Photos: N'Kenge Foundation Hosts VIVA ITALIA Masquerade Gala
The special event took place on June 12, 2026.
On June 12, the N’Kenge Foundation presented Viva Italia!, a multi-layered gala experience where rising talent, cultural celebration, and philanthropic purpose converge in one unforgettable night. Throughout the night, guests enjoyed a three-course dining experience while sharing meaningful moments of artistry, inspiration, and community. The celebration featured live performances, special tributes, honoree presentations, and moments recognizing the next generation of rising talent.
About the N’Kenge Foundation
The N’Kenge Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth through arts education, mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and access to global cultural experiences. Through programs and initiatives that inspire artistic excellence and personal growth, the Foundation creates pathways for young people to develop their talents and pursue their dreams.
Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Juliana Dunn, N'Kenge and Maxwell Wissing
Matt Dillon,N'Kenge and some of the finalists of Are You The Next Showstopper
Rudaba Zehra Nasir and N'Kenge
Matt Dillon and N'Kenge
Matt Dillon, N'Kenge and Yoann Freeejay
N'Kenge and Yoann Freejay
Nia Pandey and Stephanie Rosenberg
Honoree Michael James Scott
Daniella Zebina Gavalas, John Gavalas, N'Kenge and Andrea Holmes Thompkins
Nia Pandey, N'Kenge and Leonid Gurevich
Yelena Kaminsky, Liat Ron and N'Kenge
Diana Mahrach and N'Kenge
Liat Ron and N'Kenge
Michael James Scott, Raya Mhajan and N'Kenge
Michael James Scott and N'Kenge
Michael James Scott and N'Kenge
Michael James Scott and N'Kenge
Michael James Scott, N'Kenge and Sally Wu
Chien-Kai Shih, N'Kenge and Sally Wu
Hisham Tawfiq and N'Kenge
Honoree Hisham Tawfiq and N'Kenge
Anzhelika Steen-Olsen, Hisham Tawfiq, N'Kenge and Matt Dillon
Diana Mahrach, Matt Dillon and N'Kenge
Stephanie Rosenberg and N'Kenge
Stephanie Rosenberg and N'Kenge
Stephanie Rosenberg, Anzhelika Steen-Olsen andN'Kenge
Sally Wu, N'Kenge, Xiao Winter and Jenny Jing Zhou
Alisa Clark, N'Kenge and Chiun-Kai Smith
Jun Wei and N'Kenge
Jahzara Martina and N'Kenge
Jahzara Martina, N'Kenge and Diana Mahrach
Chium-Kai Shih, Jahzara Martina, N'Kenge, and Diana Mahrach
Jahzara Martina
Romy Ron-Kushnick and Jahzara Martina
Liat Ron and Romy Ron-Kushnick
Michael James Scott and Family
Michael James Scott, Karen Scott and Jeremy Merriield
Mia Soleli Sanchez
Matt Dillon and Kenneithia M. Mitchell
Jahzara Martina
Jahzara Martina
Juliana Dunn
Hisham Tswfiq
Matt Dillon and N'Kenge
Michael James Scott and Matt Dillon
Michael James Scott, Matt Dillon and N'Kenge
Yoann Freejay
Yoann Freejay
