With an empowerment fashion show, a live auction, many inspiring, touching speeches and meaningful awards to generous individuals & organizations, as well as signature cocktails and a very lively, cheerful dance party, The Luisa Diaz Foundation celebrated its 9th annual Mi Amor Graciousness (MAG) Gala 2023 at The Plaza Hotel on May 18.
The MAG Gala is in support of survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. This year’s theme was “a Celebration of Kindness,” and included an official proclamation from New York City, marking May 18, 2023, as “Kindness is Cool” Day from that day forth.
The MAG Gala (Mi Amor Graciousness Gala) produces glamorous, classy events to raise funds (and awareness) for individuals and organizations making a difference in their communities. The funds from the 2023 gala, held at the iconic The Plaza, benefited three charities: Safe Passage Heals, which helps women and children break the vicious cycle of domestic violence by bolstering, empowering and enabling them to end domestic violence, Hope’s Door NY, a nonprofit organization seeking to end domestic violence, to strengthen and endow victims to achieve safety, independence, and thriving from the trauma of abuse, to start creating new, safe, productive, prosperous lives, and Team TLC NYC, an organization assisting NYC-based migrants and asylum seekers.
The Mi Amor Graciousness (MAG) Gala was created to be a celebration of kindness. Luisa Diaz started this event even before founding the Luisa Diaz Foundation, and she aligned it to benefit Safe Passage, after researching organizations that helped the victims of abuse and sexual trafficking. She said that Safe Passage provided her with a family outside of her own, with a mentor and support staff that volunteers many services. More than a shelter, Safe Passage provides education, counseling, and even plastic surgery for women whose faces bear the permanent signs of abuse. Trish Steele, the Founder and CEO of Safe Passage, Time2Heal and Women Crowned In Glory, Inc. attended and spoke at the 9th annual MAG Gala.
MAG Gala’s executive director and former Ms. Venezuela International, Luisa Diaz, founded the Luisa Diaz Foundation in honor of her beloved grandmother, to raise funds and awareness for individuals and organizations who support survivors of domestic violence and their families. Luisa’s grandmother, who raised her in Venezuela while she was also a biological mother to 15 children, had herself been a victim of domestic abuse in her marriage, and she is her granddaughter’s inspiration for helping women who are survivors of this type of violence and injustice.
Luisa watched her grandmother, who raised her along with her own 15 children, endure years of abuse from her husband, abuse which at times became so severe that she said they had to sleep in the street. The abuse was so widespread in that community, and accepted as the norm, that there was no one to go to for help. Eventually, her grandmother left her husband with Luisa and her own children, without any education or job to support them.
The courage Luisa witnessed in her grandmother propelled her to take chances of her own. After winning Ms. Venezuela International, Luisa moved to the United States and got a degree in business and marketing, while learning English at the same time.
With this same courage and tenacity, she launched the first Latino talk show on a North Carolina ABC affiliate, which became a huge success. Luisa has also worked as an actress, and even wrote a book, titled Sexy is Timeless: Ten Timeless Sexy Assets That Lie Within You, to show women that beauty comes from within, from their own self-confidence and kindness towards others. Ms. Diaz says, “It gets better with age because confidence is very sexy; knowledge is very sexy; individuality, embracing who you are is sexy.…Kindness is the new sexy.”
Luisa Diaz Brown has been helping people and communities since her early days in North Carolina as the host of Luisa Su Voz Latina, the first Spanish language talk show on the local ABC Network affiliate.
Now she provides runway coaching and counseling to prepare female survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking to walk the “Runway of Hope,” which highlights these women’s success in embarking on a new life.
MAG Gala 2023’s delicious three-course dinner was followed by the ceremony that took place in the Grand Ballroom, and attended by some of New York City’s finest, including philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, former professional athlete Bryan Griffin, business executive Alan Brown, talk show host, producer and entrepreneur Nikki Haskell, model, reality star and lawyer Deborah Hung, Noreen Donovan, Jose, Carmen, Tina Radziwill, Carmen D’Alessio, Maria Elena Christensen, Valerie Vazquez, James Brynes, Sofie Mahlkvist, Nadja Sayej, Sarah Prendes and Joan Jodell.
Hall of Fame broadcaster, WABC radio and “Positively America” host Ernie Anastos served as the evening’s host.
And, as the beautiful dresses were worn by the celebrated survivors, Brazilian artist, fashion designer and hairstylist Tony Matta also showcased three looks from his recycled fashion collection.
The “Runway of Hope” (Walking Towards the Light), an empowering and unconventional fashion show that featured women, dressed by well-known fashion designers, who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking, and who are now on the road to healing and rebuilding their lives, was one of the most moving and uplifting moments of the MAG Gala 2023.
For these survivors, the walk on the Runway symbolized the transition from a place of darkness to one of hope and light. Luisa helps the victims realize how beautiful and worthy they are, she coaches and prepares them to participate in a beauty queen style fashion show where they walk down the “Runway of Hope.” She describes the women as being transformed, walking with their heads up and shoulders back, showing the confidence and self-worth they have achieved through completing the Safe Passage program, and symbolically walking toward the light of a promising future.
