Lionel Messi, born in 1987, stands as a well-known and respected Hispanic soccer player. Messi began practicing soccer at the age of four in the streets of his hometown, Rosario, Argentina. Growing fond of the sport, Messi joined his first club, Grandoli, hosted by his father, Jorge Messi.  

At 10 years old, Messi received a Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) diagnosis, a condition causing metabolic issues and a shorter stature. At 13, Messi moved to Barcelona with his family after Futbol Club (FC) Barcelona’s youth academy agreed to pay for his GHD treatment. The team felt delighted with this decision, as Messi (10) became the youngest player to score for FC Barcelona. 

“Messi is one of the most amazing soccer players I have ever seen. I just love his hair and his style and his aura. His playing on teams is life-changing, and I feel like the world should know his skills. When I watch him in action, I feel inspired,” senior London Sonia Gammon said. 

Although Messi’s stature reached the height of 5’7”, his strong, well-balanced and versatile style of playing allowed him to win over two dozen league titles and tournaments throughout his 17-year career. Not only did Messi classify as the all-time leading scorer in La Liga with 474 goals, but he also won 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, four Champions League crowns and a record of eight Ballon d’Or awards.

Overall, Messi remains influential in Argentina and across the globe with his hard work and determination leading to discipline and success. Messi not only left an impact on the sport of soccer but also on the Hispanic community. Messi serves as a symbol of pride among immigrant communities and has piqued the interest of the younger generations in soccer. 

Pablo Picasso, born in Spain in 1881, strongly influenced art during the 20th century. At 10 years old, Picasso’s father, José Ruiz Blasco, began to teach him to draw. Throughout his childhood, Picasso attended several art schools until his artistic skills reached unprecedented levels. At 15, Picasso earned an honorable mention in Madrid at the Fine Arts Exhibition for his painting. 

“I like the abstractness of Picasso’s art. It really represents a deeper meaning; it shows the world through his eyes, and the way he represents it is quite beautiful. I think art is really important because it gives a way for people to express themselves beyond words and music. Some people just aren’t gifted in those ways, so it’s nice to actually put your hands to a piece of paper and show people, visually, how you’re feeling or what you think,” junior Garcia Mateo Turner said. 

In his adulthood, Picasso created several lasting periods throughout his art. Before he struck up Cubism, Picasso’s artwork endured several styles: realism, the Blue period and the Rose period. These periods included unique works that followed a specific theme, each corresponding to Picasso’s emotions and life circumstances. The Blue period, dating from 1901 to 1904, used a predominantly blue and cool-toned palette, focusing on somber paintings that exemplified poverty, sickness and the less fortunate. 

The Rose period followed from 1904 to 1906, presenting warmer tones, as its name suggests. This period remained optimistic with a pink palette, representing Picasso’s happiness throughout his relations with Fernande Oliver. Finally, Picasso created Cubism, an art movement consisting of deconstructed objects in various forms. Cubism represents multiple viewpoints at once and how perspective varies from person to person. 

Picasso enjoyed working with different media throughout his life, mastering them one at a time. From paintings to ceramics to lithographs, Picasso’s works demonstrated a fusion of modernity and tradition. In 1973, Picasso passed, but the impact his work left on art remains prominent today, as his groundbreaking art inspired Latin American artists to incorporate their culture into modern art.

Born in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1971, Selena Quintanilla became a cultural icon who elevated Tejano music to new heights. She broke industry barriers as a Mexican-American woman and left behind a legacy that transcends music, fashion and identity.

 Quintanilla, the “Queen of Tejano Music,” rose to international fame by blending traditional Mexican tones with mainstream pop. Her artistry, perseverance and cultural pride continue to inspire generations who see her not only as a groundbreaking musician but also as a symbol of resilience and hope.

“Selena is a role model for many Mexican girls. She has paved the way for many new artists, which proves she is an icon in the Hispanic music industry. She is my idol and a queen who continues to live in my heart,” senior Maria Casanova said.

Known for her pioneering art style tied with her unabashedly androgynous and Hispanic identity, Frida Kahlo defines early-mid 20th-century visual art. The Mexican artist began painting in 1925 following a bus accident that left the then-18-year-old practically immobile. Kahlo created nearly 150 paintings before she died in 1954. Of these works, roughly a third depict self-portraits. Although art critics did not substantially interact with her pieces before the 1970s, she left an indelible impact on history, both for her unique art style and its leanings on her heritage.

“I really like her painting ‘Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird’ because we get to see how Kahlo views herself and how she sees her personal identity in tandem with her cultural identity. Her art was a visual representation of her experiences and background. It’s really cool that we get to see what was going through her mind when she was painting,” magnet senior Marielle Parker said.

Kahlo could not separate heritage from her work. Her interest in traditional Mexican culture came through in the folk motifs she used, the clothing she depicted and the mythology she felt inspired by. Her art provided her with an opportunity to express a cultural pride perhaps less accessible in everyday life. As a feminist, her relationship with the culture also empowered her. Through depictions of cultural dress and tradition, Kahlo challenged the gender norms imposed by post-colonial patriarchy.

Though the average Joe likely knows Kahlo for works such as “The Two Fridas” (1939) and “Self Portrait with a Thorn Necklace and a Hummingbird” (1940), lesser-known creations, including her still life paintings, showcase not only her culturally revolutionary actions, but her stylistic ones. By blending European painting techniques and styles with the Mexicanidad movement’s motifs and traditional folk art, Kahlo carved a new niche in the art world, which she upholds to this day.

Eva Perón created a name for herself as an Argentinian political leader. As the wife of Juan Perón, the president of Argentina from 1946–1952, she created the Eva Perón Foundation, establishing hospitals, schools and orphanages with the hopes of improving the quality of life for those in poverty. Perón received admiration from her working-class followers and left her mark through her support of Argentina every step of the way. To this day, Perón remains a powerful influence in Argentinian politics. Perón’s story continues to inspire art, books and other media. Among these works, her likeness appeared in a 1996 film adaptation of the musical “Evita,” created in her honor.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the American farm labor system watched as one man led a revolution that improved the lives of millions of immigrants. Cesar Chavez founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, and the union slowly grew into a force of nature as members signed contracts with farms across the American West Coast. Among his plethora of successes as a union leader, Chavez spearheaded the Delano grape strike. This strike, among the other nonviolent acts of resistance performed by the union, precipitated laws that supported union members and industry regulations that significantly improved the lives of these workers.

“Yes, I do feel like Caesar Chavez’s work as a union leader remains impactful. As he highlighted a community that was unrecognized, underappreciated and mistreated. Not only did he act as a voice for the concerns of the individuals within this community, but he also fought for more equal, sufficient treatment of these agricultural workers. I think that the fight for fair treatment is never necessarily over, as someone will always act as though they are above somebody else. Though that is certainly not the case,” magnet senior Bryce Nichols said.

As a Hispanic American who grew up as the son of two farmers, Chavez’s cause sat close to his heart. Opportunities rarely extended far for Hispanic Americans due to America’s racist social structure, and that scarcity created a space where wealthy farms could overwork and underpay immigrant workers. As Chavez noticed his friends and family experiencing these issues, he felt inspired to fight for the rights of laborers.  He gained clarity on his methods by learning about Mahatma Gandhi’s peaceful protests in India, and the anti-violent strategy firmly ingrained itself in his mind.

