Meet Our
Local Stars.

LOCAL STAR | DANCING UNDER THE RAINBOW  2026

Claire Brower (they/them) is the Program Coordinator for the Pride Center of Atlantic City and Executive Director of Queer Headed.

With years of experience organizing and leading events throughout Atlantic City and the surrounding communities, Claire has dedicated their work to bringing people together, creating meaningful connections, and helping build welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.

Now, Claire is ready to step into the spotlight! As they take on the Dancing Under The Rainbow dance floor, they bring their passion for community, inclusion, and celebration to an exciting new challenge, continuing their mission of helping create a place where South Jersey’s queer community can truly feel at home.

LOCAL STAR | DANCING UNDER THE RAINBOW 2026

Nick Barbati is a familiar face in Atlantic City’s entertainment scene, best known for starring in the My Big Gay ItalianOff-Broadway productions at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. He was also a cast member of Finding Prince Charming, television’s first all-gay dating reality show.

An experienced event planner and longtime entertainment personality, Nick has spent years performing, producing, and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences. He also hosts a professional wrestling podcast, bringing his passion for entertainment and competition to everything he does.

Now, Nick is ready to take on a new challenge! As he steps onto the Dancing Under The Rainbow dance floor, he brings his love of entertainment, community, and competition while helping make a meaningful impact in the LGBTQ+ community.

LOCAL STAR | DANCING UNDER THE RAINBOW 2026

Dr. Jasmine Bauknight, MD is a board-certified orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon with Shore Physicians Group. Passionate about helping patients regain the use of their hands, she finds fulfillment in helping people return to the activities they love.

A proud graduate of Brown University’s undergraduate and medical schools, Jasmine completed her orthopedic surgery residency at Howard University and her hand and upper extremity surgery fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital. Originally from North Jersey, she has called South Jersey home for the past five years, with adventures taking her everywhere from Paris and Brazil to Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh.

Beyond medicine, Jasmine is a creative spirit who speaks four languages, plays multiple musical instruments, loves samba, and creates beautiful glass mosaic artwork. Her favorite pastimes include kayaking, beach days, karaoke, traveling, laughing, and spending time with her beloved dog, Archie, for whom she proudly serves as both emotional support human and social media manager!

Jasmine recently began studying salsa and bachata at Arlin’s Dance Spot, discovering the joy of expressing herself through movement while honoring the cultural history and spirit of resistance woven into Latin music. And why did she decide to learn to lead? Because she doesn’t like being told what to do!

Now, Jasmine is stepping WAY outside her comfort zone! After discovering Dancing Under The Rainbow through Arlin, she embraced the opportunity to take part in this exciting competition. Although she never imagined sharing the stage with international performers, she’s thrilled to challenge herself, celebrate community, and help raise funds for meaningful causes through the joy of dance.

LOCAL STAR | DANCING UNDER THE RAINBOW 2026

Alma Collins is a proud Latina, born and raised in Texas.

She attended the University of Texas at El Paso, where she was starstruck by the football team captain—a New Yorker with a powerful personality who stopped at nothing to make her his wife and take her back home with him. That man is Eric Collins, her husband of 38 years, who gave her two amazing sons, Eric II and Christopher, who inspire her every day. He also gave her New York City, where she lived most of her adult life.

Alma is a fashionista and a personal stylist with an addiction for running!

Her 35-year career in the hospitality industry flourished and strengthened through her work in lavish hotels in Texas, Florida, and New York. She relocated to New Jersey in 2019 and has been at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for seven years.

Alma was ecstatic when her friend Arlin, from Arlin’s Dance Spot, reached out and asked if she wanted to be part of Dancing Under The Rainbow this year.

She is deeply honored to be part of this special production and to offer her love and support to the LGBTQ+ community!

