Cincinnati, July 15, 2026 — The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company stage transformed into a runway bursting with color, movement, and summer energy as the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), hosted Ritmo de Verano, a first-of-its-kind fashion show fundraiser celebrating Latin creativity and community.
The evening opened with a burst of rhythm. Inspired by the fluid motion of salsa dancing and the way summer fabrics come alive in motion, the show began with a lively salsa performance by Ricardo Ugas, President of LOEF Latino Young Professionals(LYP), and Marjorie Rodriguez Ramos, Aerospace Program Manager at GE and LYP member. Their performance set the tone for a night defined by joy, artistry, and cultural pride.
Following warm remarks from LOEF President Laura Moese and greetings from DAAP representatives and the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, the spotlight shifted to the heart of the event: seven Latin DAAP student designers debuting their summer collections. Under the guidance of master of ceremonies Felisa Insignares—owner of “Designer Items and More” and longtime LOEF supporter—each designer took the stage to introduce their work and share the inspiration behind their pieces.
The featured designers, Jens Arill, Emi Lopez, Lilian Lucero, Erick Mendizabal, Ella Signorille-Ramirez, Carlos Santizo Perez, and Lusayra Velasquez—who also coordinated the show—presented a vibrant and diverse collection that celebrated inclusivity and self-expression. Their designs ranged from streetwear for all genders and ages to cocktail dresses and swimwear, all crafted with summer in mind. Most importantly, the collections embraced the beauty of varied body shapes, sizes, and ages, reflecting a core value of the event: fashion is for everyone.
The final runway, showcasing the full combined collection, brought the audience to its feet. Models of all backgrounds and ages walked with confidence, embodying the spirit of the evening—community, creativity, and cultural celebration.
After the runway finale, guests flowed into an upbeat after-party featuring an open bar. DJ Milan Weaver kept the music flowing during the event, keeping the energy high and the celebration going well into the evening.
Behind the scenes, Ritmo de Verano represented months of dedication. More than 1,000 hours were invested by organizers, designers, and DAAP professors Z. Hoh (DAAP Coordinator), A. Kubley, K. Shin, and M. TenHave, , whose guidance shaped the collections showcased on the runway. Over 60 volunteers—ushers, models, stage managers, and many others—donated their time and talents to bring the event to life, including students from the University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University, Xavier University, Cincinnati State, and Lakota West High School. The models themselves committed countless hours to rehearsals, ensuring a polished and professional show. The volunteer team also included makeup artist Janelle Rios from Xavier University, whose work helped elevate the runway presentation.
The event also received generous support from community partners, including AJ Print for marketing materials, Torta Loca Bar and Grill and Valle Verde & El Asadero for food, Rhinegeist, OLA for usher vests. Elian Pulido, Camilo Idrobo and David Rosenthal were in charge of photography and video. Promotional videos and podcast coverage were provided by Michell Vazquez, helping amplify the event’s reach.
Ritmo de Verano was more than a fashion show—it was a celebration of Latin talent, a testament to community collaboration, and a joyful reminder of the vibrancy that emerges when art, culture, and purpose come together.