Chavez left his mark on history by not simply improving the lives of multitudes of laborers, but setting a precedent for nonviolent resistance which unions continue to use successfully. His dedication extended beyond union power to his own hunger fasts and personal convictions, and that experience empowered the unprecedented wins that farm workers across America benefit from today.

Beginning his career in Mexico as an on-air reporter for “Televisa,” Mexico’s popular news segment, Jorge Ramos stands as an influential figure within the Hispanic community. Ramos followed his passion for journalism to the Ibero-American University in Mexico City, Mexico, to earn his bachelor’s degree in communications, and he later attended the University of Miami to receive his master’s degree in international studies. 

“Since he’s a news journalist, I think that he would contribute [to the] spread of information about Hispanic Heritage month. Because many Hispanics cannot [advocate for their community], he is able to step out and represent everyone. He’s got a different outlook that other people might want to look into,” magnet sophomore Daniella Amuri said. 

Throughout Ramos’s career as a journalist, he advocated for undocumented immigrants. His protests include when the White House tried to remove Ramos from a press conference, in which he tried to question Donald Trump’s controversial stance about immigrants in the U.S.. In addition to similar actions, Ramos earned the trust of millions of Latinos through his ability to ask and answer heavy political questions. 

Ramos’s desire to report on worldwide issues led him to receive various positions within different news outlets. He initially explored the realm of journalism on “Televisa,” but eventually moved to the U.S. and hosted Univision’s morning show. Due to his outstanding performance, “Noticero Univision” quickly promoted Ramos to the national news anchor position, which led him to become the face of the Hispanic community. 

Shortly after appointment as a national news anchor, Ramos created his own morning show titled “Al Punto” while simultaneously writing books and advocating for Latino literacy. Unfortunately, Ramos’s time on “Noticero Univision” came to an end in December 2024, after 40 years of reporting and advocacy. The journalist stepped down from his role as a news anchor, but continued to post on social media for his series “Asi Veo Las Cosas.” This outlet allowed him to highlight his belief that real journalists never retire. 

Roberto Clemente remains a highlighted figure within the Major League Baseball (MLB) kingdom as his power on the field captured his motivated spirit, proudly representing his Hispanic community. Born August 18, 1934, in Barrio San Anton, Puerto Rico, Clemente began his baseball career at only 17 years old. 

Clemente started off playing for the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League at 17, and shortly after, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed him to play for their Triple-A team in Montreal. Excelling in athletics, Clemente brought representation to the Latino community through his countless record-breaking achievements on and off the baseball field. 

“I really believe that Clemente, being one of the first Hispanic baseball players to go professional, is incredibly impactful. It gives Latinos pride and hope that all minorities can achieve what they put their mind to. His overall success in MLB opened doors that I believe weren’t open for all Hispanics in professional sports,” magnet senior Mia Diaz said. 

Unfortunately, after an attempt to take Clemente off the Dodgers’ big league roster, Clemente signed to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates and left his former team behind. This moment forced Clemente to slow down since he encountered harsh injuries physically and exhaustingly battled the language barrier. Despite his circumstances, Clemente’s opportunities skyrocketed while playing for the Pirates. 

His time on the team led him to help the Pirates defeat the Yankees in 1960, and he gained the series’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in his late 30s. Clemente also earned his 3,000th career hit in late 1972 — becoming the 11th player to reach the milestone and receive a spot in the Hall of Fame. Clemente’s achievements brought immense representation to the Puerto Rican community, and his legacy continues to live on in young, passionate baseball players.

In 1989, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen became the first Hispanic and Cuban-American woman in Congress after serving in the Florida state government for nearly three decades. Born July 15, 1952, she spent her early childhood years in Havana, Cuba. At the age of eight, she and her family fled to Miami, Florida, where she attended Miami-Dade Community College, earning an Associate of Arts degree. Her education inspired her to pursue a career as a teacher and later, a principal. Her leadership roles in public education encouraged her to increase her political knowledge and involvement. She hoped that her role as a political figure could help fight for increased economic opportunities for immigrants, lower taxes and a stronger educational system.

Ros-Lehtinen first served in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican in 1986, then later in the Florida Senate in 1996. During her time in the state government, Ros-Lehtinen worked to ensure that all Floridian students possessed access to scholarships and tuition grants for college and other higher-education opportunities. As a congresswoman, she frequently advocated to grant a wider range of students to have access to federal financial aid, as well as college opportunities for veterans when they returned from service. 

“Hispanic women in political positions provide diversity within political roles. This can ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, regardless of their race or gender. It creates an inclusive system in which they can inspire future generations of young women to break barriers that have been placed against certain races and genders. Bringing Hispanic women into office can bring attention to issues that affect communities, such as the barriers against immigrants and reproductive rights,” magnet sophomore Loriley Meraz said.

Throughout her career, she expressed her extreme opposition towards dictatorships and openly shared the negative effects totalitarian governments left on her, her family and her friends. Not only did she speak up against the authoritarian regimes in South America, but she also continually advocated against oppressive governments across the globe. Continuing to break barriers, Ros-Lehtinen led the way as one of the first Republicans to support marriage equality, and she frequently promotes acceptance toward the LGBTQ+ community. Known for her work on behalf of women, particularly in the military, she wanted to create recognition for women who served as pilots in World War II through the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots award. 

Despite her retirement, Ros-Lehtinen continues to sponsor the Violence Against Women Act, which provides resources to women who have suffered from domestic abuse or violent acts against them. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen paved the way for women of all colors, backgrounds, shapes and sizes, hoping to run for office and continue to shape and inspire the diverse community of the U.S. political, social and economic climate. 

Known for his significant contributions toward the discovery of elementary particles, Luis Alvarez played a major role in the World War II Manhattan Project, the physicist’s research and aviation innovations. Born of Spanish descent June 13, 1911, in San Francisco, California, Alvarez spent his childhood fascinated by science, chemistry and electrical circuits. At the age of 21, Alvarez attended the University of Chicago, earning his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. in physics. In 1936, he joined the Radiation Laboratory of the University of California. Early in his scientific career, he worked in the field of optics and cosmic rays, co-discovering the “East-West effect,” which explains how cosmic rays tend to enter Earth’s atmosphere from the west rather than from the east. At the beginning of World War II, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology recruited him, and they entrusted him with the responsibility of three vital radar systems: the microwave early warning system, the Eagle high-altitude bombing system and a blind landing system (GCA, or Ground-Controlled Approach). While working in the laboratory, he developed the detonators for setting off the plutonium bomb — the same type that would later drop on the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. 

“Diversity in science can help prevent gender disparities within data, such as general sleep recommendations that don’t apply to both genders, like eight hours being recommended for everybody, despite women needing more. Also, illnesses relating to the skin look different based on the tone, so diagnosis could be improved, too. It also prevents systemic racism and sexism due to symptoms being written off by doctors and insurance,” magnet sophomore Sara Dejarnnette said.

After the war, Alvarez returned to California and dedicated his life to the study of elementary particle physics. In 1968, he earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his research involving a hydrogen bubble chamber, which detects and traces the paths of subatomic particles. He later served as an advisor on the investigation regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He developed his best-known theory that a giant asteroid caused the extinction of the dinosaurs alongside his geologist son, Walter Alvarez. This left a tremendous impact on the way scientists understand mass extinctions and geological history. He passed away due to cancer at age 77 on August 31, 1988, but his achievements highlight the significant contributions of Hispanic scientists and physics and provide a sense of pride and inspiration for the Hispanic community.

