Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute Hosts 20th Anniversary Gala
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
On Friday, October 17, 2025, the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute (JAULI) will host
its 20th Anniversary Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The event will unite global leaders in
numerous industries, including entertainment, sports, media, food, non-profit and
education, to celebrate the servant leaders working to uplift Latino communities.
This year’s theme honors the “Generaciones” that have built the Latino community and celebrates JAULI’s 20th anniversary and
milestone of $2 million in scholarships awarded since the Institute's founding. “As
we honor the ‘Legacies of the Past, while Looking to the Future,’ we offer our supporters
an elegant backdrop for an evening of reflection and celebration of Latino impact
around the world,” said event organizers.
Distinguished honorees being recognized at this year’s gala fundraiser include Sonia
Manzano, one of the first Latinas to hold a major TV role as “Maria” on Sesame Street and creator of Alma’s Way, receiving the Esperanza Award; ESPN broadcaster Fernando Palomo, recipient of the
Viva Award; Rafael Toro, longtime National Director of Public Relations at Goya Foods,
honored with the Magno Award; alumna and Data and Analytics Governance Specialist
for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Erika Ota Liedtke ’18, receiving the Alumni
Impact Award; and Kennis “Buttons” Fairfax, a beloved Newark educator and mentor,
named Educator of the Year.
Seton Hall alumna and Univision Emmy Award-winning journalist and anchor Damaris Diaz
will serve as master of ceremonies.
In both their careers and communities, these esteemed honorees have generously shared
their time, talent and resources to empower Latino and Hispanic populations and others
they serve. Held as part of Seton Hall’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, this annual JAULI event helps raise scholarship support for the Institute’s
mission to educate, inspire and develop the next generation of servant leaders prepared
to meet the challenges of a global society.
“As we celebrate the Institute’s 20th anniversary at Cipriani Wall Street, this year’s
gala marks a powerful moment of reflection and renewal,” said Executive Director,
Lori Tarke. “We honor the generations who paved the way, while investing in the next
wave of leaders. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Institute has now
awarded approximately $2 million in scholarships and continues to offer transformative
experiences — from mentorship and cultural programming to community engagement and
leadership development — that empower our students to lead with purpose in a global
society.”
In the 2024-25 academic year, JAULI helped support 55 scholars from diverse backgrounds
to attend Seton Hall; many are first-generation students. Joseph A. and Carmen Ana
Unanue’s vision established JAULI as a center of excellence on campus, dedicated to
immersing all students in Latino history, culture and language while empowering them
through financial academic, professional cultural and community programs. Joseph A.
Unanue was the former Chief Executive Officer of Goya Foods, and his dream was to
inspire students to reach their full potential within their chosen professional fields.Sonia Manzano to Receive Esperanza Award
Sonia Manzano will receive the Esperanza (Hope) Award, which honors Latino leaders
whose work inspires change and provides hope through their contributions to culture,
education and public service. A groundbreaking figure in children’s television, Manzano
is the creator of Alma’s Way on PBS KIDS, which has received two Imagen Awards for Best Youth Programming, a 2022 Emmy nomination
for Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program and a 2023 NAACP Image Award
nomination.
Best known for her iconic role as “Maria” on Sesame Street for 44 seasons, Manzano influenced generations of children and families across the
country. Her on-screen work earned her two Emmy nominations, and in 2016, she received
the Lifetime Achievement Daytime Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts
and Sciences. As a writer for Sesame Street, she won 15 Emmy Awards.
Manzano is also an accomplished author of four picture books and three young adult
novels, including Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx and The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano. Her most recent book, Coming Up Cuban, follows four children from different backgrounds during the Cuban Revolution. Raised
in the South Bronx, Manzano is a proud alumna of New York City’s High School of Performing
Arts and Carnegie Mellon University.
