Medinova Annual Gala Dinner 2023
MediNova Annual Gala Dinner
2023
Our Annual Gala is a premiere event where an extraordinary array of individuals come together to make a difference in the lives of others.
When and where
Date and time
Wednesday, May 17 · 6 - 11pm EDT
Location
Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust 36 Battery Place New York, NY 10280 United States
How to get there
About this event
MediNova Annual Gala is a premiere event bringing together an extraordinary array of influencers and specially recognized physicians, attorneys, artists, entrepreneurs, corporations and other exemplary Caribbean public figures and their friends. MediNova is a 501(c)3 organization created for the advancement of Haitians founded in New York City in 2008. Since then, MediNova has successfully conducted medical missions to Haiti in partnership with the Haitian American Alliance (HAA), under the leadership of Dr. Henri R. Paul.
In recognition of our 13th year in operation, the theme for this year’s gala is “Hope within a Dream.” With five distinct honorees, a live-music performance and exceptional international cuisine, we expect this to be our biggest year ever! Our Annual MediNova Gala is more than just a party, it’s a gathering of friends and an evening dedicated to giving back. Our community of guests and supporters share common values, interests, and goals.
At this year’s event, we will be recognizing and honoring actress Erika Christensen, celebrity make-up artist Karen Dupiche, Dr. Susan Beane, an executive medical director at Healthfirst , Dr. Purna Atluri, a widely recognized and respected Gastroenterologist in NY, and designer Aisha McShaw.
Evening’s Program
Join Us
MediNova NY 2023 Honorees
A four time Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist for Outstanding Makeup for the ABC television daytime show “The View,” Karen’s talents continue to grace the world of television and print media daily as she is recognized as one of the most respected celebrity makeup artists in the industry.
Watching her parents work long days and nights to provide the best possible lifestyle for her and her three siblings, She attended Fairleigh Dickinson University to pursue a career in nursing where she maintained those same work ethics
Her success and talent has also allowed her to become one of the most sought after makeup artist for brides across the Globe. Karen and her team continue to travel locally, nationally and around the world working with brides and bridesmaids transforming them from ordinary to fabulous, all with a stroke of magic.
- Medical Services Award
Dr. Purna Atluri
University Hospital of Brooklyn
Grew up in Hyderabad, India. His school education was at All Saints high school in Hyderabad and at Andhra Loyola College in Vijayawada. He graduated from medical school at Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad in 1982, and immigrated to USA in 1987, where he started working at Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn.
Dr. Atluri started his solo Gastroenterology practice in 1996, which is still actively taking care of patients in Brooklyn. He has also worked as a Physician Specialist in the medicine department at KCHC until 2013. He has been a generous member of Sankara Eye foundation USA since 2004 and is a life trustee of the Telugu Literary Cultural Association, after having served as Vice Chairman for 6 years.
Dr. Atluri believes “in giving back to society, service to Humanity is service to God.”
- Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Susan Beane
HealthFirst
Dr. Beane joined Healthfirst in 2009, bringing with her extensive professional experience in managed care. As Executive Medical Director at Healthfirst, Dr. Beane focuses on transforming the delivery of care and optimization of medical outcomes through provider and community partnerships.
Her interest and passion are in collaboration across the healthcare delivery system to design and implement programs that improve access and equity for Healthfirst members and their communities.
Dr. Beane is a graduate of Princeton University and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Aisha McShaw is an American fashion designer, entrepreneur and public speaker from Mount Vernon, NY. In 2018, she took the fashion world by storm and made headlines during New York Fashion Week. She successfully launched her first collection through her company Aisha McShaw Designs.
Aisha always had a passion for creating and a keen sense for styling. After working in the financial industry for eleven years, she decided to invest wholeheartedly into her gift for fashion and design. She started by designing “made to order” items for several “A” list celebrities within the entertainment and political arena.
Aisha McShaw Designs has also been featured in several movies and Broadway productions. Aisha is widely recognized as a ceiling breaker for her innovative contributions to the fashion industry and her commitment to women equalities. When Aisha isn’t designing, she is active with her nonprofit organization entitled “Evolution of Love.”
Erika Christensen is one of the most talented actresses of her generation. She is currently starring in the upcoming ABC drama “Will Trent,” playing Detective Angie Polaski, a close friend, and on again, off again lover, of Trent. Detective Polaski is navigating life as a cop and wrestling with her own traumatic past. “Will Trent” marks a return to the network for Christensen, having previously starred in the ABC drama “Ten Days in the Valley” opposite Kyra Sedgwick and “Wicked City” opposite Ed Westwick.
More recently, Christensen appeared in the family drama “Cheaper by the Dozen” also starring Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff. The reboot was a big success and is currently streaming on Disney+. She also played a lead role in the well-received “The Case for Christ,” based on Lee Strobel’s best-selling book. Additionally, Erika Christensen notably appeared in the HBO Film “Confirmation,” detailing the Senate hearings that preceded the confirmation of Justice Clarence Thomas, and the testimony and allegations of sexual harassment submitted by law professor Anita Hill. Christensen plays Shirley Wiegand, fellow law professor and close friend of Hill.
In 2014, Christensen won a Gracie Award for her performance on “Parenthood”, an award that honors actor’s portrayals of characters, which support women in entertainment. She previously received the Spirit Award at the 2003 Annual Diversity Awards, an honor bestowed upon an actor who has demonstrated diversity in role choices during their career
Celebrate With Us
Past Annual Gala Gallery
Past Award Honorees
Steven Liverpool, MD
Yves Michel
Kurt Schmoke Esq
David Belle
Marie O. Etienne
(Model, Actress, Miss Haiti 2016, Miss Universe Runner-up)
Christal M. Jackson
Brent Shafer
Pascale Jean
Josette Cantave
Shelly McDonald-Pinkett, MD
Midwin Charles, Esq
J. Ganash Bhat, MD
Nirmal Mattoo, MD
Peter Mollica, MD