Mario Fortino Alfonso Moreno Reyes, later known as Cantinflas, rose from humble beginnings in Mexico City to become one of Latin America’s adored comedians and actors. Renowned for his quick wit, physical comedy and ability to address social issues through humor, his films reflected the challenges faced by the working class, earning him international recognition and cementing his legacy as a symbol of Mexican culture. Cantinflas also utilized comedy as a vehicle for social commentary, expressing everyday struggles while shaping the landscape of Mexican and international cinema. 

“He was an internationally recognized icon. A great actor, a unique comedian in his style. He was the inventor of the cantinflear, a device that allowed one to speak without saying anything, yet with personality and a lot of presence. He has impacted the culture after his characters representing the Mexican people, addressing social issues with humor, which created a deep connection with the public,” NC parent Laura Aquino said. 

When discussing current Mexican futbol, one name comes to mind: Guillermo Ochoa. Also known as “Memo Ochoa,” the legend acts as a goalkeeper for the Mexican national team as well as Cypriot First Division club Athlitiki Enosi Lemesou (AEL) Limassol. Ochoa’s career allows him to perform on pitches all across the world, including France, Russia and Qatar.

Ochoa debuted with Club América during the Clausura tournament in 2004 to replace his injured teammate, Adolfo Ríos. On the team, Ochoa quickly proved himself as a leader and dominant keeper, earning the “Rookie of the Tournament” award. A year later, he won his first championship during the Clausura season. In 2005, Ochoa won Campeón de Campeones and in 2006,the Concacaf Champions’ Cup with Club América. Within the first years of Ochoa’s professional career, he earned back-to-back Golden Glove awards for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. In 2007, he served as a candidate for the Ballon d’Or, an extremely prestigious fútbol award. After seven years playing for Club América and showing excellent skills, Ochoa signed a contract with Ajaccio Football Club (FC) for three years and debuted for the club August 5, 2011. From the beginning of his career, Ochoa represented a well-known athlete and highly honored player. 

“I’ve known about Ochoa since the 2014 World Cup. When I think about him, “no era penal” comes to mind from the 2014 World Cup match. I 100% think playing for your national team invokes national pride, like playing for your club and country are two different things,” junior Josh Nkambi said.

Ochoa also secured a spot in numerous other clubs, including Málaga, Granada, Standard Liège and Salernitana. He received immense recognition for starting at keeper for the 2022 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup, showing excellence and skill in several ways. He displayed his skill through plays such as saving a penalty against world-class Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski and strong defense against the Netherlands in a tight matchup. Ochoa could not lead the Mexican national team to a championship in the 2022 World Cup, but he gained significant praise and achieved widespread fame outside of his home country. 

As a celebrated goalkeeper, Ochoa brought pride to his home country of Mexico by leading his team on the international stage while shedding light on the vital culture built around soccer in Latin America and Hispanic communities, a culture typically looked down upon. Playing on an international stage, Ochoa inspires younger players from all around the world, especially young Latinos, to pursue and chase their dream of playing professionally.

From “Modern Family” to “Machete Kills”, Colombian-American actress Sofia Vergara’s stardom shines. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia July 10, 1972, Vegara’s lengthy career began at age 17 on a beach in Colombia when a photographer approached her and convinced her to model. Before this favorable occasion, she planned to pursue dentistry, but quickly changed her mind at the newfound opportunity. Vergara debuted as host of a Colombian TV show until her brother’s tragic passing in 1998, after which her family relocated to Miami.

Once in the U.S., Vergara hosted a Spanish game show, “A Que Qo te Atreves,” which translates to “I Dare You.” Vergara slowly began earning miniature roles in American movies and shows, for example, in “Chasing Papi,” where she played a girlfriend of Thomas Fuentes. At the start of her career, Vergara also earned supporting parts in shows such as “Four Brothers,” “Meet the Browns” and her Broadway debut in a revival of “Chicago.” Vergara’s grand break came in 2009, when she joined the cast of “Modern Family” playing Gloria Delgado. The show rapidly rose to fame, developing a vast audience and allowing Vergara to earn four Emmy Award nominations for the title of “Supporting Actress in a Comedy.” After Vergara’s career-defining role in Modern Family, she pursued other opportunities such as playing Madame Desdemona in “Machete Kills,” Daniella Riva in “Hot Pursuit” and voice acting as Flamenca in “The Emoji Movie.” She later earned another Emmy nomination for her starring role in the biopic “Griselda.” In 2020, she shifted from performing in front of an audience to judging performances on “America’s Got Talent,” representing the wisdom and knowledge she has acquired through her years working as an actress.

“I think Sofia Vergara is a name known by a vast majority of Hispanics. I learned about her career for the first time because of her acting in Modern Family and how famous she is for many movies. In my opinion, she is a huge representation of Hispanic women and in shows and movies. Partly because, in my opinion, she was one of the first Hispanic women to land larger roles in television,” junior Alonso Guevara said.

In addition to acting, Vergara maintains a business by co-owning a talent management firm, Latinwe, and she has led the Forbes list as the highest-paid female actor for seven years. As a Colombian-born woman, Vergara serves as an inspiration to Latina women inside and out of the entertainment industry. She highlights Latino cultures and dynamics across television while proving Latina women possess the ability to embody both comedic and commanding traits. Vergara serves as a symbol of hardworking, persevering and strong Latina attitude in Hollywood to women across the globe.

Born October 13, 1989, in Bronx, New York, to Sergio Ocasio-Roman, a second-generation Bronxite of Puerto Rican descent, and Blanca Ocasio-Cortez, hailing from Puerto Rico, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez began life in a working-class family that treasured education. In 2011, Ocasio-Cortez graduated from Boston University with a degree in international relations and economics. Three years prior, Ocasio-Cortez’s father died of lung cancer, putting a significant financial strain on her mother. Post-graduate, Ocasio-Cortez worked for a non-profit organization, the National Hispanic Institute (NHI), and worked as a bartender and waiter, endlessly attempting to pay off her student loans, cover $200 for the Affordable Health Care Act health insurance and support her mother. 

In 2016, Ocasio-Cortez aided U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’ campaign for the presidency. During the cross-country trip, Ocasio-Cortez experienced exposure to challenges such as lead poisoning in water, protests against building oil pipelines on ancestral and Indigenous treaty lands and a head-on view of U.S. citizens’ stances on politics, the environment and their American rights. This trip, according to Ocasio-Cortez, served as a “tipping point” that inspired her to run for U.S. Congress. 

Ocasio-Cortez campaigned for New York’s 14th congressional district (NY-14) seat against Joe Crowley, who had previously held the seat for 10 years and raised $4.3 million in political expenditures by the end of the primary. In juxtaposition, Ocasio-Cortez raised $300,000 and relied on grassroots volunteers and endorsements. The campaign promised a Green New Deal, Medicare for All, a Federal Jobs Guarantee and a call for the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  Despite the odds, Ocasio-Cortez won the election by 15 points and became the first woman of color representing NY-14 and both the youngest woman and youngest Latina to join Congress. 

“I think that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a strong figure in modern politics and stands as a symbol of strength and determination. Cortez always stands up for people who are struggling and advocates for those who can’t fight for themselves. Her Hispanic heritage influences her actions because she cares about advocating for minorities. Her bold advocacy aligns with her unending passion for promoting equality and giving citizens as good of opportunities as possible,” magnet senior Marielle Parker said.

