Leadership, Legacy, and Latino Impact: Inside the We Are All Human Gala at Cipriani Wall Street
- Tyzza Macias
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
At Cipriani Wall Street, beneath the golden glow of chandeliers and the spell of Cirque du Soleil, more than 650 leaders gathered for the fifth annual We Are All Human Gala, an evening that transcended ceremony to become a living celebration of unity, artistry, and purpose.
The night honored Gabriel de Alba, Rita Ferro, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, and Bret Stephens, each recognized for their leadership and impact across business, science, media, and culture.
“We come from greatness—ancestors who built civilizations and generations who sacrificed so we could stand here tonight,” said Claudia Romo Edelman, Founder and Executive Chair of the We Are All Human Foundation. “Our power lies in unity, in knowing who we are, and in celebrating the incredible journey that brought us here. A new Latino is emerging—self-aware, empowered, and connected. This Gala is proof that when we unite around our worth and our purpose, everything becomes possible.”
A Night of Purpose, Performance, and Style
The We Are All Human Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit officially recognized by ECOSOC of the United Nations, has spent years promoting equity, unity, and collective progress.
Through its flagship initiative, the Hispanic Star, the organization has elevated the Latino narrative, highlighting the shared business opportunity and cultural influence of the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S. Its flagship initiative mobilizes corporations, leaders, and communities to close equity gaps and highlight the economic and cultural power of the Latino population.
This year’s Gala embodied that mission. Visually, emotionally, and symbolically. A breathtaking Cirque du Soleil performance, created exclusively for the event, paid tribute to unity, resilience, and Latino heritage.
Adding to the evening’s brilliance, the world’s most celebrated editorial and runway makeup artist, Pat McGrath, and renowned American fashion designer Willy Chavarría brought their distinctive artistry and creative influence to the celebration. Reminding guests that culture, style, and representation are powerful instruments of progress.
The Gala’s visual energy reflected what the foundation stands for: a reminder that progress and purpose are intertwined when people come together.
Honoring Visionaries and Trailblazers
The honorees represented a spectrum of excellence.
“My story is one shared by many in our community—working harder, innovating, and finding mentors who open doors,” said Gabriel de Alba, Managing Partner of GDA Luma Capital and Chairman of Cirque du Soleil. “The work we do is about rebuilding, creating value, and ensuring opportunity reaches everyone. When we lift each other, when we choose empathy and inclusion, we build the foundation for generations to thrive.”
“As storytellers, we have a unique opportunity to reflect the world as it is—and to imagine what it could be,” said Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising at Disney. “It’s about taking risks, making intentional choices, and using our platforms to build the future we want to see. Tonight reminds us that when we lift each other up, we all rise.”
The Gala’s emotional core came through in the beneficiary testimonials, stories of mothers and grandmothers whose sacrifices embodied the night’s theme of legacy. Each narrative reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to celebrating humanity while amplifying the Latino voice in spaces of influence and innovation.
This year also marked the debut of the CMO Hall of Fame, spotlighting marketing leaders redefining cultural relevance through inclusive storytelling. Inductees included Fabiola Torres (Gap), Sofía Hernández (TikTok), Ada Agrait (SAP), María Bartolomé Winans (Kyndryl), and Marissa Solis (NFL), visionaries shaping how brands connect authentically with diverse audiences.
Leadership, Artistry, and the Future of Representation
Returning for her third consecutive year as Gala Co-Chair, Nina García, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE, joined Lord Matt Scheckner, Chairman of Advertising Week, and Raúl Rocha, President of Miss Universe. Together, they underscored how the Gala continues to unite leaders from media, fashion, business, and advocacy around a shared vision: celebrating Latino leadership and building a more inclusive world.
The event exceeded fundraising goals, enabling the foundation to expand its research, advocacy, and visibility platforms. As Claudia Romo Edelman has long emphasized, the mission is simple yet profound to elevate the narrative, influence, and unity of the Hispanic community.
Sponsors from across industries, L’Oréal, Cirque du Soleil, GDA Luma Capital Management, Pat McGrath Labs, Bank of America, Airbnb, Disney, Coca-Cola, TikTok, Unilever, and dozens more helped make the evening possible.
Their participation symbolized the growing recognition that Latino progress is not just cultural, it’s economic, generational, and global.
As Romo Edelman’s words echoed through the hall, “We come from greatness. And when we unite around our purpose, everything becomes possible.” The message was clear: Latino leadership isn’t emerging; it’s already transforming the world.