An auction featuring customized stilettos representing women will help celebrate the inauguration of the new Torres Multicultural Communications facility, which is where research and art meet.

TMC’s first exhibit, Chingona Soles, will be held in TMC’s Luna Culture Lab located at 801 E. Washington Street on this April’s First Friday. Speeches from City Council Members Michael Nowakowski, Kate Gallego, Congressman Ruben Gallego and TMC CEO and President Tania Torres will follow the ribbon cutting ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

Luna Culture Lab is an added gallery to the established marketing, public relations, advertising and media buying company TMC. The company will now conduct its own research through art exhibitions.

There are over 80 submissions of these “Chingona Soles” and the customization goes beyond colors and prints. Several of the stilettos have incorporated flowers, a boxing ring, extra arms and legs.

The word “chingona” in Spanish is a controversial word.

“A women who knows what she wants and is afraid to go get it. Stands in her power, is confident yet kind,” Mary McEvilly-Hernández told TMC is what it means to her.

That is the message the stilettos are trying to convey and all proceeds will go to Dress for Success Phoenix, an organization that provides professional attire and career development tools to struggling women.

A portrait series of Phoenix trailblazers and their mentees will also be on display.

“We are exhilarated to celebrate this meaningful moment for TMC with our fabulous clients, supporters, friends and family. As with anything we do, this building is crafted with passion and dedication, the same way we tackle our clients’ projects. We are excited to be part of the downtown community.” Torres said.