National Hispanic Heritage Month is officially celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, and it highlights the incredible accomplishments that Hispanic populations have brought to American for decades. Although every day is a chance to highlight the work of individuals who are changing the world, today we want to acknowledge seven women who have made particularly strong impacts in their fields.
Selena Gomez
Recently named “The Tastemaker” in TIME’s “Firsts: Women Who Are Changing The World” issue, Selena Gomez is notable for more than just being the first person to reach 100 million Instagram followers. She has an inspiring career as a performer, actress, and entertainer, and has consistently used her position to speak up on behalf of other Latinas at the young age of 25.
Rita Moreno
How could we not include the first Latina to win an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony)? Her contributions to the arts will never been forgotten, as her work for decades has even led her to being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor granted by the President of the United States.
Salma Hayek
Actress, producer, model, and activist Salma Hayek is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. She gained fame for her Academy Award-nominating portrayal of Frida Kahlo in “Frida,” and has since continued her groundbreaking work throughout the arts. Her work has earned her spots in countless lists and recognitions, including the Harvard Foundation’s Artist of the Year, TIME’s Most Influential Hispanics, and Entertainment Weekly’s “25 Smartest People on TV.”
Geisha Williams
The Cuban-American businesswoman Geisha Williams is the first Latina to run a Fortune 500 company, as the CEO of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Her family came to America in 1962, and she has worked tirelessly to make ambitions that she didn’t even know she had make happen.
Sonia Sotomayor
When nominated for the Supreme Court by President Barack Obama, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Latina ever to achieve this. She has spent her entire life working to reform our justice system, and has been recognized for it with countless honorary law degrees, and the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Award from Princeton University.
Dolores Huerta
At 87 years old, Dolores Huerta is still actively fighting for the rights of Americans everywhere as an extension of her unbelievable life’s work. Her notable activism includes helping farmers gain better working conditions in California, for which she co-founded the National Farm Workers Association. She’s also continued lobbying for causes that help Hispanic and Latino populations in America, including allowing Californians to take their driver’s tests in Spanish.
Sandra Cisneros
The critically acclaimed author of “House on Mango Street,” a New York Times best seller, Sandra Cisneros is one of the most important Chicana writers of all time. Cisneros has been recognized for her unparalleled contributions to literature through several noteworthy awards and fellowships, including the MacArthur Genius Grant, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Medal of Arts.
[Feature Image by Unsplash]