The Latino Commission on AIDS, in collaboration with the Hispanic Health Network, held its Annual Cielo Gala on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Cipriani Wall Street, in an evening dedicated to highlighting leadership in the response to HIV and reaffirming the commitment to health equity.
Under the motto “Designing a world without AIDS” and the reflection “Before. Now. Future”, the event put at the center the persistent inequality that affects Latino communities in the face of HIV, as well as the need to reinforce prevention, education and access to stigma-free health services.
“Forty-five years after the beginning of the epidemic, we are reminded that our work is far from over,” said Guillermo Chacón, president of the Latino Commission on AIDS. “We are so proud to have honored leaders who have shaped a more just and equitable public health landscape, and inspired a new generation to take up the fight. Our communities deserve nothing less than a future where prevention, healthcare and compassion reach everyone, without exception.”
Considered one of the most relevant galas in the country on HIV and public health, Cielo brought together figures from medicine, government, philanthropy, media, the private sector and culture, with the common goal of moving towards a future where HIV is no longer a public health threat.
Among the 2026 honorees, Dr. Helen Arteaga, Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services of New York City, received the Esperanza Award for her focus on community care and her work for health equity for immigrant and Latino populations.
Gregory Millett, MPH, vice president and director of Public Policy at amfAR, was honored with the Dennis deLeon Voice of Commitment Award for his leadership in HIV research and his promotion of public policies aimed at reducing racial and ethnic inequalities.
The Companion recognition was awarded to Mario Pérez, from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, for his career in HIV prevention and his work in strengthening community networks.
The MISTR organization, represented by its executive director Tristan Schukraft, received the Pioneer award for its telehealth model focused on expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment in a discreet and continuous manner.
Broadway and Hollywood makeup artist Milagros Medina-Cerdeira was recognized as a Creative Visionary for her contributions to culture and her role in expanding the visibility of the Latino community in the entertainment industry.
The gala also presented the appointment of Honey Valentín Gonzales, known as Honey Balenciaga, as NextGen Cultural Ambassador, a figure that seeks to connect generations and strengthen the work of prevention, education and access to health.
“In this role, my goal is to help facilitate bridges between generations through visibility, education and compassion,” said Honey Balenciaga. “I want to use my platform to encourage more open conversations about prevention, health access, mental health and self-worth.”
The event was hosted by journalist María Hinojosa and featured the musical participation of DJ Lina Bradford.
The Latino Commission on AIDS reaffirmed its nearly four-decade mission to reduce health disparities and strengthen the community response to HIV. Donations remain available at www.cielolatino.org.
