Modern Latina's 20th Anniversary: Embracing Our Roots on the Runway

Join the electrifying celebration of Modern Latina’s 20th Anniversary with an exciting fashion show, "Embracing Our Roots on the Runway," set to enchant at the San Jose Woman’s Club on December 4, 2025. Immerse yourself in an evening of style, culture, and community, as we unite over 150+ Latino influencers, professionals, and community leaders to honor our shared heritage.

Our Event Benefactor

10% of the ticket sales and 100% of the silent auction items will go to raise funds for ALAS (Ayudando Latinos A Soñar). ALAS is dedicated to promoting social wellness through multicultural practices, mental health care, individualized and collective support related to education, immigration processes, work, and advocating for the community's overall wellbeing. If you are unable to attend, but wish to contribute to ALAS, you can donate here and select "Embracing Our Roots on the Runway" in the drop-down donation category.

Event Highlights

Chingona Award Recipient: Reyna Grande is an award-winning author whose work explores the immigrant experience with profound honesty. Born in Guerrero, Mexico, Grande immigrated to the United States as an undocumented child, a harrowing journey that would become the subject of her acclaimed memoirs, The Distance Between Us and A Dream Called Home. A Ballad of Love and Glory will be available for purchase on site, with Grande offering book signing and delivering the keynote address.

Special performance by Gabriela Sepúlveda: Known as "La Nueva Reina Del Regional Mexicano," an award-winning singer-songwriter and Netflix actress of Mexican-Chilean descent. She is recognized for her role in the Telemundo and Netflix hit TV series “Jenni Rivera: Mariposa de Barrio,” portraying Jenicka López, the youngest daughter of the late singer, Jenni Rivera.

Emcee: Erika Cruz is the founder of Courage Driven Latina and a leading voice in the personal development space, empowering women to take courageous action—especially when it scares them. She is the host of the Chingona Revolution podcast, and has been featured in publications like Los Angeles Times, Telemundo, and The New York Times.

Fashion Show

· Styles from Ivori Boutique showcased by owner Brenda La Fuente.

· The latest designs from the collection of local fashion designer Jorge Cruz Garcia.

· The winning ensembles from the Embracing Our Roots on the Runway Contest.

Sip, Shop & Support

Shop for unique holiday gifts from local Latinx businesses and artisans. Enjoy light refreshments and wine by Latina wine maker and owner of Ulloa Cellars, Nancy Ulloa.

Event Details:

Location: San Jose Woman’s Club, 75 S 11th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Parking:

• We encourage ride sharing or carpooling as there is limited street parking and no parking at the venue.
• North Garage (65 S 10th St, San Jose, CA 95192) https://www.sjsu.edu/parking/permits/visitor-guest/daily-short-term.php

Event Agenda

• Registration, mixing and mingling: 6:00 – 7:20 pm
• Program: 7:20-8:20 pm
• Event Concludes: 9:00 pm

Attire

· Show your fashionable best and shine bright at our captivating event.

Be part of this festive celebration, embrace your roots, and revel in the magic of Modern Latina’s 20th Anniversary celebration – we can’t wait to share this unforgettable evening with you!

TICKET OPTIONS

General Admission: Experience the event with wine and refreshments.

VIP Ticket: Starting at 6:00 pm, savor a distinctive tequila tasting by The Tequila People, VIP seating, and a goodie bag featuring a special Modern Latina mug.

Note: This event will feature wine and tequila service and we recommend the event for guests ages 13 and up.

Sponsor: Interested in sponsoring this event? View our event sponsorship sheet.

All ticket sales are non-refundable.