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For years, I was afraid of the blowback by my abuser if I went public about my history with him. Once I spoke with Luisa Diaz and her team, all of that dissipated. Throughout the preparation process, participating as a survivor model at the Mi Amor Gala's Runway of Hope in 2025, I felt anything but scared or hesitant. I felt empowered, strong, and finally, FREE of judgment and the opinions of others. Through the MAG Gala and the Runway of Hope, I met other survivors who have become lifetime friends and sisters. Luisa's guidance, coaching, and patience knew no bounds, and at all hours of the day or night she was there for us to answer any questions we had. Her empathy for us as survivors, her understanding of our (very strong) emotions, and her expertise on the runway culminated in me taking back my power and owning not just the runway, but also owning my new sense of self: Unapologetic and confident. I would recommend this experience to anyone thinking about it, as it will be a life-altering adventure you'll never forget. <3

Jennifer Tetefsky

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Wow! What can I say…..When I met Luisa I knew she is special. Luisa is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. The last couple of years have been difficult for me being a domestic abuse survivor. Luisa’s foundation gave me hope. Being part of such an amazing event gave me something to look forward too. It was an evening full of love and kindness. She made me feel confident, beautiful and strong. That’s something I haven’t felt in a very long time. That evening meant so much to me. I would have never experienced a gala; yet alone walk the runway of hope. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing event. It is something I will never forget. Luisa, ….I can’t thank you enough. You are an amazing person. Your kindness and generosity know no boundaries. You have changed my journey for the better. Kindness is cool!

Ann Hill

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The experience of Walking the Runway of Hope -after being pampered and poised in a beautiful gown, surrounded by supportive and loving beings, with the beautiful woman who experienced similar stories was empowering and hopeful. Most transformative was the feeling of community and care in raising our collective presence on that stage to take our power back. That inner knowing and guiding spirit of self confidence to not only prevail, but to thrive in overcoming the odds. A testament and reminder that you are worth it -these experiences don't define you, but they do help to shape who you become -you have something unique to share with the world. There is a better, richer life ahead. Reliving the shame of failure in a hurtful and cruel relationship was a difficult step in telling my story but I'm still dancing and celebrating like we did together knowing I'm on the other side- as a successful caring community member, artist, professor, and healer. So grateful to have this experience of transmutation with this community. Thank you Luisa!

Thea Lanzisero

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Hello Luisa,
I want to thank you again for giving me this opportunity to walk the Runway of Hope at your 2025 Gala at Cipriani’s in NYC.
This was an event that I will never forget!
It was such an honor to be such an integral part of the event. I never felt as heard/seen and as beautiful as I did that evening, from the preparation, makeup session, dress rehearsal and the event itself, from beginning to end!

And you Luisa, made me feel so comfortable during the whole process – you helped make me feel stronger, more beautiful and worthy like I have never felt before.
Kindness IS cool….and you my dear are the coolest 😊

Tami

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Participating in the Runway of Hope with Luisa Diaz was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, Luisa made me feel welcomed and seen—she was so kind and genuine, and her warmth put me at ease. The dresses we wore were absolutely beautiful, and for the first time in a long while, I felt beautiful.

I was so scared and nervous before stepping onto the runway. I questioned whether I could really do it. But when it was my turn, I took a deep breath, walked with all the strength I had, and completed the walk. I was proud of myself. I hope I represented all the ladies well.

What made it even more powerful was being surrounded by other survivors. We encouraged one another, shared stories, and most importantly—laughed and had a great time. That sense of sisterhood and support carried me through the evening. It reminded me that I'm not alone—and that hope and courage is within all of us- if we can just hold on.

I humbly thank you for the experience

Betty Koshy

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Dear Luisa,

First, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude for allowing me the opportunity to intern with the Luisa Diaz Foundation. It is truly an honor to be part of an organization rooted in purpose, compassion, and healing. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to survivors and for creating a safe and empowering space where voices that have long been silenced are finally heard and uplifted.

The work you’re doing is not only inspiring but also transformative. Through your vision and leadership, you are changing lives, restoring hope, and reminding survivors that their stories matter. You are helping to break generational cycles of pain and trauma, and replacing them with resilience, strength, love, healing and dignity. Your commitment to this cause is an inspiration of light for so many and including myself, and I feel truly privileged to contribute to this mission under your guidance.

Being part of the MAG Gala event for the first time was a deeply emotional and personal experience for me. It brought me back to my own dark childhood moments and reopened wounds that looked closed but had never truly healed. Beneath the surface, the pain was still there, waiting to be acknowledged.

That night, I was overwhelmed with emotion because I, too, am a survivor of sexual, mental, and emotional abuse. For much of my life, I wasn’t given the space to tell my story or the environment to begin healing. As a result, this unknown, untold, and unseen part of my life has haunted me for years and became an imposing black shadow. A black shadow that has held me back from experiencing life, love, and relationships to their fullest potential and because of my childhood experiences, safety became the most important thing I sought in everything I did. Even a moment of feeling safe just a few minutes in someone’s presence could feel like a lifeline. In my search for safety and stability, I often found myself overextending my stay in environments and relationships that were ultimately harmful. I clung to anything that felt safer than the chaos I had once known. That survival instinct, though once necessary, sometimes led me into the wrong hands and only deepened the emotional wounds I carried. I became an emotionally numb soul, not by nature, but by force. I’ve felt like an absent living soul: physically present, but emotionally and mentally fading, little by little. But through this experience with the foundation, I’ve begun to feel a spark again with a glimpse of what healing and hope can look like.

I’m deeply thankful that I was able to contribute to the Mag Gala, not just as an intern, but as someone who deeply understands the pain and silence so many survivors carry. Being involved in such a powerful and moving event reminded me that I am not alone. It gave me a sense of belonging and strength, and for the first time, I felt that even my pain had purpose.

I hope to continue this journey of healing and growth, and to one day find the courage and support I need to fully share my story. I believe that I can help others who are living with the weight of their own hidden pain from the untold, unknown, and unseen stories that are still waiting to be acknowledged and healed.

Again, thank you, Luisa, for believing in this mission, and for being a living example of compassion in action. You are making a difference in ways that go far beyond words. I hope to no longer let the untold, unseen, and unheard story of my life turn me into the imposing shadow of an emotionless, absent woman.

Catherina