The Audacity to Dream BigInside the 20th Anniversary Generaciones Gala at Cipriani Wall Street

A Night Dedicated to Legacy

Before the music began to play, the 20th Anniversary Joseph A Unanue Latino Institute Generaciones Gala of Seton Hall University opened with a moment of honor to the country and remembrance.

With the spectacular backdrop of Cipriani Wall Street, the evening was dedicated to the memory of Cristian Rivera, a little boy whose life and spirit continue to inspire through the Cristian Rivera Foundation. “About a year ago, I attended a gala in this very room that changed me,” shared Dr. Lori Tarke, Executive Director of Seton Hall University’s Joseph A. and Carmen Ana Unanue Latino Institute. “Cristian was my inspiration and John, his father, my muse.”

That inspiration bloomed into one of the most unforgettable celebrations in the Institute’s two-decade history; a night where elegance met purpose, and Latinidad took center stage in one of New York’s most iconic venues.

A Gala Born from Audacity

“I came home from Cristian’s gala and told my family and friends, this is the type of event we’re going to create for our students — a gala at Cipriani.”

Their reaction, Dr. Tarke recalls with a smile, was a mix of support and disbelief. “One of them said under their breath, ‘the audacity.’”

The next morning, she walked into her dean’s office — Dr. Jonathan Farina, affectionately known as Dean Jefe — and began her pitch. “Now, when I say, ‘I have an idea,’ he usually looks equal parts excited and terrified,” she laughed. “But I powered through it: Rivera… Gala… Cipriani… Students… Must do.” His response was simple: “How much?”

Ultimately, Seton Hall University’s leadership supported the vision — and the gala was born.

One Night of Dignity and Belonging

For Dr. Tarke and the Latino Institute team, the goal was never glitz. It was about grace, dignity, and representation.

“Our students have incredible days — they ace exams, sip cafecitos, and eat Goya empanadas,” she said. “But too often, they come to us with stories of heartbreak: food insecurity, multiple jobs, coping with trauma. They’re too young to bear so much, and yet they persevere.”

The dream was to give them one night — a night to feel celebrated, seen, and supported. “One night to ride a bus to Wall Street. One night to walk the red carpet, have their coats taken by attendants in tuxedos, and know they belong in every space — especially this one.”

“They and everyone walking into that room deserve to know they are the stars of Latinidad, whether they are Latino or not.”

A Love Letter to Community

Every detail of the Generaciones Gala was crafted with intention and heart.

The centerpieces were designed by adults from the Allegro School Day Program, an organization supporting individuals with autism. These artists, through their social enterprise The Enchanted Florist, created stunning floral displays that reflected creativity without limits.

Live music from the Newark Arts High School Latin Band filled the room with rhythm, pride, and the unmistakable energy of Newark’s rising talent.

“This gala was a love letter,” said Dr. Tarke. “A love letter to our students, to our partners, to every person who believes in what we do — and to every person who needed that message of support. It’s our devotion made visible, an energy that now travels with them — a reminder that can be called upon for years to come.”

It was also a proud moment in celebration of Seton Hall’s historic campaign, For All, Forever.

The Power of Presence

Looking out over the candlelit tables filled with supporters, mentors, and students, Dr. Tarke offered a challenge to the next generation.

“Students, look around you. The people in this room are history makers, movers and shakers, barrier breakers. Have the audacity to be next. Earn and claim your seat at the table.”

She highlighted the leaders in the room — Latina pilots, Smithsonian Latina living exhibits, the voice of Real Madrid, Elmo’s Latina best friend — reminding students that these were not distant figures, but members of their own community. Living proof that Latinidad occupies every space.

A Celebration of Generaciones

As the evening unfolded, it became clear that this was more than a gala. It was a manifestation of faith and purpose — a testament to what happens when communities dream together.

“Whether you’re Latino or not,” Dr. Tarke said, “when you come into our homes, you’re familia. And tonight, you are part of the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute, part of Seton Hall, and part of a greater movement to change lives. You have the power to change the trajectory of an entire family — to answer the prayers of generaciones of ancestors who dreamed that their sons and daughters would one day sit in spaces like this, beside people like you.”

For the students seated among industry leaders, alumni, and cultural icons, it was more than a night to remember — it was a moment to believe that their stories, talents, and dreams belong in every room, even one as grand as Cipriani.

It was a full-circle moment — a dream realized, a vision fulfilled, and proof that sometimes, the most beautiful things begin with the audacity to believe.

Celebrating History

Everywhere you turned, history and pride were present. The National Museum of the American Latino brought its dynamic Ritmo pop-up exhibit to the Generaciones Gala, infusing the night with the vibrant sounds and stories of Latin music and culture.

The evening honored the timeless legacies of Celia Cruz and Tito Puente, with electrifying performances by Tito Puente Jr. and Jessy Diaz. The Voice’s Sabrina Dias and Grizel “La Chachi” Del Valle also captivated the audience alongside the Newark Arts Latin Band.

This year’s distinguished honorees — Sonia Manzano, Fernando Palomo, Erika Ota Liedtke, Kennis Fairfax, and Rafael Toro — were recognized for their leadership, vision, and impact in advancing the Latino community. Celebrity Chef Brad Delgado took the stage as a presenter, while Leslie Rodriguez and hundreds of notable guests joined the celebration.

Adelante, Mi Gente

Dr. Tarke closed the night with a message for the future:

“Manifest it. Earn it. Claim it. Have the audacity to defy every stereotype, to know that Latinidad is beautiful, brilliant, and boundless. However you define success — through faith, family, freedom, or career — let it be a Cipriani-level success.”

The 20th Anniversary Generaciones Gala wasn’t just about one night at Cipriani. It was about every night that follows — when dreams become destiny, and audacity becomes legacy.