Celebrating Hispanic and Latin Heritage: Unity, Icons, and the Road Ahead

Hispanic/Latin History Month is a time for all of us—whether we identify as Hispanic, Latin, or otherwise—to celebrate and understand the culture, the stories, and the incredible impact of our community. Representation is something that I am incredibly passionate about. It's not just about ensuring our voices are heard; it's about making sure everyone, including those who may not share our background, understands the importance of inclusion and the rich tapestry we contribute to society.

One thing that often comes up is the difference between Hispanic and Latin. These terms are not interchangeable—they carry distinct meanings that reflect the diversity within our community. Hispanic refers to people with a cultural connection to Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain and much of Latin America. On the other hand, Latin refers to people from Latin America, which means Brazilians are Latin but not Hispanic, while Spaniards are Hispanic but not Latin.

This distinction may seem minor, but it highlights the varied backgrounds we come from. Our community includes people with European, Indigenous, African, and Asian roots. We come in all skin tones, we may speak different languages or dialects, and we carry traditions passed down through generations that reflect this mix—from our music to our food. It’s this diversity that makes us unique and strong. And while we may look different from one another, what unites us is our deep love for our culture, our families, and our relentless commitment to hard work—and there's also a love of food, of course.

For those who are not Hispanic or Latin, it’s important to understand that our culture is not just one thing—it is a collection of diverse experiences that all come together with a common love for family, tradition, food, and an unyielding work ethic. Whether it’s a gathering that centers around a big, home-cooked meal or celebrating milestones with our loved ones, our emphasis on togetherness is at the heart of everything we do.

We are passionate people. We love fiercely and celebrate loudly, and when it comes to work, we don’t shy away from challenges. This passion extends into our contributions to society at large, whether in the form of building businesses, contributing to the arts, or advocating for our communities. Our culture teaches us to value hard work, honor our roots, and take care of those we love. These values resonate beyond our community—they are universal.

The Icons Who Inspired Me and the Power of Representation

Growing up, I craved seeing people who looked like me, people who succeeded despite the obstacles, and who celebrated their heritage openly. Icons like Rita Moreno, Cheeta Rivera, Linda Ronstadt, and Emilio and Gloria Estefan were those lights for me. They showed me that being Latina was something to be proud of, even when the spaces they occupied weren’t always welcoming.

Today, we see the incredible impact of people like Justice Sonia Sotomayor—her story from growing up in the Bronx to becoming a Supreme Court Justice is not just inspiring, it’s transformative. More recent figures like Jessica Alba, Soledad O’Brien, Zoe Saldana, and Gina Torres remind us that we can excel in business, entertainment, law, and beyond, and that our presence is needed. They each carry forward the message that representation matters, not just for us, but for everyone looking to understand the beauty and value of diversity.

Latino-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments in the U.S., driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. Yet despite our progress, there are still barriers—limited access to capital, underrepresentation in leadership, and fewer opportunities to expand our influence in corporate boardrooms and government roles. This is where representation comes in. Having a voice in leadership means not just advocating for our community but contributing to decisions that impact everyone. Diverse leadership leads to better ideas, more inclusive solutions, and progress that benefits us all.

When we talk about Latino economic power, it’s not just about numbers. It’s about the heart and hustle that define the Latino community. It’s about ensuring that future generations have the opportunities we’ve worked hard to create. Our growth benefits everyone, and the more inclusive we make our spaces, the better it will be for the economy, for innovation, and for society as a whole.

Honoring Our Icons, Our Diversity, and Ourselves

This Hispanic/Latin History Month, I honor those who came before us—the legends like José Celso Barbosa Alcalá, Julia Constanza Burgos García, Sylvia Rivera, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, or Luis álvarez who paved the way, and the icons today who continue to inspire us. Their stories are woven into the fabric of our culture, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles and that our successes are shared victories.

For those who may not share this heritage, I hope this month serves as an opportunity to learn, appreciate, and celebrate with us. Understanding our culture means seeing the beauty in our diversity—in how we look, how we speak, and how we live. It means acknowledging that we all have something to gain when we include and uplift every voice.

