On October 10, more than 600 business and community leaders gathered to celebrate Latino leadership and Hispanic Heritage Month at CLUES Gala Latina. The event was presented by CLUES and General Mills with the support of a variety of major sponsors including Cargill, Best Buy, Medtronic Foundation, Xcel Energy, 3M, Fairview, Metropolitan State University, US Bank, Fields Law Firm, Walmart, Wells Fargo, and the Minnesota Vikings, among others – thank you again to all of our sponsors!
“Hispanic Heritage Month and Gala Latina are more than just a great opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage our Latino community brings to Minnesota,” said Ruby Lee, CLUES President, and CEO. “They are also a time to come together and be inspired by the Latino leadership that drives our state and our communities forward. CLUES is proud to partner with and honor the trailblazers who are shaping present and future narratives for Latinos and all Minnesotans.”
Richfield Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez was honored during the event with the CLUES Latino Leadership Award. Regan Gonzalez is the first Latina mayor in Minnesota and the Midwest. As mayor of the city of Richfield, she is directing her efforts to promote a more inclusive government amid growing racial disparities and inequities, prioritizing affordable housing, civic participation, equity in health and inclusive decision-making.
“It is such an honor to be receiving this year’s CLUES Latino Leadership award. I’m proud to be sharing it with so many powerful Latinx leaders and youth that have been leading alongside me to inspire hope; and make what seems impossible, possible for our entire community,” said Regan Gonzalez.
The evening also featured a live and silent auction with unique Latino and local items, a gourmet dinner and performances by a local Latino dance troupe. Around $100,000 was raised at the Gala through the auctions and donations to support CLUES’ Youth Voices programming, advancing opportunities for Latino youth to define and promote their own cultural narratives.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear young Latinos advocating for themselves in an impactful video demanding that their voices be heard: “Hear our truth now as we lift our own voices. The voices of 60 million Latinos living in the U.S. The voices of 325,000 Minnesotans. We are survivors, fighters and hard workers who never give up. We share our talents by generating innovative ideas, creating leaders. WE ARE leaders! Our people are the bricks in America’s skyscrapers. Now we will transform their design and build the world that the sweat of generations has earned. There is no stopping us!”
At the Gala, we shared an exciting video showcasing our new Headquarters Expansion. Watch the video to learn how CLUES is growing, and click here to make a donation today. You can see more highlights from throughout the evening and browse the photos from our photo booth: View Album Here
¡GRACIAS!, thank you again to each of you who attended, sponsored or donated to Gala Latina 2019 for your support and for making the 2019 show such a fantastic event. We could not have done it without you and hope to see you again next year!