“It’s such a pleasure to find myself in this kind of work that is so fulfilling to me. In the Philippines, this has been the work I’ve been doing for several years now, on the front of HIV and AIDS, spreading the message of inclusivity, acceptance and trying to breaking down stigma,” Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray said as she was inducted as the newest Madrina (godmother) of the Latino Commission on AIDS.
The organization kicked-off its countdown to its annual Cielo Gala early this week at a media reception hosted at the Bryant Hotel.
“We need partners to Design a World without AIDS. We seek partners to share their passion and commitment to promote education and erase stigma around HIV and AIDS in our communities,” said Guillermo Chacon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS. “We welcome Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray as Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS. We will work together to achieve a world without AIDS.”
“I am humbled and honored to be named a Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS,” Miss Gray added. “Since 2006, the Miss Universe Organization has stood side by side with the Latino Commission to promote awareness, prevention, testing and access to care campaigns that reach Hispanic/Latinx audiences here, across the U.S. and around the world. I will do everything I can to support these important efforts.”
Over 254,000 Latinos in the U.S. and Puerto Rico are living with HIV/AIDS and as the largest ethnic group in the U.S., Latinos constitute 18% of the U.S. population but account for over 23% of the HIV/AIDS cases. Since 1995, the Commission has steadily expanded its services and partnerships outside New York to more than 40 States and Puerto Rico, in order to mobilize an effective Latino community response to the health crisis created by HIV/AIDS.
The Commission is counting down to its annual Cielo benefit Gala on Friday, June 7, 2019 at Cipriani Wall Street, which continues the theme, “Designing a World Without AIDS,” and promises to be a special night of fashion, entertainment, music, celebrity appearances and recognition of inspiring leaders in the fight against AIDS. For more information on the event, visit: www.cielolatino.org
