Luisa Diaz is a woman whose compassion and resilience are transforming lives. As the founder of the Luisa Diaz Foundation, her mission is simple but powerful: to spread kindness, empower survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, and help them rebuild their lives with dignity. The annual Mi Amor Graciousness (MAG) Gala, taking place on May 6, 2025, at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City, is a key event that brings together influential figures from philanthropy, fashion, and entertainment to support the foundation’s mission.
In this interview with The Untitled Magazine, Luisa Diaz shares her personal inspiration, the challenges she faced in building the Luisa Diaz Foundation, and how kindness has guided her journey to make a profound impact on the lives of countless survivors. She also shares highlights for this year’s MAG Gala, including details on the Runway of Hope.
Indira Cesarine: Luisa, thank you so much for joining me today. Let’s start by talking about your inspiration for creating the Luisa Diaz Foundation.
Luisa Diaz: My inspiration has always been my beloved grandmother. I was raised in Venezuela by my grandmother, a woman of quiet strength who endured years of domestic violence while raising fifteen children—and me. One day, with no money, no education, and nowhere to go, she found the courage to walk away. She never looked back.
She taught me kindness not from a place of comfort, but from pain. She showed me that true kindness is the strength to walk away, to protect her children—including me—and to rise above suffering with grace and dignity.
When I first started the Luisa Díaz Foundation, one of the greatest challenges was gaining exposure and inspiring others to believe in the philosophy of kindness. I had to show them that kindness is not a weakness—kindness is strength.
My grandmother’s courage taught me a truth that continues to guide my mission: You are not defined by what happened to you, or by the circumstances into which you were born. You are defined by how you rise. Her strength fuels everything I do today—and every act of kindness we inspire is a tribute to her courage.
Indira Cesarine: Kindness is clearly a central theme in your work. Can you talk about how this philosophy guides the foundation’s efforts and initiatives?
Luisa Diaz: I truly believe in the power of kindness. Kind, happy people don’t hurt others. The root of so much pain and cruelty in this world stems from a lack of kindness among ourselves.
I created the Luisa Díaz Foundation as a celebration of kindness, built around the belief that Kindness is Cool®, because I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power it holds.
I’ve witnessed a simple act of compassion rekindle the light in someone’s eyes. I’ve seen a hug become a bridge between fear and hope.
I’ve held hands with women who once felt invisible—only to watch them walk the Runway of Hope, heads held high, reclaiming their dignity and strength. I truly believe that kindness is our superpower—Kindness is Cool®, and kindness is the new sexy too.
Indira Cesarine: The 11th Annual MAG Gala is just around the corner. What can guests expect from this year’s event?
Luisa Diaz: We are thrilled to have the support of incredible voices like Julia Haart, Candace Bushnell, Dina Lohan, Nicole Miller, and many more, with additional exciting names that my PR, Anna Rothschild, is actively securing.
This year’s MAG Gala will be a celebration of kindness, resilience, and hope. Guests can expect an unforgettable evening, filled with live entertainment, heartfelt storytelling, and the Runway of Hope, where survivors will walk in designer gowns, celebrating their strength and beauty. The gala is not only about raising funds, it’s about raising awareness and showing the world that kindness is cool.
Indira Cesarine: With such a prestigious co-chair committee including influential figures like Prince Lorenzo Borghese, Dina Lohan, Candace Bushnell, and Nicole Miller, how do these partnerships amplify the mission of the Luisa Diaz Foundation?
Luisa Diaz: Yes, they are incredible names—along with Julia Haart and several other amazing, accomplished, and empowered women who are truly making a difference in the community.
I feel blessed to have their support; it has been a beautiful snowball of kindness. Their involvement not only amplifies the mission of the Luisa Diaz Foundation but also helps us create a wider network of individuals who believe in kindness as a tool for change. They are an integral part of the foundation’s success.
Indira Cesarine: This year’s gala will honor survivors of adversity. Could you share a particularly powerful story of resilience that stands out to you?
Luisa Diaz: After the survivors complete their healing journey through our partner charity organizations, I step in to help rebuild their self-esteem—to remind them of their worth, their beauty, and their strength.
An abuser knows how to break a person’s spirit. And abuse knows no social or economic boundaries—it has no color, no class, no single face.
I prepare these courageous women for the Runway of Hope, where fashion meets compassion. This year, we are honored to have incredible designers like Diana Mahrach, Anne Fontaine, and Jovani Fashion dressing our survivors. For many of them, it will be their first time ever wearing a designer gown—a truly unforgettable and empowering experience.
I believe deeply in celebrating one another. The Runway of Hope is a true celebration of resilience, courage, and renewal. One of the most touching moments is when a survivor says to me, “For the first time in a long time, I feel confident and beautiful.” Hearing those words makes every ounce of hard work worthwhile.
Indira Cesarine: The proceeds from the event benefit organizations such as Safe Passage Heals and Hope’s Door New York. How do these organizations align with the Luisa Diaz Foundation’s mission, and how have they made an impact in the lives of survivors?
Luisa Diaz: These organizations align with the mission of the Luisa Díaz Foundation, as their work is dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse by healing and empowering women and children, enabling them to live new, safe, and productive lives.
Their programs offer comprehensive support, including counseling services for survivors and their children, as well as career counseling and empowerment initiatives that help survivors develop new skills, pursue meaningful employment, and rebuild their independence.
Many go on to start their own businesses, attend college, and create a brighter future for themselves and their families—reclaiming their lives with pride, resilience, and strength.
