#AfroLatinasWhoRock Awards Brunch. Oct. 3. (Image: Ain’t I Latina?)

I’ve been sitting on this idea for a long time, but happy to introduce you all to the “Afro-Latinas Who Rock” Awards Brunch NYC. Held on October 3 at Taj Lounge, Ain’t I Latina? is hosting an afternoon of great food, amazing music and, of course, celebration. We couldn’t observe Latino Heritage Month without celebrating Afro-Latinidad, especially the mujeres doing it BIG.

With that being said, we’re highlighting five women that are doing great work in their respective industries and the community. Meet the honorees:

Zahira Kelly, sociocultural critic, artist and activist

Nadia Lopez, founding principal at Mott Hall Bridges Academy

Crystal Roman, founder and CEO of The Black Latina Movement

Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, president and founder of the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute

Seven Brown, founder of Harlem Skin & Laser Clinic, philanthropist and beauty expert

We’re also highlighting millennial Afro-Latinas in our People’s Choice category, which includes 20/20 Shift founder and career coach Ariel Lopez; Ada Washington and Sade Pizarro, founders and blogueras at AfroChicas; Casandra Rosario, founder of Food Before Love; Erica Nichole, creator of everythingEnJ and Love & Relationship Editor at xoNecole; and Ghislaine Leon, artist, activist and creator of Fearless Leon. Voting ends at 11:59pm EST on September 27.

Tickets are $45 and attendees will enjoy a soul food buffet and unlimited brunch cocktails, networking, an awards ceremony, powerful keynote address given by Nadia Lopez y más. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go toward our Mani Mamí initiative designed to gift women in Latin America with manicures and spa services, as well as the products to recreate the experience.

I can’t wait to see so many of you there! You can RSVP at bit.ly/AILAwardsBrunch.

Will we see you there? Let us know in the comments section below.