LOCAL STAR | DANCING UNDER THE RAINBOW 2026

Born in Waukegan, Illinois, and raised in South Jersey, James McMackin brings both heart and energy to Dancing Under The Rainbow! A proud dad of two teenagers (18 and 16) and two pups, Bane and Tinkerbell, James loves spending time at the beach, traveling, and staying active—interests that trace back to his childhood filled with sports.

With more than 30 years in the casino industry, James began his career at Trump’s Castle in 1993 and is now celebrating seven years with Hard Rock Atlantic City. Beyond the casino floor, James has also graced the stage in several of Anthony Wilkinson’s productions, proving he’s no stranger to the spotlight.

James returns to Dancing Under The Rainbow for his second year as the reigning 2025 Rainbow Crown winner! During last year’s production, he raised over $10,000, earning the coveted title of Top Fundraiser and demonstrating his incredible generosity and dedication to supporting the community.

Now, James is ready to bring that same passion and enthusiasm back to the dance floor, hoping to inspire even more support and make another unforgettable impact at Dancing Under The Rainbow™ 2026!

LOCAL STAR | DANCING UNDER THE RAINBOW 2026

Fabiha Gauhar is an accomplished gaming and hospitality professional with more than 11 years of experience in table games, player development, VIP relationship management, and casino operations.

Throughout her career, Fabiha has successfully managed and developed relationships with over 1,000 high-value players, building lasting connections while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Her expertise in player engagement, relationship marketing, and loyalty programs has contributed to customer retention, revenue growth, and outstanding service in the fast-paced casino industry.

Known for her strong communication skills, bilingual abilities, and leadership, Fabiha thrives in high-pressure environments. She is passionate about mentoring teams, building meaningful relationships, and creating premium VIP experiences that make every guest feel valued.

Now, Fabiha is bringing her energy, dedication, and passion for connecting with people to the dance floor as a Local Star in Dancing Under The Rainbow 2026. She is excited to be part of a production that celebrates individuality, brings people together, and supports the community.

LOCAL STAR | DANCING UNDER THE RAINBOW 2026

Born in Laos, Patty Luangaphay came to the United States in 1995 and has built a full, warm life here ever since. Those who know her see her love of life in everything she does, whether she’s on the dance floor, in the kitchen, or planning her next adventure.

Cooking is one of Patty’s great joys, and her home reflects the care she puts into it. She takes real pride in being a homemaker and creating a welcoming, loving space for her soon-to-be husband, Alan. Together, they share a love of travel, discovering new places, and enjoying good restaurants paired with a great bottle of wine.

Family is at the heart of Patty’s world. She is especially proud of her daughter, Samantha, who serves as General Manager of Kuro at Hard Rock Atlantic City. Samantha is a fitting reflection of the hard work, warmth, and appreciation that Patty has always shown.

As she begins this new chapter with Alan, Patty carries the same spirit that has guided her since her journey began in Laos: gratitude, generosity, and a joy for life’s best moments.

Now, Patty is bringing that love of life and adventurous spirit to the Dancing Under The Rainbow 2026 stage as one of our Local Stars, joining a celebration of community, individuality, and the joy of dance!

LOCAL STAR | DANCING UNDER THE RAINBOW 202

Help turn passion into purpose. Support Dr. Eileen Xu in Dancing Under The Rainbow™ 2026 as she dances to celebrate individuality, uplift others, and support the event’s beneficiary communities. Please consider donating to her fundraising campaign.

Click here to donate and support Dr. Eileen Xu⁠ 

Your generosity helps turn every dance step into meaningful community impact.

Dr. Eileen Romanillos Xu, DNP, MBA, MSN, HCM, RN, CLSSBB

Executive Nursing Leader | Nursing Quality & Performance | Business Strategy | Regulatory & Accreditation | Patient Safety | Healthcare Transformation | Humanitarian

For 27 years, Dr. Eileen Romanillos Xu has combined clinical expertise, business insight, and compassionate leadership to improve healthcare and strengthen communities. Grounded in humility, she believes leadership means listening, serving, and using her voice to advocate for others.

