Hundreds of people took part in this year's Congreso Gala Latina, with its theme focusing on the costal town of Loiza, Puerto Rico. 

It was also a bittersweet farewell to former President & CEO Carolina Cabrera DiGiorgio, who resigned from her position to become the current Chief Legal Counsel to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection within Governor Josh Shapiro's administration.

Jannette Diaz, the new Interim President & CEO is embracing the new changes and challenges that come with the position. She grew up in North Philadelphia and remains connected to her roots. "It is truly a humbling experience to be a part of something so special - to be able to contribute to an agency with a strong purpose and vision in the very same barrio that I grew up in. I am home."

The traditional sound and dance of Bomba filled the ballroom with performances by Amigos de La Cultura, while the aroma of traditional foods from the island satisfied everyone’s pallets.

Amongst the crowd, we spotted Richard Negrin, Acting Secretary at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Rev. Bonnie Camarda, Director of Partnerships for the Salvation Army; Joanna Otero-Cruz, Executive Director and President of Women Against Abuse; and the Honorable Judge Nelson A. Diaz.

For more events happening within the Philadelphia region, go to www.aldianews.com.