In the present day, Ocasio-Cortez continues to serve in Congress during her fourth term, living up to her promises by sponsoring the Green New Deal, passing bills such as funding for opioid addiction treatment and cleaning up intoxicated parts of Puerto Rico, providing COVID-19 relief and raising money for community projects, such as workforce training and violence intervention. Notably, Ocasio-Cortez works unwaveringly to oversee economic justice by introducing bills to cap credit card interest rates and increase social safety nets. Additionally, she fights for the rights of her constituents by aiming to provide worker freedom and holds numerous town hall sessions to directly oversee the well-being of her people.

Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta stood as a symbol of strength and resilience in Mexican culture. Through passion and perseverance, he transformed himself into El Santo, the Silver Masked Man, who became a national hero. El Santo’s presence reached from the wrestling ring to the cinema screen, where he carried his iconic mask with pride. His legacy endures as a reminder that heroes can emerge from tradition and inspire entire communities.

Born in 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, to Spanish Louis Marius Prevost and French-Italian Mildred Martínez, Robert Francis Prevost began his ascent to papacy at a young age. His family claims his destiny to become the first American pope became evident as a youthful Prevost played pretend as a priest at Mass, rather than stereotypical kid games. With unwavering consistency, Prevost worked to attain his ordination as a priest and a master’s in divinity by 1982. The aspiring Catholic leader continued to climb the church’s ranks as he earned a license in canon law in 1984 and a doctoral degree three years later, both at Rome’s Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.

In 1985, Prevost began his mission work in Peru along with the members of the Order of Saint Augustine, called to aid with the crisis caused by brutal El Niño rains. Prevost’s work as a chancellor in the Diocese of Chulucanas marked the beginning of a journey to aid his international brothers and sisters with kindness and spirituality as they suffered from destroyed crops, unsanitary conditions, and disease and homelessness. Prevost earned a role as the director of an Augustinian seminary, where he directly aided labor workers, known as campesinos, and Indigenous communities in Chulucanas. Notably, Prevost taught Canon Law, Patristics and Moral Theology at a seminary as a theological professor in Trujillo.

In 2014, the former Pope Francis appointed Prevost to return to Peru as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, and a year later, he served as bishop of the area. From 2018 to 2023, he served as the second vice president and council member of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference. Along with other Peruvian bishops, Prevost acted as a vital stabilizer during a time of religious turmoil between advocates for liberation theology and conservative Peruvian-based religion. In this way, Prevost wielded his theological wisdom to protect his fellow Peruvians, as he had attained dual citizenship. 

Prevost adopted the name Pope Leo XIV in 2025 after the papal conclave — marking him as the first American-born pope. Through global accomplishments and undeniable efforts to preserve righteousness, Pope Leo paves unprecedented footsteps in Hispanic history with his Spanish roots and immeasurable impact in Peru.

“The new Pope has been great in his messages so far. His call to care for immigrants means a lot, considering the state of our country right now. He says that we shouldn’t treat immigrants with cold hearts, criticizing Trump’s policies. I love him for that. I hope he continues to keep his good work going,” senior Layla Pothier said.

Gloria Estefan remains a pillar in the music industry with her unique fusion of musical styles. Prior to her musical endeavors, Estefan, born in Havana, Cuba, fled the country with her family at age two after her father’s release from prison. Communist rule imprisoned Estefan’s dad due to differing beliefs in the country. The family later relocated to Miami, Florida, where Estefan later found success. 

In Miami, Estefan met her husband, Emilio Estefan and formed the band the Miami Sound Machine. The sound blended Latin pop, dance and rock sounds. The combination of bold sounds, colors and performance styles set the group apart from other music at the time. In addition to singing with the group, Estefan attended the University of Miami to study Psychology and Communications, with a minor in French. The band began to produce hit records with Estefan as the lead singer in 1977. In 1984, the Miami Sound Machine released their first record in English titled “Eyes of Innocence,” leading to commercial success for the group amongst American listeners. 

“Gloria Estefan was a good role model, and she was able to open the doors for a lot of the Hispanic community to have hopes and dreams. Estefan and her husband also discovered Shakira with their company, which is cool. She was a rock star and was able to transfer over to [American listeners],” Spanish teacher Brenda Garcia said. 

Estefan faced a serious, yet close, encounter with death in 1990, when her tour bus collided with a tractor-trailer. Due to misalignment in her back vertebrates and the inability to perform, Estefan retired to her home on Star Island to commence the recovery process. Despite the accident, Estefan returned to the stage in January of 1991. Estefan’s work continues to uplift and entertain Hispanic youth of all ages. 

At only 16 years old, Laurie Hernandez played a pivotal role on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team known as the Final Five. Hernandez stands as the first Latina to qualify for the Olympic gymnastics team, and also posted incredible scores during the event. By branding herself as a woman of various talents, Hernandez set herself apart from the average Olympic athlete. She appeared in season 23 of “Dancing With the Stars” and won the Mirror Ball trophy, finishing as the youngest winner in the show’s history. Born June 9, 2000, Hernandez came from Puerto Rican descent and grew up in New Jersey. Hernandez started her gymnastics career in 2005 and instantly showed elite skill. She started competing at 12 years old after receiving an invite from U.S.A Gymnastics. After winning extensively at the junior level and promoting to the senior level, the highest division of gymnastics, Hernandez competed at the 2016 Olympic Trials. Hernandez impressively finished second in the all-around competition, second only to Simone Biles. Hernandez joined Biles, Gabby Douglas, Madison Kocian and Aly Raisman to form the team known as the Final Five. During her Olympic run, Hernandez won team gold and silver on the balance beam.

“Laurie Hernandez is a huge inspiration to my gymnastics. Her balance beam routines are so beautiful, and they inspire me to become a stronger and more graceful gymnast. I also love how she became the first US-born Latina since 1984 to make the US Olympic gymnastics team, allowing her [also] to represent Puerto Rico, where she’s from,” junior Allison Stancil said. 

Hernandez has published two books since she retired from gymnastics, titled “I Got This: To Gold and Beyond” and “She’s Got This,” which led her to receive recognition as a New York Times bestseller. Additionally, Hernandez’s recent endeavors include television hosting and musical theatre. Throughout her career, Hernandez has inspired young Hispanic gymnasts worldwide. 

Born May 11, 1984, midfielder Andrés Iniesta Luján (8) grew up in Fuentebailla, Spain, leading a modest life. At eight years old, Iniesta joined his local club, Albacete Balompié’s youth academy, where he caught the eye of numerous academies across Spain. Following negotiations, Iniesta joined the youth academy La Masia, touted as the cream of the crop for player growth.

At La Masia, Iniesta developed into a skilled passer and dribbler, climbing through the ranks and receiving consistent praise. He debuted for the Barcelona senior team October 29, 2002, immediately joining the starting XI at 18. The club achieved a 1-0 win against Club Brugge in the United European Football Association (UEFA) Champions League (UCL), with Iniesta assisting in the game-winning goal.

From his professional debut, Iniesta grew into one of football’s crown jewels. In Barcelona, Iniesta won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, and three Club World Cups. In his play, Iniesta helped popularize manager Pep Guardiola’s tactic of tiki-taka, characterized by short passes to quickly advance down the pitch.

“Iniesta is one of Barcelona and Spain’s greatest midfielders. He cemented his legacy as a national hero with his game-winner against the Netherlands, something not many players could say they accomplished. When thinking about Barcelona’s golden era, Iniesta is one of those players that automatically come to mind,” senior Gavin Pinnock said.