As Director of Nursing Outcomes and Performance, she advances quality, patient safety, evidence-based practice, and operational excellence. A Doctor of Nursing Practice–prepared executive and Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, she strengthens nursing policy governance, regulatory readiness, and collaborative decision-making.

Her accomplishments include helping lead nursing efforts that contributed to Joint Commission Health Care Equity Certification with zero findings. She also serves on a healthcare equity and inclusion council and co-chairs a nursing equity and inclusion committee, advocating for respectful care and supportive workplaces.

An educator and mentor, Dr. Xu teaches doctoral students at Misamis University, guides master’s-level nursing students at Grand Canyon University, and mentors local nursing leaders. As President of the Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey’s Atlantic, Cape May & Gloucester Subchapter for 2026–2028, she promotes professional development and supports internationally educated nurses transitioning into healthcare careers in the United States.

Her humanitarian work includes serving as a Project Prom Board Trustee and supporting educational sponsorships, school feeding programs, fundraising, and outreach in the United States and the Philippines. She also teaches catechism to children preparing for First Communion—a cherished expression of her faith.

Her honors include the PNANJ Nursing Excellence Nurse Leader Award, the Most Outstanding Cebuano Award for Healthcare & Community Service, the Distinguished Global Leadership Award, and the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Phenomenal Women Award. She serves as the 2026 Mrs. PAFCOM Ambassador for New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut and has been selected to receive an Organization of Nurse Leaders of New Jersey Nurse Leader Award in December 2026.

With the encouragement of her husband, Dr. Wei Xu, their children, Reina and Ryleigh, and supportive friends, she brings gratitude and heart to each endeavor.

Now, Dr. Xu is bringing that same dedication, compassion, and enthusiasm to Dancing Under The Rainbow 2026! As one of our Local Stars, she joins a celebration of individuality, inclusion, and community, demonstrating that making a difference can happen both through leadership and on the dance floor.

“I may not dance perfectly, but I dance with passion and purpose. What matters most is the connection we create and the support we bring to communities deserving of care, dignity, and opportunity.”

— Dr. Eileen Romanillos Xu

TOGETHER, WE CREATE IMPACT

Dr. Xu proudly joins these partners and featured beneficiaries in connecting creativity and inclusion with community service:

• Arlin’s Dance Spot — Production Partner
• Passion Project — Production & Community Partner
• The Pride Center of New Jersey — Community Promotional Partner
• Pride Center of Atlantic City — Featured Community Beneficiary
• South Jersey AIDS Alliance — Featured Community Beneficiary

Your support for Dr. Xu’s participation benefits the communities served by the event’s featured beneficiaries. Donate, cheer her on, and help turn a shared celebration into meaningful community impact.

LOCAL STAR | DANCING UNDER THE RAINBOW 2026

Lori Link is the co-owner of WiserLink Inc. Advertising and Public Relations, where she has provided outstanding creative services to Southern New Jersey clients for more than 20 years. With expertise in graphic design, art direction, and marketing strategy, Lori has worked with financial institutions, law firms, tourist destinations, and other organizations throughout the region.

A former cheerleader and current Zumba devotee, Lori is excited to bring her energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to the dance floor as she Dances Under The Rainbow in support of the South Jersey AIDS Alliance.

Lori is committed to sharing her time and talents with others. She teaches graphic design as an adjunct professor at Atlantic Cape Community College, serves on the boards of the South Jersey AIDS Alliance and Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point, and even takes charge of cookie sales for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop!

When she’s not working, attending a board meeting, or counting cookie boxes, Lori enjoys spending time with her daughter, Harbour, attending performances on Broadway and at the Gateway Playhouse, and getting together with friends and extended family.

After undergoing knee replacement surgery in 2024, Lori hopes her Dancing Under The Rainbow performance will demonstrate the power of determination and resilience. She’s ready to take the stage, celebrate the joy of dance, and make a meaningful difference for a cause close to her heart!