to their advancement and progress. Tonight, we honor those leaders and partners who help fuel our fight, reaffirming our dedication to building stronger communities and a stronger and more hopeful nation.”
“My connection to the Hispanic Federation runs deep. My father Luis A . Miranda, Jr. was its founding president 36 years ago and our family quickly understood that our free time was now the Federation’s time and ‘volunteering’ was not optional but a family mandate that turned into a lifelong commitment. Tonight, it’s thrilling to be in a room that spotlights this shared strength, creativity, and a community commitment to advocacy to ensure that pathways to prosperity and success are open to everyone, no matter if you are a farmworker in North Carolina or a small business owner in El Barrio,” said Gala Chair Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The gala brought together hundreds of the nation’s leading philanthropists and influencers to support Latino causes. Hispanic Federation paid tribute to individuals and institutions working to inspire and uplift Latino communities nationwide. In addition to its stellar roster of honorees, notable HF gala attendees included Secretary Hillary Clinton, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat.
Chef José Andrés, the visionary Spanish-American chef, restaurateur, and founder of World Central Kitchen, received the Humanitarian Award for his inspirational work providing hope and sustenance to millions of people around the globe.
“I am grateful to the Hispanic Federation for this incredible honor, and to the Miranda family for their friendship and unwavering commitment to community. As a cook, I have always believed that food is the way to care for people – not only in celebration, but in their most difficult moments. When we build longer tables instead of higher walls, we begin creating communities where everyone can succeed, and where everyone belongs. This recognition belongs to the many people – from Puerto Rico to Port-au-Prince, from Ukraine to Gaza – who show up every day to feed others and strengthen the places we call home,” said Chef José Andrés.
Award-winning actor Esai Morales received the Lifetime Achievement Award, for his extraordinary and trailblazing career in theater, film, and television which paved the way for a generation of Latino artists.
“Receiving this honor from the Hispanic Federation means a great deal to me. Their decades-long commitment to empowering Latino communities—through advocacy, education, and direct support—has created lasting and significant change for millions. It’s an organization that doesn’t just respond to challenges, but helps build the foundation for a stronger future, and I’m extremely grateful to be recognized by such an impactful and mission-driven institution,” said Esai Morales.
Merck received the Corporate Leadership Award for being at the forefront of advancing access to health and delivering leading-edge science solutions that save and improve lives in the United States and around the world.
The Community Service Award was given to ourBRIDGE for KIDS, a nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina, for their essential work in advancing the education and well-being of refugee and immigrant children and their families.
“We’re deeply honored to receive the Community Service Award at the 2026 Hispanic Federation Gala. We’re especially grateful to receive this recognition from Hispanic Federation, whose partnership and continued support have meant so much to us. This recognition reflects the thousands of people across Charlotte who responded with courage during the ICE/CBP raids, and who, with ourBRIDGE, continue to believe in fostering a community where everyone is welcomed, supported, and safe. More than anything, it reminds us that showing up for each other is one of the most important things we can do during these times,” said Salma Villarreal, Executive Director for ourBridge for Kids.
Presenting-level sponsors of the HF gala included the following companies: The Coca-Cola Company, Merck, Metropolitan Park, Moet Hennessy, Morgan Stanley, and Popular Bank.
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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 Latine. With programs in 43 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 member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
