Fifth Annual Gala to Honor Latino Excellence: A Celebration of Generations, Progress, and Impact
- Tyzza Macias
- Sep 30
- 4 min read
On October 30, 2025, more than 650 leaders from business, media, and culture will converge at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City for the Fifth Annual Gala hosted by the We Are All Human Foundation.
This year’s theme, “Generations,” is both a tribute to the legacy of those who paved the way and a spotlight on the leaders reshaping America’s future. At a moment when discrimination and bias are once again on the rise, the Gala serves as a forceful reminder: Latinos are not just part of the U.S. story, they are powering its next chapter.
“The Gala is a vital stage to shift perception and spotlight the incredible leaders who are moving our community forward, often against significant odds,” said Claudia Romo Edelman, Founder and CEO of the We Are All Human Foundation.
Honoring Latino Leaders and Allies
This year’s honorees embody a sweeping vision of Latino excellence and allied leadership across industries and disciplines. Gabriel de Alba, Founder and Managing Partner of GDA Luma Capital Management, L.P., and the force behind Cirque du Soleil, is recognized for advancing the Latino workforce as America’s most powerful growth strategy.
Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising at The Walt Disney Company, is recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to the global media industry. Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space and former Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is honored as a beacon of innovation and perseverance in STEM.
Meanwhile, Bret Stephens, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, will receive the Journalism Merit Medal for his commitment to inclusion and impactful storytelling, shaped by his Mexico City upbringing and fluency in Spanish.
Adding to the cultural resonance, the Gala will also feature a special performance of Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia, a production inspired by the surreal beauty and artistry of Mexico, seamlessly intertwining heritage with spectacle.
Generations: Legacy Meets Ambition
In her editorial interview, Romo Edelman explained why this year’s theme strikes at the heart of Latino identity.
“Latinos are a community of deep heritage and bold ambition. ‘Generations’ is about recognizing that our future is built on the resilience and sacrifices of those who came before us. Intergenerational leadership means pairing the wisdom, cultural knowledge, and lived experience of elders with the innovation, creativity, and fearless vision of younger generations.”
This dynamic exchange is critical as Latinos step into unprecedented influence across industries, politics, and culture.
Why It Matters
The data is stark: U.S. Latinos will drive 101% of labor-force growth through 2033. Yet, only 42% of Latinos believe people in power consider their community’s interests.
Romo Edelman calls this gap the “Recognition Recession”—a systemic underestimation of Latino impact and potential.
“The most persistent misconception is that Latinos are a niche community or a ‘future’ market, when in reality, we are the present and the growth engine of the U.S. Too often, decision-makers see Latinos as consumers but not as leaders, innovators, or board members. This underestimation leaves billions in potential untapped.”
The Gala directly confronts that misconception—backed by the Hispanic Sentiment Study and other research initiatives that pair data and storytelling to fuel investment, visibility, and action.
“Facts open doors, stories open hearts,” Romo Edelman said. “We pair hard data with real human stories to make the case for inclusion impossible to ignore.”
Champions and Sponsors
Four distinguished co-chairs continue to champion Hispanic advancement with steadfast dedication: Nina García, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Magazine; Lord Matt Scheckner, Chairman of Advertising Week; Marissa Solis, Senior Vice President of Global Brand & Consumer Marketing at the NFL; and Raúl Rocha, President of Miss Universe.
Their leadership is amplified by the support of corporate sponsors, including Paul Hastings, ALPFA, Cabrera Capital, Morgan Stanley, Bayer, Santander, Airbnb, Macmillan, BMS, Edelman, Frontera Energy, and others. These partners go beyond sponsorship, aligning their visibility with measurable commitments to equity and reinforcing the Gala’s mission to elevate Latino leadership and influence.
A Bridge to the Future
Building trust between corporate America and grassroots Latino communities has been one of the most difficult bridges to construct.
“These worlds often speak different languages, one driven by metrics, the other by lived realities. Building trust took years of listening, translating needs into business terms, and showing that collaboration creates mutual benefit,” Romo Edelman noted.
Looking ahead, she envisions a decade where Latinos are fully represented in boardrooms, government, media, and culture.
The Gala will be remembered as the place where recognition became action, and where leaders came together year after year to rewrite the Latino narrative for good.”
The We Are All Human Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing equity and unity across cultures and sectors. Its flagship initiative, the Hispanic Star, amplifies Latino leadership and drives collaboration among corporations, communities, and industries. Recognized by the United Nations ECOSOC, We Are All Human is shaping a movement for visibility, recognition, and lasting impact.