Internationally, the Spanish national team finds itself in debt to Iniesta and the 2000 to 2010s era of Spanish midfielders. Along with two UEFA continental championships, he scored the last-minute winner against the Netherlands in the World Cup final. For his stellar play, Iniesta holds one grand cross and one gold medal courtesy of the Spanish royal family. Following his retirement, Iniesta opened a social welfare academy in Peru to help impoverished children, providing them with similar opportunities he received at a young age.

From the 2000s to the late 2010s, Sergio Ramos Garcia (4) stood out objectively as a world-class defender. Born March 30, 1986, in Seville, Spain, Ramos grew up in love with the game of football. At six, he joined his hometown club Sevilla’s academy, displaying an unprecedented balance of aggression and composure as a centerback, but with the technique of a deep-playing midfielder.

In his first professional season with Sevilla, Ramos only scored three goals, but played 36 full matches without substitution. Ramos’s tenacity on the field caught the eye of Real Madrid, who signed him for €27 million in 2005. The purchase marked a record for  Spanish defenders at the time. 

During his 15-year tenure in Madrid, Ramos scored 107 goals in 671 appearances, ranked fourth among all players. Ramos’s longevity for the team led to 22 trophies, and he established his place among the all-time memorable defenders. His crowning achievement arrived May 24, 2013, when he scored the last-minute equalizer for Madrid, leading them to win their 10th United European Football Association (UEFA) Champions League. For Spain’s national team, Ramos holds one World Cup and two UEFA continental championships trophies.

“Sergio Ramos is an icon in the Hispanic community and a symbol because of his character and leadership on and off the soccer pitch. With all of the trophies he has won and the crucial goals, he puts himself down as one of the greatest to play the game. He does not let the limits of age define him; his drive to keep his team ahead makes him an icon to all,” senior Diego Rivas said.

Emiliano Zapata stood as a voice for land and liberty during the Mexican Revolution. His fight for justice carried strength from the fields of Morelos to the hearts of people across the nation. Zapata’s legacy endures as a reminder that true change begins when communities defend their rights.

Mexican painter Diego Rivera, born December 18, 1886, served as an influential painter and helped establish his style of painting murals internationally. Beginning to draw at the age of three, Rivera’s parents noticed his talent and allowed him to fulfill it by covering his walls with canvases and chalkboards. This initial exposure to art led him to further pursue his passion, and he decided to enroll in the prestigious San Carlos Academy at the age of 10, prioritizing art. 

Rivera received a scholarship from the Mexican government to study art in Europe at 20 years old and resided there for over a decade as he bounced from country to country. Throughout this time, he studied and worked in Spain, France and Italy, where he drew inspiration from the culture and picked up different art styles. In Paris, he gained inspiration from Cubism and artists, such as Pablo Picasso, which led him to become part of the avant-garde art scene. He later learned of Renaissance frescoes, also known as wall paintings, in Italy, which inspired his future murals. 

Once Rivera returned to Mexico after the Mexican Revolution, the new Mexican government began a public mural program, attempting to promote new, revolutionary ideas. The government hired Rivera to paint diverse murals on different public buildings to represent history, politics and labor. Due to his studies abroad, Rivera’s artwork contained unique styles that captured the eyes of viewers immediately. He uniquely utilized lime plaster in his artwork to create dimension. His early takes on murals led him to fame and pushed him to continue creating pieces, such as his work at the Palacio de Bellas Artes and Palacio Nacional, which depicted Mexican history from the Aztecs to the revolution. 

Rivera’s mural serves as a powerful reminder of Mexico’s history, due to the different features of the culture. He serves as an inspiration to not only Mexican culture but Hispanic culture as a whole, as numerous other Hispanic artists felt inspired by him and mastered similar techniques. Even after his death, Rivera remains known as a prominent artist and Hispanic figure to millions. 

“I learned about Diego Rivera’s work in my Spanish class, and I was impressed by the size of his murals. I could not believe the level of detail in his work when he was just painting on the side of buildings. The history behind the paintings shows the culture of Mexico in the past, which is very cool to look back on. I think he is very important and deserves to be celebrated,” senior Amaya Scott said. 

Brazilian soccer player Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, serves as an influential figure worldwide. For Brazil and surrounding Hispanic countries in Latin America, Pelé inspired young stars to pursue their dreams, even with early challenges. Born in Três Corações, Brazil, Pelé grew up in poverty and learned early on to sacrifice his time to help his family. He began working at a young age to help pay bills, as his father, Dondinho, struggled to earn money as a retired soccer player. Not able to afford a ball, Pelé grew creative and built soccer balls out of rolled-up socks filled with rags or newspapers. Even through all of his struggles, Pelé maintained his passion for soccer and continued to practice whenever he gained the opportunity. 

Even though his parents encouraged him to focus on academics, Pelé felt stuck wanting to pursue soccer. Ultimately, Pelé felt inspired by his father’s past career and decided to continue his passion under the mentorship of his father, allowing him to quickly gain skills and fly through the junior league ranks. Scout Waldemar de Brito recruited him at 15 years old for Santos Football Club (FC). By 16, Pelé earned a spot on the starting lineup and even competed in his first World Cup at 17 years old, where the rest of the world discovered his raw talent. 

During the FIFA World Cup, Pelé did not gain the opportunity to prove himself until the semi-finals. The results stayed 0-0 until the 60th minute when Pelé shot and won the first point of the match, sending Brazil to the semi-finals — marking him the youngest player to score in the World Cup. After this achievement, he continued to score three additional goals in the finals, helping Brazil win the championship. Since then, Pelé has worked to score over 12,000 goals at the professional level and win three World Cups.

“When we went to Brazil, there were statues and jerseys of Pelé everywhere, and it showed just how influential he is in Brazil. I think he is still important to celebrate during Hispanic Heritage Month, even though he is Brazilian, because he influenced the Latin American community around him and showed them what hard work can do. I think his story is not talked about enough in the United States, and it just shows what someone can do when they put their mind to something,” magnet senior Sophie Salomon said. 

Pelé served as an important figure throughout Latin American culture and worked to encourage others on and off the field. Although he did not come from a Hispanic country, Pelé significantly contributed to Hispanic culture through his influence on soccer, inspiring generations of players and fans across Latin America to pursue their dreams. As an ambassador, Pelé expanded the sport’s influence around Latin America and showed that challenges do not impact dedication and talent. Even after he passed December 29, 2022, Pelé‘s story of dedication continues to show others that they can achieve any dream.

Celia Cruz grew up in Santos Suárez, a district of Havana, Cuba, and after winning a talent show with a tango interpretation, she paused her studies as a literature teacher to pursue music. In the 1950s, she experienced a breakthrough in her career when she joined the popular orchestra group La Sonora Matancera. Cruz’s music continues to inspire salsa fans today, showing generations the joy of the genre. Her musical impact surpasses borders, amazes audiences globally and forever grants Cruz the title “Queen of Salsa.”

A handful of artists can turn a stage into an awe-inspiring celebration of culture the way Bruno Mars does. Mars’s music showcases a blend of culture and creativity that lights a spark in his audience. His story represents how heritage can facilitate connections between people across the globe through rhythm, emotion and authenticity. Bruno Mars creates groovy music that evokes positive emotion, worthy of celebration. 