So, here’s to our past, our present, and our future. Here’s to celebrating our heritage not just with pride, but with a commitment to pushing for more. More representation, more opportunities, and more understanding. Because when we rise, we bring everyone with us. Let’s keep making space, keep building our own tables, and keep planting seeds for a more inclusive tomorrow. We deserve it, and so does the world.

Some Icons Past and Present to Know

The contributions of Latino and Hispanic icons have shaped industries, changed communities, and redefined what’s possible in the worlds of STEM, activism, and business. Their achievements reflect the resilience, creativity, and determination of a people who have long fought for their rightful place in every facet of society. These icons, through their groundbreaking work and unyielding spirit, not only uplift their own communities but also create lasting impacts that resonate globally. In this list, we celebrate 25 remarkable individuals whose legacies are defined by innovation, advocacy, and leadership, serving as beacons of possibility and progress for future generations.

STEM Icons

• Alberto Santos-Dumont - Brazilian aviation pioneer known for contributions to early powered flight.
• Carlos Juan Finlay - Cuban epidemiologist who discovered mosquitoes as vectors for yellow fever.
• Ellen Ochoa - The first Latina astronaut and former Director of the Johnson Space Center.
• France A. Córdova - Astrophysicist and former Director of the National Science Foundation.
• Franklin Chang-Díaz - NASA astronaut and physicist, founder of Ad Astra Rocket Company.
• Julio C. Palmaz - Inventor of the Palmaz Stent, advancing medical technology in cardiovascular health.
• Lydia Villa-Komaroff - Molecular biologist recognized for her work in biotechnology and insulin production.
• Mario Molina - Chemist and Nobel Prize winner for work on the effects of CFCs on the ozone layer.
• Nitza Margarita Cintron - The first person of Puerto Rican heritage to become a finalist of the NASA Astronaut Selection Program and the originator of the Biochemistry Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center.
• Yajaira Sierra-Sastre - Scientist selected from over 700 candidates for NASA’s Mars Analog Mission, contributing to space habitat research.

Business Icons

• Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa - Neurosurgeon and entrepreneur, known for his contributions to brain surgery.
• Arturo Moreno - Businessman and owner of the Los Angeles Angels, the first Mexican-American to own a major U.S. sports team.
• Jordi Mu?oz - Co-founder of 3D Robotics, a key player in making drone technology accessible.
• Nina Vaca - CEO of Pinnacle Group, advocate for Latina entrepreneurs and successful business leader.
• Sofia Vergara - Actress and co-founder of Latin World Entertainment, a leading Hispanic media company.

Activism Icons

• Antonia Hernández - Civil rights advocate and former president of MALDEF for almost 20 years, dedicated to civil rights issues.
• César Chávez - Civil rights leader and labor activist, co-founder of the UFW.
• Dolores Huerta - Labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), advocate for workers' rights.
• Emma González - Gun control activist and advocate for change following the Parkland school shooting.
• Gloria Anzaldúa - Scholar and cultural theorist known for her influence in Chicano and queer studies.
• José Andrés - Chef and humanitarian, founder of World Central Kitchen, providing disaster relief.
• María Teresa Kumar - Activist and CEO of Voto Latino, focusing on political engagement for the Latino community.
• Miriam Jiménez Román - Scholar and activist focusing on Afro-Latinx identity.
• Rigoberta Menchú - Guatemalan Indigenous rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
• Sylvia Mendez - Civil rights activist whose family’s case, Mendez v. Westminster, ended school segregation in California.

These 25 icons are just a few that remind us that representation matters—not just for the community they belong to but for the world at large. Their courage and accomplishments inspire us to strive for more inclusivity, innovation, and equality in every space. As we honor their contributions, we should ask ourselves: How can we continue to support and create opportunities for the next generation of Latino and Hispanic leaders who will shape our future?

Let’s continue celebrating Hispanic/Latin culture not just in months of recognition but every day by advocating for more representation, opportunities, and unity.