Celebrating Latino Leaders: The Impact of We Are All Human's Gala

We Are All Human Gala: A Night of Unity and Celebration

On October 31, 2025, the We Are All Human Foundation held its fifth annual Gala at the distinguished Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. This event brought together more than 650 leaders from diverse sectors including business, media, philanthropy, fashion, and culture to celebrate the incredible achievements of Latino leaders and trailblazers. The night was dedicated to honoring influential figures such as Gabriel de Alba, Rita Ferro, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, and Bret Stephens, recognizing their contributions to society and their ongoing impact on the narrative around the Latino community.

Claudia Romo Edelman, the founder and executive chair of the We Are All Human Foundation, opened the evening by emphasizing the importance of unity and awareness of one’s heritage. "We come from greatness—ancestors who built civilizations and generations who sacrificed so we could stand here tonight," she remarked. Her words set a tone of empowerment, showcasing a new generation of Latinos that are self-aware and engaged in their pursuit of community and leadership.

The evening was uniquely illuminated by an exceptional performance from Cirque du Soleil, which was created exclusively for the Gala. This artistic display aimed to reflect themes of unity, resilience, and the rich heritage of Latino culture. Among the special guests were noted figures such as Pat McGrath, Willy Chavarría, and Juana Burga, who contributed to the night’s celebratory aura.

Gabriel de Alba, managing partner of GDA Luma Capital and chairman of Cirque du Soleil, shared his personal journey, which resonates with many in the Latino community. He highlighted the importance of creating opportunities and lifting each other up: "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."

Rita Ferro, president of global advertising at Disney, also expressed her thoughts on the power of storytelling: "As storytellers, we have a unique opportunity to reflect the world as it is—and to imagine what it could be. It’s about taking risks, making intentional choices, and using our platforms to build the future we want to see."

The Gala showcased several heartfelt testimonials from beneficiaries, particularly mothers and grandmothers whose stories of sacrifice, courage, and hope illustrated the collective strength of the community. This emotional connection reminded attendees of the significant legacy that underpins their current pursuits.

One of the highlights of the evening was the introduction of the CMO Hall of Fame, which recognizes marketing leaders redefining cultural relevance through their work. This year, notable inductees included Fabiola Torres from Gap, honored for an iconic campaign that celebrated diversity and individuality, among others such as Sofía Hernández of TikTok and Maria Bartolomé Winans of Kyndryl.

The Gala marked another outstanding fundraising milestone, exceeding its goals and contributing to We Are All Human's mission of elevating the narrative and influence of the Hispanic community. This mission is vital in connecting with one of the fastest-growing demographics in the U.S., as emphasized by the initiative requiring attention to research, advocacy, and visibility platforms like the Hispanic Star.

Elite sponsors such as L'Oréal, Airbnb, Coca-Cola, and Disney Advertising played an integral role in supporting the mission of the Foundation, ensuring the event’s success and its powerful message of unity.

Nina García, editor-in-chief of ELLE and Gala co-chair for the third consecutive year, joined forces with industry luminaries to reflect on the impact and future of Latino leadership in America. Lord Matt Scheckner of Advertising Week and Raúl Rocha, president of Miss Universe, were also co-chairs, further showcasing the event’s significance and commitment to inclusivity.

The We Are All Human Gala was more than just an awards night; it was a resounding affirmation of the power of community, leadership, and the richness of Latino heritage. As attendees departed, they carried with them a renewed commitment to uplift one another and foster a future where opportunities reach everyone, echoing the sentiments that drove generations before them.