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mars grew up in a musical household surrounded by melody and native island traditions. With a diverse background including Puerto Rican, Jewish, Filipino and Spanish roots, Mars learned the value of diversity from an early age. His parents introduced him to the beauty of Latin sounds, sparking his interest and love for music. Exposure to doo-wop, R&B, reggae and salsa influenced his creative musical mind. From a young age, Mars experimented with rhythm and performance styles, where he began to branch out and incorporate elements of American pop. His ability to show versatility across different genres sets him apart from traditional single-genre artists.

“Bruno Mars made the music of my childhood. It really shaped who I am today to be exposed to music that wasn’t necessarily from my culture. His music really brought me out of my own bubble and showed me that there was music that wasn’t just what my family listened to. It really opened my mind up to new and different ways of life and culture, which I think is really important for everybody to understand,” magnet junior Matthew Mayette said. 

Through hits like “Uptown Funk” and “24k Magic,” Mars showcases his Latin heritage beyond simply language. His music represents an excellent blend of rhythm, funk and Latin influence that encapsulates exciting energy that attracts audiences around the world. The masterful blend of different styles gives his music universal appeal while still staying true to his culture. Mars’s inspiring artistry demonstrates how culture can serve as both inspiration and connection. His music unites people through rhythm and joy, reminding listeners that a rich heritage only amplifies creativity. 

A handful of artists can turn a stage into an awe-inspiring celebration of culture the way Bruno Mars does. Mars’s music showcases a blend of culture and creativity that lights a spark in his audience. His story represents how heritage can facilitate connections between people across the globe through rhythm, emotion and authenticity. Bruno Mars creates groovy music that evokes positive emotion, worthy of celebration. 

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mars grew up in a musical household surrounded by melody and native island traditions. With a diverse background including Puerto Rican, Jewish, Filipino and Spanish roots, Mars learned the value of diversity from an early age. His parents introduced him to the beauty of Latin sounds, sparking his interest and love for music. Exposure to doo-wop, R&B, reggae and salsa influenced his creative musical mind. From a young age, Mars experimented with rhythm and performance styles, where he began to branch out and incorporate elements of American pop. His ability to show versatility across different genres sets him apart from traditional single-genre artists.

“Bruno Mars made the music of my childhood. It really shaped who I am today to be exposed to music that wasn’t necessarily from my culture. His music really brought me out of my own bubble and showed me that there was music that wasn’t just what my family listened to. It really opened my mind up to new and different ways of life and culture, which I think is really important for everybody to understand,” magnet junior Matthew Mayette said. 

Through hits like “Uptown Funk” and “24k Magic,” Mars showcases his Latin heritage beyond simply language. His music represents an excellent blend of rhythm, funk and Latin influence that encapsulates exciting energy that attracts audiences around the world. The masterful blend of different styles gives his music universal appeal while still staying true to his culture. Mars’s inspiring artistry demonstrates how culture can serve as both inspiration and connection. His music unites people through rhythm and joy, reminding listeners that a rich heritage only amplifies creativity. 

Colombian singer and songwriter Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll stands as one of the most influential figures in global music. Known as the queen of Latin Pop, she uses her voice to share her unique Latin culture with the world. Transforming millions of fans with her music, Ripoll connects cultures with blended sounds of pop, rock and other influences, creating a style that highlights her cultural authenticity.

Shakira utilizes her voice, stage presence and ability to connect deeply with her audience to create a new understanding of Latin music and culture. She uniquely combines English and Spanish lyrics to create a fresh and creative appeal to millions. As the first South American artist to top the Billboard Hot 100, Shakira’s authenticity represents the epitome of contemporary Latin music and heritage. Her creative ability to merge traditional Latin rhythms with modern rock and pop genres allows her to reach new audiences and gain popularity, contributing to the increased popularity of Latin culture. 

“Even though I’m not of Latin American descent, Shakira has still impacted my life because she supports different communities, uplifts women and encapsulates the beauty of Latin music. I used to listen to her songs all the time when I was younger, and she was the gateway for me to learn about new and different cultures. She sparked my interest in learning more about a culture other than mine, and I enjoy listening to her music,” magnet junior Anyanna Ekpechi said.

Her success encouraged and paved the way for other Latin artists‘ own international stages. Without sacrificing cultural authenticity, contemporary Latin artists gained popularity by following in Shakira’s footsteps. Her work serves as a model for how artists can engage with global audiences while still staying true to their roots. Shakira’s music also emphasizes the fact that Latin music does not need to orbit around American pop culture norms and can exist as its own cultural landscape. The world recognizes  Shakira’s legacy, lying not only in her chart-topping singles but in shaping the story of expression through cultural authenticity. 

Known as the first Hispanic woman in space, Ellen Ochoa inspired numerous young women to pursue their dreams of travelling to space. Ochoa encourages others to pursue their dreams of walking into the unknown with confidence. Though with numerous challenges, her story serves as a reminder that achieving success can happen to those who work diligently. 

Born in Los Angeles, California, May 10, 1958, Ochoa grew up as the middle child of five children to her parents, Joseph and Rosanne Ochoa. While attending middle school, her parents eventually divorced. To occupy herself, she practiced the flute, which she continued to play until college. While attending on a full-ride scholarship to Sanford University, she found choosing a major difficult for her. Divided between music and science, she chose to pursue her doctorate in engineering. She later received a position at Sandia National Labs, and then at the National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA)’s Ames Research Center to study wavelength frequencies and optical components. In 1990, she received the opportunity to fly four times, becoming the first Hispanic woman in space and the first Hispanic woman director. Throughout her first mission in space, she studied the sun’s impact on the Earth’s climate. In her later flights, she operated the Canadarm, a machine that received satellites and assisted astronauts during their space walks by lifting large loads in space.

After working at NASA for 30 years, she decided to close her final chapter with the company. Now, she serves on the National Science Board and holds one of the chairs on the Nomination Evaluation Committee. She also received multiple awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Her achievements showcase honorable representation for women working in the STEM field. 

“What inspires young girls to complete the impossible is the natural drive to want to achieve. Not everyone has that drive to do that, mainly because of a lack of support and a lack of prior knowledge. I think a lot of times girls want to define those expectations,” magnet senior Sesame Cotton said. 

Her impact on the world inspired numerous Latinos to pursue their dreams. Through effort and dedication, Ochoa serves as a reminder that anyone who hopes to achieve their dreams can attain them. Her commitment to her craft inspires the Hispanic community and speaks to numerous students across the country about how their role in pursuing a degree in engineering can impact society.

Roberto Clemente was a legendary baseball player known for his incredible talent and sportsmanship. He used his fame to help others, especially through his hard work in Latin America. Clemente’s legacy goes beyond baseball, inspiring generations with his heart, courage and indulgence.

Tito Puente, a dynamic timbalero, energized stages worldwide. His music, a blend of Son Cubano and immense band jazz, captivates audiences using his unique skills in composition and performance. Puente’s legacy ensures his sounds resonate for generations in the Hispanic community, with his energetic dance-oriented mambo and Latin jazz compositions.

Recognized as Mexico’s revolutionary hero, José Doroteo Arango Arámbula, also referred to as Francisco “Pancho” Villa, served as an important figure in the Mexican Revolution. His efforts helped lead the battle and fought diligently against the regimes of dictators Porfirio Díaz, Victoriano Huerta and American forces after he raided Columbus, New Mexico. 