Fernando Palomo to Receive the Viva Award
Fernando Palomo will receive this year’s Viva Award, which honors individuals who
elevate Latino voices and culture through media and public engagement. A leading sports
journalist and commentator, Palomo has spent nearly two decades with ESPN Deportes
and ESPN International as host of SportsCenter and Fuera de Juego, and as the global play-by-play voice for World Cups, Olympic Games, UEFA Champions
League matches and more.
A former member of El Salvador’s national track and field team, Palomo still holds
the national record in the javelin throw. His voice has also reached millions through
his work as a lead commentator for EA Sports’ FIFA video game series.
“Fernando Palomo’s voice has not only narrated some of the most iconic moments in
sports but has also amplified the presence of Latinos on the world stage,” said Tarke.
“We are proud to honor his trailblazing career and the inspiration he brings to our
community.”Rafael Toro to Receive the Magno Award
Rafael Toro, National Director of Public Relations at Goya Foods, will receive the
Magno Award, honoring his decades-long commitment to advancing the Latine community
through media, philanthropy and corporate leadership. Over nearly 40 years, Toro has
shaped Goya’s public image and social impact, expanding its outreach through major
initiatives such as Goya Gives, disaster relief campaigns and national health and
education programs.
“Rafael Toro has leveraged his platform to create lasting change, building bridges
between corporate success and community service,” said Tarke. “His leadership embodies
the values of the Magno Award: impact, integrity and dedication to uplifting others
across all sectors. This award is especially meaningful because Joseph A. Unanue,
our namesake, was instrumental in Rafael’s career and life.Erika Ota Liedtke ‘18 will Receive the Alumni Impact Award
Erika Ota Liedtke ‘18, Data and Analytics Governance Specialist for the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York and a member of the JAULI Advisory Council, will receive the Alumni
Impact Award. She is being recognized for her passion to align, connect and create
a robust alumni community as well as for her commitment to uplift and mentor women
and people of color for careers in finance and technology.
Liedtke traces back much of her passion along with her fond memories to Carmen Ana
Unanue, co-founder of JAULI with her husband, Joseph.
“Carmen was a holy woman who was so deeply connected to the Institute’s mission, a
vision she and her husband made a reality. She continued Mr. Unanue’s legacy by connecting
with students one on one and creating a sense of belonging for the scholars – her
commitment to philanthropy was significant in every way. Her passion and legacy have
heavily influenced my engagement with the institute today as the co-chair of the alumni
group,” said Liedtke.
Kennis Fairfax to Receive Educator of the Year Award
Kennis “Buttons” Fairfax will receive the Educator of the Year Award in recognition
of his extraordinary impact as a teacher, mentor and community leader. Fairfax has
taught at Newark Arts High School for more than five decades, where he founded the
school’s Latin Band and inspired generations through his dedication to arts education.
Known affectionately as “Mr. Fax,” he has mentored countless students, including prominent
figures such as Michael B. Jordan, Sabrina Dias, Grizel del Valle and Frankie Negron.
In addition to his work in education, he has proudly served for more than 25 years
as the Scarlet Knight, leading Rutgers Football fans into the stadium on horseback.
The 20th Anniversary Gala’s Cocktail Hour begins at 7 p.m., and the dinner and program
begin at 8 p.m. at Cipriani Wall Street, 55 Wall Street, New York City, New York.
Reservations are being accepted now.
“We want to give our students every opportunity to succeed—many of them are the first
in their families to attend college,” noted Tarke. “The leaders we honor this year
share a deep passion for community, humanity and the generaciones who have built Latino excellence. This celebration is about lifting our collective
story and showing our students what’s possible. Through the presence and example of
these trailblazers and the greater community, our students can see that their dreams
are within reach with hard work and purpose…and that is a life changing moment.”
Interested parties can support the annual gala through sponsorships, ticket purchases,
or donations by clicking here. A promotional code of “earlybird” is available until August 1.
Please visit the Institute's website for more information about the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute.
Categories: Arts and Culture, Campus Life