Indira Cesarine: As an advocate for survivors, what do you think are the most significant challenges survivors face when rebuilding their lives, and how does your foundation support them through this journey?
Luisa Diaz: One of the greatest challenges survivors face is financial instability. Many of these women may have once been living very comfortably—with homes, access to resources, and financial security—only to find themselves suddenly with nothing. Walking away from abuse often means walking away from the life they knew: their homes, their jobs, their support systems.
Abusers frequently control every aspect of their lives, especially finances, making it incredibly difficult for survivors to leave. Once they do, they’re forced to start over—often with no money, no credit, and no safety net. This economic vulnerability can be paralyzing and is one of the main reasons many survivors stay longer than they want to.
That’s why the work we do is so critical. Through our partnerships and empowerment programs, we provide survivors not only with emotional support, but also with the tools to rebuild their independence—whether it’s learning new skills, accessing education, finding employment, or launching their own businesses. True healing isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving.
Indira Cesarine: What role do you think the fashion and entertainment industries can play in supporting causes like those championed by the Luisa Diaz Foundation, and how does the MAG Gala reflect this collaboration?
Luisa Diaz: The fashion and entertainment industries hold tremendous influence—they shape culture, spark conversations, and capture the world’s attention. When these industries use their platforms to elevate meaningful causes, they can become powerful agents of change.
At the Luisa Díaz Foundation, we believe in the power of visibility and storytelling, and that’s exactly where fashion and entertainment come in. The MAG Gala is a perfect reflection of this collaboration. It’s where fashion meets compassion—a space where survivors wear designer gowns, walk the Runway of Hope, and are seen, celebrated, and uplifted.
By bringing together designers, celebrities, and media figures who stand for kindness and empowerment, we create a cultural moment that redefines beauty, strength, and worth. These industries have the ability not only to inspire, but also to normalize conversations around healing, resilience, and kindness. Because when we combine glamour with purpose, we don’t just make headlines—we make a difference.
Indira Cesarine: What do you hope the guests take away from the evening, both in terms of awareness and the impact of their support for the foundation?
Luisa Diaz: I hope our guests leave the evening not only inspired—but deeply moved by the strength and resilience of the survivors we serve. I want them to see that their presence, their support, and even their kindness have a real, tangible impact.
In terms of awareness, I hope they walk away with a deeper understanding that domestic violence and human trafficking don’t discriminate—they touch every community, every background. And while the stories are heartbreaking, they are also stories of hope, transformation, and courage.
Through the Runway of Hope, they’ll witness women who once felt invisible now stepping into the spotlight—radiating beauty, dignity, and self-worth. That moment changes people. It reminds us all that kindness is powerful, that healing is possible, and that we each have a role to play.
I also hope they feel inspired to lead their lives with kindness, and to embrace kindness as a strength—not a weakness. Because when we lead with compassion, we elevate not just others, but ourselves. I want every guest to leave feeling connected to the cause, knowing that their support is helping to change lives—and restore futures.
Indira Cesarine: Looking ahead, what are some of your long-term goals for the Luisa Diaz Foundation, and how do you envision continuing to inspire kindness and support survivors in the coming years?
Luisa Diaz: Looking ahead, my goal for the Luisa Díaz Foundation is to continue expanding the reach of our message: that kindness is cool, and that healing, dignity, and empowerment are possible for every survivor. A key part of this vision is our Kindness is Cool® PSA campaign, which brings together bold, influential voices to redefine kindness as strong, cool, and transformative.
Through this campaign, we’re not just raising awareness—we’re igniting a cultural shift. We want kindness to be part of the conversation everywhere—from red carpets to classrooms. That’s why I’m also working to bring the Kindness is Cool® movement into schools across the country. I envision programs from kindergarten through high school that teach young people to lead with compassion, empathy, and respect. Because if we can instill these values early, we’ll help shape a generation of leaders who understand that kindness is not just a virtue—it’s a way of life, and a powerful tool for lasting change.
Through education, advocacy, and continued support for survivors, the Luisa Díaz Foundation will continue to grow—not just as a nonprofit, but as a movement to build a more compassionate and empowered society. Our mission is not only to help survivors rebuild their lives—it’s to help shape a world where kindness is celebrated, lived, and passed on.
I hope you can join us in supporting a beautiful cause on May 6 at Cipriani 25 Broadway. We still have a few last-minute tickets available—don’t miss this unforgettable evening of kindness and impact! https://e.givesmart.com/events/HjP/
Kindness is Cool®—and it starts with you.
For more information on the Luisa Diaz Foundation and to secure your tickets for the 11th Annual MAG Gala, visit www.luisadiazfoundation.org/maggala2025.
PSA Credits:
Luisa Diaz: @luisadiaztv, Founder and CEO of Luisa Diaz Foundation, MAG Gala and the Kindness is Cool Movement #MAGGala
Agency: SEW Branded @sewbranded
Creative Director, Scott Woodward @scottwoodward
P.R. Anna Rothschild @arothschildpr
Candace Bushnell: @candacebushnell
Julia Haart: @juliahaart
Nicole Miller: @nicolemillernyc
Brandon Cole Bailey: @brandoncolebailey1
Nick Adams: @thenickadams
Patrick McMullan: @patrickmcmullan
Dina Lohan: @dinalohan
Aliana Lohan: @aliana
Hair Marco Maranghello: @marcomaranghello
Makeup Lorena Alvarez: @lorenaalvarezsh
Stylist Diana Mahrach @dianavasquezmahrach
