Close to 500 business and community leaders gathered to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at CLUES Gala Latina on Thursday, October 5^th in Minneapolis. The Gala’s keynote speaker, Ingrid Sub Cuc (Lecturer UC Davis, M.P.H, M.A), focused her remarks on community wellbeing, and the importance of investing on building a sense of belonging and valuing our cultural heritage as a way to heal and build community wellness. 

“Tonight, we celebrate our peers, our many accomplishments, and our beautiful and diverse heritage”, stated Ruby Azurdia-Lee, CLUES President & CEO. “For it is our language, our cultural traditions and our resolve that bring us together to build a thriving and healthy Minnesota”, she added. Migdalia Loyola, from the Office of Governor Walz, joined attendees during the welcome to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrated the many contributions of Latinos throughout the State. She expressed the Governor’s ongoing support to strengthen the wellbeing of Minnesota’s Latinx community, so together we can build a stronger and better future for all Minnesotans.

The evening was complemented by cultural performances that included a local Venezuelan group, Baila Venezuela, a Mariachi Serenade from Montserrat Santana, and a special performance by Tenor Efrain Corralejo from the MN Opera.

Funds raised at the 2023 Gala Latina will directly support children, youth, and families in need of mental health and substance use services. Donations for CLUES’ Behavioral Health clinics, Abriendo Caminos are still needed to continue to provide free services to many underserved families and children.