This one-of-a-kind, inspirational and life-affirming fashion show that signified resilience, renewal, and hope, and which represented a powerful moment, was greeted with a standing ovation by those in attendance for the survivors, as they stepped down the runway (aka the stage) one after another, dressed by fashion brands and designers such as Jovani, Anne Fontaine and Chiara Boni, as these transformed women became fashion models for an evening.
“Jovani has had the honor to dress survivors for the MAG Gala for the past nine years. Being a part of this event has not just been about the glamour, but about seeing these strong and resilient women shine and blossom above and beyond their traumas. Just being a small part in their journey in rebuilding their lives is enough for us.” said Felicia Garay-Stanton, PR & Marketing Director, Jovani.
“I’ve always worked with the aim of making women self-confident and comfortable,”reflected designer Chiara Boni. “I believe that the female universe has infinite power, and being able to support all those who have suffered profound abuse, yet have managed not only to survive but also to win, makes me happy and proud.”
And designer Anne Fontaine pointed out: “It is an honor to be a part of the Luisa Diaz Foundation’s MAG Gala. It is more important than ever to raise awareness about the global issues of domestic violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking—not only to be involved in solutions, but to provide hope and courage to anyone who is a survivor to look to a better, safer future.”
Luisa Diaz herself, who is the former Miss Venezuela International and Mrs. New York International, joined the brave women on the main scene of The Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, praised and congratulated them for their courage and effort to transition into a new, better chapter of their lives.
The gala, which was in its ninth year, was every bit glamorous and fun, while also highlighting the harsh realities of domestic and sexual abuse and trafficking that many girls and women face. Throughout the night, women took to the stage to share their difficult past stories, while emphasizing that they were finally on the road to rebuilding their lives.
Also, pointing out the positive changes and dramatic improvements in the lives of women like the survivors celebrated and supported throughout the evening wouldn’t have been possible without the kind-hearted, generous initiatives and tireless involvement of certain selfless individuals, of organizations like her own Luisa Diaz Foundation, and of the other three charities associated with the MAG Gala 2023.
Luisa Diaz emphasized on many occasions that the gala was a celebration of kindness- its most important value and characteristic. For this reason, Luisa concluded that her and her organization’s overarching theme/motto, as well as those of their partners, and of the events they organize together, is “Kindness is Cool!”
Speaking to guests, Diaz said: “My ball is here and it’s a celebration of kindness, because people are forgetting to be kind…We are living in a society that glorifies negativity. There are so many people doing great things for the community, but we’re not talking enough about it; I believe in kindness and humanity. We cannot forget to be kind to ourselves and others.”
Therefore, her Luisa Diaz Foundation also honored that evening deserving individuals and organizations for their positive contributions to their communities through several awards: “The Gala’s ‘Kindness is Cool’ Award is given out to individuals and organizations that show kindness and generosity in the community. In 2023, this award goes to Ilze Thielmann from Team TLC NYC and Hope’s Door. We will also debut the first Legacy Sponsor Award to Active International, who has been a loyal believer and supporter of the impact we are making in the community,” said Diaz, founder and CEO of the Luisa Diaz Foundation.
In the spirit of kindness, joy, of uplifting survivors and celebrating their transition to a positive chapter of their lives, the night continued with acts of charity, entertainment and impressive performances that got the guests dancing, clapping, laughing and hugging.
Influencer Johnny Drinks was live streaming and served up the “Kindness is Cool” martini.
Seth Herzog, resident comedian, and sketch performer with The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, presided over a live auction. The auction items included a beach getaway and tickets to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as Herzog’s personal guests. The lucky bidder will also get to hang out with Herzog and his fellow comedians after the show.
The evening’s entertainment also included a breathtaking performance by Sarina the Violin Diva and feel-good music by DJ Show N Tell.
On May 23, Luisa Diaz took to Instagram to reflect on the evening. “The atmosphere was filled with love, compassion, and a shared mission to make a difference,” Diaz wrote. “From breathtaking fashion to heartfelt speeches, it was an evening that touched our souls.”
About The Luisa Diaz Foundation
Founded by Luisa Diaz, the Luisa Diaz Foundation (LDF, 501c3) supports organizations and individuals who are making a direct impact in helping people and their communities through acts of kindness. Luisa developed and produced the “MAG Gala,” which is a “celebration of kindness” with annual events in Los Angeles and New York. These events raised money and awareness for individuals and organizations such as “Safe Passage” to support survivors of domestic violence and their families. Luisa worked directly with the survivors in coaching and helping them build their self-esteem to walk the “Runway of Hope” (Walking Towards the Light).
Executive director and former Ms. Venezuela International, Luisa founded the Luisa Diaz Foundation in honor of her beloved grandmother to raise funds and awareness for individuals and organizations who support survivors of domestic violence and their families.
For more information, please visit: www.luisadiazfoundation.org
YouTube: @miamorgalaluisadiaz7573
Facebook: miamorgala
Twitter: @MiAmorGala
Instagram: @mag.gala, https://www.instagram.com/mag.gala/, and highlights from the 2023 edition at https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18025715384021948/
PRESS CONTACT (Luisa Diaz Foundation):
Norah Lawlor | Lawlor Media Group | www.lawlormediagroup.com
Norah@lawlormediagroup.com | Tel: (212) 967-6900
I: @lawlormedia | F: LawlorMediaGroup | T: @LawlorMedia
Doris Sangeorzan 