Born June 5, 1878,  Villa grew up as one of five children raised in poverty and violence in Durango, Mexico. After the death of his father at the age of 15, he quit school and took on the role as the family’s primary provider, working as a sharecropper to support them. One day, after coming home from the fields, he found the owner of the hacienda attempting to assault his 12-year-old sister. To protect his sister, he grabbed a pistol and shot the owner. Villa fled to the mountains, leading to the beginning of his life as a fugitive. 

In his adulthood, Arango continued to fill his life with banditry. He changed his birth name to Francisco Pancho Villa to avoid run-ins with the law. In 1910, the Mexican Revolution began when Francisco Madero fought against the dictator, Porfirio Díaz, after enduring numerous years of mistreatment. Villa learned about this event when his representative, Abraham González, recruited him to join Madero’s army against Díaz. However, without any military experience, González saw Villa as the perfect candidate because of his earlier life as a burglar. Villa decided to join and fight for the underprivileged people. His hit-and-run tactics remained successful throughout the revolution, and the people of Mexico viewed him as a hero. Villa also participated in fighting against the U.S. after finding out that the U.S. provided his rival, Venustiano Carranza, support. He responded by attacking U.S. citizens and property raiding Columbus, New Mexico. 

In 1923, Villa ran into an ambush by a group of men, believed as potentially his enemies, who gunned him down. His supporters mourned his death by holding a mass funeral where thousands of people attended, grieving his death. Though his closest friends did not attend his funeral due to the risk capture by the government. 

“Even though he used violent tactics, I believe Villa’s actions were justified, because it wasn’t out of greed or the benefit of him alone. His actions were for the benefit of his people, and I can respect that. I can understand why he invaded the U.S., but Villa should’ve kept the fight between his forces and the enemy’s forces,” senior Will Gichaara said. 

In Mexico, Villa remains a hero, while, in comparison, Americans view him as troublesome due to his raid. Whether viewed as a hero or not, Pancho contributed to his people by acting as the “Mexican Robin Hood” through redistributing land to the poor for control of the land in rural communities.

Soccer, as a sport, boasts multiple influential Hispanic figures. Diego Maradona set records and advanced the sport in new, unpredictable ways, showing his drive and dedication to the game. These achievements led to him becoming the dominant player in the sport of soccer. He achieved multiple feats inside the sport of soccer throughout his life, such as completing the most dribbles, and he held a World Cup goal-scoring and assist record with five goals and passing for five assists. Maradona set the gold standard for the sport, not only by achieving success in soccer, but by spending a massive portion of his life working to support charities and organizations for the welfare of children.

Maradona, throughout his life, set records and achieved unbelievable feats, two of which cemented his legacy in the history of soccer: the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century. Maradona scored the Hand of God and the goal of the century in the 1986 World Cup. The first goal performed by Maradona, the Hand of God, entailed him punching the ball with his fist to score despite this being illegal, officials could not view the hand and allowed the goal. The second goal, or better known as the goal of the century, consisted of Maradona dribbling through defenders covering 60-68 yards in 10 seconds to score. 

Despite these amazing achievements, Maradona’s charity work and dedication to the Hispanic community show his character beyond any soccer achievement he could receive. Maradona organized a charity game hosted on a muddy field, paying for the insurance himself when the soccer team he played for at the time, Napoli, told him he could not use their field. He organized this match to raise money for a child’s life-saving surgery.

“I think Maradona should be celebrated for Hispanic Heritage Month because of the way he has shaped a lot of people’s careers. As a player himself, he’s changed the game in a way that affects all players, including myself. He supported his community and he gave back. He’s just an all-around amazing person and player,” magnet sophomore Michael Mwenja said.

Maradona contributed to multiple charities, but his memory lives on in the Diego Lopez Maradona Foundation. Maradona’s children created this foundation to honor their father. This program helped to improve motor function and included kids with special needs who otherwise would not play. It also encourages children in communities around the globe to learn and grow through soccer. Among his other charitable efforts, he auctioned a signed replica of his famous 1986 World Cup jersey to support a struggling community in Buenos Aires, working with Football For Unity and TUFF Earth. This selfless dedication to charities, struggling communities and children showcases Maradona’s love for both soccer and people from around the world, regardless of their struggles. He strived to help them through hard times, no matter the cost to himself or the ridicule he may receive.

When searching for a highly celebrated and awarded soccer player, one tends to mention Cristiano Ronaldo. An influential Hispanic figure known not only for his skill on the pitch, but for his work in charity, finding ways to help his community through adversity and allowing children opportunities to learn through soccer. Ronaldo donates and advocates for charities and organizations to display his love and devotion to his country, his family and the community that continues to support him. 

Ronaldo changed the way viewers around the globe view soccer. He does this by showcasing his impeccable skill. Ronaldo set numerous records throughout his career, such as holding the record for the number of international goals scored, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) club competition goals, UEFA Champions League goals, international appearances and UEFA European Championship goals. These achievements showcase his awe-inspiring ability and athleticism as a player, contributing to why viewers around the world adore him.

“Ronaldo should be celebrated for Hispanic Heritage Month because he innovated the game of soccer for such a long time. He’s just loved worldwide, and he should be recognized for his great skill. He should be recognized for the impact he’s had on his culture. He also finds ways to give back to his people by being amazing for his country, [Portugal] and their team,” magnet junior Anderson Johnson said.

Ronaldo creates and funds numerous charities and fundraisers for less fortunate communities and children with life-threatening diseases. His partnerships with Children’s Healthcare, disaster relief, Save the Children, UNICEF and World Vision and his selling his awards and signed memorabilia represent only a handful of Ronaldo’s charity work and donations. His dedication to not only the soccer community but the world as a whole displays exactly what makes Ronaldo the superstar that fans adore.

Through her innovations in literature, Gabriela Mistral became a known poet during the 1910s. Her philanthropy and highly-anticipated poems supported her livelihood. Mistral dedicated her life to education, earning her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1945 for her  lyrical style of poetry.

Bad Bunny, a singer/songwriter, famously helped bring genres like Reggaeton and Trap to more mainstream international audiences. Born as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny grew up within a household that constantly flowed with Romantic Latin ballads and salsa music. As a child, his mother convinced him to join his church’s choir, where he initially obtained recognition for his insane talent. At age thirteen, Benito started to write his own music, inspired by artists he loved like Daddy Yankee and Vico C.

 Later on, Bad Bunny attended the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo, studying audiovisual communication. During his time at university, he worked on his music at night, posting his music on Soundcloud. Eventually, Bad Bunny caught the attention of DJ Luian and signed to the Hear This Music record label in 2016. 

Bad Bunny quickly became an overnight success, his music not only spread like wildfire around various clubs throughout PuertoRico, but also around the world. He began to collaborate with other notable artists such as Karol G., Cardi B, Drake, J.Lo and Diplo, further progressing his flourishing career. Since then, Bad Bunny won three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys, breaking the record for the first Spanish-language artist ever to win album of the year and the first Spanish-speaking artist to become Spotify’s highest-streamed artist globally. Within his music, he frequently pulls inspiration from the beauty and the issues impacting his home country, as well as bringing light to other problems throughout the world, such as the ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the U.S. 

“[My favorite song from Bad Bunny is] ‘Dos mil 16 from un verano sin ti,’ that album is fire. I think he makes an effort to speak up for the Latino community as a whole when problems like the ICE raids arose this year. For example, although he is Puerto Rican, he spoke up for Mexicans getting deported and even cancelled one of his US tours in concern that his concerts would become targets for ICE to come. I hope he explores his acting career more. He was really funny in ‘Happy Gilmore 2,’” magnet sophomore Gabriela Sanchez-Chavez said.

