This year’s Cielo Latino Gala, a benefit for the Latino Commission on AIDS, recognized designer and Project Runway star Mondo Guerra, HIV/AIDS advocate Maria Mejia and pharmaceutical innovator Janssen Therapeutics for their contribution to the fight against AIDS. All three received awards during the May 15 gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, an event that drew celebrities, fashion gurus and leaders within the business, advocacy, media and health care worlds.

Concentration de Parfums introduced its first of a line of scented candles—the Cielo candle—many of which burned throughout the night in a symbolic tribute to the work of the evening’s honorees. The candle was specifically made to benefit the Latino Commission on AIDS and is available online.

The gala also featured a silent auction, live entertainment and the induction of the commission’s newest Padrino (Grandfather): producer and composer Henry Santos. He joins the current Madrina (Godmother), Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler, as ambassadors to promote the commission’s HIV/AIDS prevention and education initiatives.

Funds raised from the gala help support the critical services provided by the Latino Commission on AIDS, which oversees many programs across the country in addition to its education, awareness and outreach campaigns.



Gabriela Isler
Guillermo Chacon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS; Michael Jack, GM, NBC 4 NY; Sibila Vargas, NBC 4 NY anchor and Cielo Latino Emcee; Layana Aguilar, Designer and Project Runway Season 11 Contestant; Gabriela Isler, Miss Universe and 2014 Madrina of the Commission; Henry Santos, Singer

Gabriela Isler
Mondo Guerra, Fashion Designer and recipient of the Ilka Award; Guillermo Chacon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS; Ismael Cruz Cordova, Actor