Billboard’s Leila Cobo Honored by Fashion 4 Development: ‘Together, We Can Make Tangible Change’
Categoria: Musica
Billboard's co-chief content officer, presented by actor/singer Anthony Ramos, was recognized for preserving Latin culture through music.
Por Billboard | 22/09/2026
Leila Cobo, co-chief content officer for Billboard , was recognized Tuesday (Sept. 22) by Fashion 4 Development for preserving Latin culture through music. Cobo was part of a group of honorees including Veronica Berti Bocelli, vice chairman and co-founder of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation for Betterment of Humanity; late fashion designer Oscar de la Renta; and media mogul and philanthropist Ted Turner. Cobo accepted the honor at F4D’s 14th annual Official First Ladies Luncheon on Tuesday, celebrated during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. “My longtime mission has been to highlight the achievements of Latin-centric artists and creatives, particularly in music, showcase their talents to the world and serve as a bridge between cultures,” Cobo said upon receiving the award at The Pier hotel in New York City, after an introduction from actor and singer Anthony Ramos. “Getting this recognition from Fashion 4 Development, an organization whose core is global development and promoting cross-cultural understanding, makes me immensely proud, and reinforces what I have long known: Together, we can make tangible change.” Evie Evangelou, founder and president of Fashion 4 Development, said: “Preserving culture has been one of my personal goals throughout my career. It is so important to honor and protect our heritage and identity — not only for our ancestors and ourselves, but for future generations. Leila Cobo embodies this mission beautifully through her work to preserve and celebrate Latin culture through music.” Co-hosted by Evangelou and Dame Amanda Schumacher — founder and CEO of the Tree of Life Foundation International, chair of the Red Cross Ball and member of the Chairman’s Circle for the Red Cross — the luncheon honored the unprecedented collaboration between diplomacy and fashion. “Reaching our 14th First Ladies Luncheon is a meaningful milestone and a powerful reminder that fashion is far more than what we wear,” Evangelou stated. “It is a force for culture, opportunity, and global development. What began as an opportunity to bring people together and support the UN Goals has grown into an internationally recognized platform that celebrates shared accomplishments, strengthens connections, and inspires meaningful social change for humanity.” Schumacher added: “We share a fundamental belief: Meaningful change happens when leaders across cultures, industries, and communities come together with a common purpose. Together, we are creating a world where ideas become connections, connections become collaborations, and collaborations have the potential to create lasting impact for generations to come.” Among the highlights of the event was a special fashion presentation by Oscar de la Renta, one of this year’s distinguished tribute recipients, whose enduring legacy at the intersection of fashion and philanthropy was celebrated throughout the occasion. The recognition was accepted by Alex Bolen, C