From fiercely maneuvering on the mats, a 23-year-old Olympic gymnast joined the ambassador roster for UNICEF this year. Born in New Jersey, the daughter of Puerto Rican parents boasts a diverse portfolio with US Gymnastics seasons, media appearances, and author experiences. Before her dedication to children’s welfare, she was also committed to Alzheimer’s awareness after the early passing of her grandmother.

Currently also continuing her degree, the former gymnast visited sites to further her pledge this year. Known to keep her beloved family close, she turned to her mother to attend an evening gala hosted by UNICEF.

Gymnastics icon puts on glitz and glamor shoes for UNICEF

A journey of inspiration and legacy in making, Laurie Hernandez, appeared in ‘Dancing with the Stars‘ right after her 2016 Rio Olympics appearance. While she has been a mental health advocate for a while it was only this year that she joined forces with UNICEF. As UNICEF hosted a gala in New York to celebrate the work and pay tribute to its humanitarians yesterday, Hernandez shared a picture on her Instagram posing at the venue with her mother.

The beautiful mother-daughter duo were all dressed up; Laurie donned a long floor-touching satin pleated dress with bold black heels and diamond earrings. Her mother wore a halter-neck detailed dress with silver and black heels. She captioned it, “Unicef gala with my mama tonight” with a blue heart.

The Dancing With the Stars champion’s first fieldwork and meeting took place in Darién, where UNICEF has launched initiatives to assist families and children who are on the move. In addition, after a personal loss in 2016, the gymnast also turned into an Alzheimer’s advocate.

Social cause and advocacy

Hernandez’s life underwent a period of sorrow when she had to say goodbye to her beloved grandmother. Later, she found comfort and meaning in working closely with the Alzheimer’s Association during this devastating loss. Spurred on by her own experience, Hernandez used her Summer Olympics “Final Five” image to join forces with the nonprofit organization.

READ MORE “What Were You Thinking”: Internet Response to Laurie Hernandez’s Mid-US-Open Existential Crisis Is Hilarious

As an Olympian athlete, she understood the importance of her own narrative and the platform it gave her. Driven by the desire to make an impact it’s interesting to note it’s a cause that remains close to her heart to date while she finds herself amid other major issues.

Watch this story From Olympic Gymnast To Feeding Baby: The Life Of A Coveted Gymnastics Champion As Mother