Modern Latina’s 10th Anniversary Celebration: Fashion Fights Back, a runway event benefitting Latinas Contra Cancer was an amazing way to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Held at the beautiful, historic San Jose Woman’s Club with over 160 guests in attendance, it was a magical evening with so much positive energy in the room all to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.
All proceeds from the ticket sales and silent auction benefitted Latinas Contra Cancer, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about cancer in the Latino community, increasing access to quality care, working to decrease mortality and improving the quality of the health care experience.
The evening began with a special talk and book signing by Modern Latina’s Commemorative 10th Anniversary Edition Featured Latina, Tina Aldatz. Tina is a self-made, successful Latina entrepreneur who founded Foot Petals and is now the CEO of Savvy Travelers. She shared her compelling and heartwarming personal story of success against all odds from her book, “From Stilettos to the Stock Exchange.”
Guests mingled while enjoying wine tasting from the featured vintners Encanto Vineyards and Voces Cellar and appetizers from local restaurant Mezcal. Guests were able to pick up unique items from local artists, crafters and small businesses as well as bid on many of the unique silent auction items.
It was an evening to celebrate and honor the loved ones lost from cancer, currently battling cancer and cancer survivors.
Art of Love paintings, painted by local Latina artist, Ana Vera Rodriguez filled the walls of the venue. These special paintings were purchased in dedication to honor loved ones impacted by cancer.
A memorable moment during the event was to honor the breast cancer patients and survivors in the room who were presented pink corsages.
During her speech Ysabel Duran, CEO and Founder of Latinas Contra Cancer noted that breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer and of cancer death among Latinas. “Research is finding that Latinas are getting breast cancer at a younger age, with larger tumors and detected at a later stage,” said Ysabel. For that reason, Latinas Contra Cancer is focusing on research to better understand the Latina DNA in order to help find answers to address this disease.
Additionally, Latinas Contra Cancer provides support services and resources for the Latino cancer patient and their family; collaborate with other small agencies to provide education and outreach services; partner with health care institutions to bridge the gap through culturally competent outreach and medical care. These services would not be possible without a dedicated staff. Ysabel made two special presentations to patient navigator, Claudia Colindres and promotora or community health educator, Damiana Flores, for their continued hard work and commitment to Latinas Contra Cancer.
The energy of the event emcee, community leader Mrs. Guisselle Nuñez, Director of Marketing, Public and Government Relations for Chabot-Las Positas Community College District was contagious as she kicked off the fashion show. Latina leaders from the Silicon Valley Latina Coalition strutted their stuff on the runway wearing the latest fashions from Banana Republic and Dress Barn.
Local Latina designer Sindy Hernandez de Cornejo debuted her 2015 #SINDYCollection featuring sophisticated and classic pieces. Her set opened with her original designed Frida Kahlo t-shirt.
The fashion show concluded with the much anticipated reveal of the finished looks from the Frida Kahlo Inspired Look contest. The talented designers come from all walks of life included talented moms, local business owners, aspiring fashion designers and more.
“Frida Kahlo inspires so many. She embodies the strength, creativity, beauty and talent of all Latinas. I am so happy that Frida was a part of Fashion Fights Back benefitting Latinas Contra Cancer. We’re extremely impressed by all of the Frida Kahlo fashion concepts and it was exciting to see the looks come to life,” said Linda Castillo CEO and Executive Editor of Modern Latina.
Congratulations to all of the designers:
- Terri Banuelos
- Ilse Sarai Caballero
- Catalina Cervantes
- Ofelia Gallegos
- Mauricio Hernandez
- Laura Moreno
- Ana Vera Rodriguez
- Arie Rose
- Mona Sosa
A special moment on the runway was seeing the look created by Mauricio Hernandez go down the runway. Frida Kahlo has been inspiring his life for many years now and he had lost his inspiration and passion for creating after his mother lost her battle against cancer earlier this year. It wasn’t until he ran across the Frida Inspired Contest on social media to benefit Latina women against cancer that he felt inspired again. “It was as if it was sent my way from my mom,” said Mauricio who entered the contest to honor his mother’s memory and to make her proud.
His beautiful niece, Pamela Tripp, wore the breathtaking look that featured jewelry that was a combination of pieces from all his three sisters with a focal point medallion that belonged to his beloved mother. Mauricio along with many other family members drove in from San Diego, California to support the event.
A significant part of Modern Latina’s mission is to give back to the community. Modern Latina hosts events that create meaningful opportunities for Latinas to connect and support the community.
“I want Modern Latina to be more than an online publisher and I see it as a conduit to give back to the community. For Modern Latina’s 10th Anniversary celebration, I had an idea and vision to create this night of fashion, culture, and community honoring and celebrating breast cancer survivors. Seeing all the support and the event come together was so overwhelming,” said Linda.
To view more photos from event visit: http://on.fb.me/1IVS24A