Hope Sandoval, born June 24, 1966, grew up in East L.A., in a Mexican-American household full of family who loved and enjoyed music. Her father loved jazz, her mother, Spanish music and her sister country. Sandoval, though, developed a strong interest in the alternative scene of L.A., which inspired her to start the band “Going Home” with her friend, Sylvia Gome, in 1986.

During her time in the L.A. alternative scene, Sandoval came to admire Kendra Smith, the bassist of the band Dream Syndicate. Gomez, knowing this, passed on a demo tape comprising Sandoval’s haunting talent to Smith. In return, Scott then passed on the tape to David Roback. Roback fell in love with Sandoval’s unique voice and sound and agreed to help Hope and Sylvia produce almost an album’s worth of music, which remains available to the public to this day. Meanwhile, during Smith and Roback’s December 1987 tour with their group, Opal, Kendra left the group and disappeared, leading Roback to ask Hope Sandoval to help finish out the tour. After the tour, Roback and Sandoval decided to dissolve Opal to start a new group, Mazzy Star. 

Soon after Mazzy Star’s first album, “She Hangs Brightly“, was released, the album quickly received plenty of positive reviews. Following their next albums with Capitol Records, they became a commercial success with alternative audiences with their best known song “Fade into You” and platinum album, “Fade into You” and “So Tonight I Might See.” Unfortunately, while recording their fourth album, the band members became dissatisfied with their label, leading Mazzy Star to exit their deal with Capitol Records and enter a hiatus. 

“I think [Fade into you] was a very good song. Of course, the first thing I thought of was the fact that it’s on Instagram. I liked the vocal voice. I liked the minimalism of the sounds.” Sophomore, Bennet Watson says.

Since then, Hope has worked on her own project called Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions, in which she collaborated with My Bloody Valentine drummer Colm O’Ciosoig. Apart from Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions, she also toured and collaborated with other incredible bands such as Massive Attack on Paradise Circus and The Spoils. In the constantly mainly white dominated alternative scene, Hope Sandoval’s atmospheric shoegaze music serves as inspiration for thousands of her Mexican and Hispanic fans all over the world.

A trendsetter for the Latinx community, Jennifer Lopez continues down her path of success with Grammy-winning dances, Blockbuster movies and business adventures. Lopez, raised in the Bronx, attributes her strong work ethic and independence to her upbringing. Her parents consistently fostered her love for the arts from a young age since she first started attending dance lessons at the Ballet Hispanico. Through Lopez’s outstanding talents and groundbreaking entrepreneurship, she emerged as a visionary for Hispanic communities and young girls who lacked Latina representation in the media.

“When I was growing up, there were not a lot of Hispanic role models; female role models at that. Girls that the female youth can look up to. She had our bodies– that’s when the body of Spanish women became more acceptable, curves became acceptable. She kind of just took the reins and did what she had to do,” Spanish teacher Brenda Garcia said.

In 1998, the Puerto Rican cultural icon marked history with her breakout acting role as Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, placing her as the first Latina actress to gross over $1 million for a movie role. Discovering her love of singing on set, Lopez released her debut Latin pop album, On the 6, paying homage to the subway she frequented in the Bronx. The sheer success of the album exhibited the beauty of Latin culture during a time when negative stereotypes dominated the media. Lopez’s voice infiltrated the hearts of fans, and her stardom reached TV sets globally during the 2020 Super Bowl, where she performed with Colombian pop star Shakira. Today, she further spreads influence through the Lopez Family Foundation, focusing on the accessibility of healthcare and health education for women and children.

As a pioneer in epidemiology, Carlos Juan Finlay dedicated his life to science. Through his research, Finlay discovered the effects and dangers of  the yellow fever virus. This discovery led him to find mosquitoes as a carrier of yellow fever and change the way scientists cure diseases today.

Named after the late legendary Tejano artist, Selena Quintanilla, pop star and actress Selena Gomez rose to fame for her diverse talents. Beginning her Hollywood career at the age of 10, she notably starred in “Barney & Friends” and “Wizards of Waverly Place.” Gomez later emerged as a household name after acting in numerous other Disney films. With her euphonious singing voice, she soon secured a partnership with Hollywood Records. During the 2010s, her artistic ability met no bounds: she only further showcased her versatility through voice acting in “Hotel Transylvania” and producing “13 Reasons Why.”

After working on the set of “13 Reasons Why” — a show centered around suicide — Gomez became a strong advocate for mental health. She revealed her own struggles from living with lupus, an autoimmune disease, and used her platform to raise awareness for health concerns. In 2020, Gomez launched her cosmetic line, Rare Beauty, promoting mental health awareness by donating 1% of sales to charities and self-acceptance with inclusive shade ranges. In her campaign, she embraced her Mexican heritage and acknowledged her family’s sacrifices for her life. She also produced the Netflix docuseries “Living Undocumented” in 2019, which follows the stories of immigrant families living during the rise of 2020 anti-immigrant rhetoric. Today, Gomez uses her immense social media following to continue advocating for immigrant rights and Spanish fluency as an opportunity to connect with fans and other Latin music artists.

“As a non-Mexican, but [still] as a person of color, I acknowledge [Selena Gomez’s] significance in what she’s added to [Mexican] cultural identity. She’s also shown a lot of pride for her heritage and her culture. She also has shown breakthroughs in shows with less stereotypical roles– she’s been a person who’s able to achieve a lot,” magnet junior Anyanna Ekpechi said.

Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the U.S., remains one of the major influential figures in American law and an inspiration for generations of Hispanic Americans. Born in the Bronx, New York, to Puerto Rican parents, Sotomayor grew up in a modest household, raised solely by her mother after her father passed away. Despite facing challenges, she excelled in school and followed her passion for justice to Princeton University and Yale Law School, where she began shaping her career that would create history. Through her determination and resilience, Sotomayor shows the power of perseverance and acts as a symbol of representation for Hispanic individuals in the legal field.

Sotomayor’s journey to the nation’s highest court proved challenging, yet groundbreaking. Before her appointment to the Supreme Court, she worked as an assistant district attorney in New York and later as a federal judge. In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated her to the Supreme Court, and she became known as the first Hispanic woman to ever serve as a Justice. Her confirmation proved a milestone not only for the Latino community but for the entire nation, proving that diversity in leadership strengthens democracy.

“To me, Sonia Sotomayor is such an inspiration to the Latino community, as she is the first Hispanic woman on the Supreme Court. She made me realize that anybody can accomplish anything, no matter the obstacles that you encounter along the way. Knowing she made her way to the Supreme Court fills me with hope that one day I can become a reputable lawyer like her,” magnet senior Mia Diaz said.

Throughout her time on the bench, Justice Sotomayor remains known for her powerful opinions and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. She advocates for the rights of underrepresented groups and emphasizes the importance of empathy in the judicial system. Beyond the courtroom, Sotomayor uses her platform to inspire young people, regularly speaking at schools and writing books that encourage students — especially those from similar Hispanic backgrounds — to believe in their potential.

Sotomayor’s impact extends beyond her judicial decisions. She represents the resilience, intelligence and strength of the Hispanic community. With her groundbreaking achievements, her advocacy for equality and her dedication to justice, Sotomayor continues to inspire future leaders and break barriers, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, lyricist, actor, singer, songwriter, film-maker and rapper, started his musical career in 1999 as a sophomore at Wesleyan University. Born in New York, his exposure to unique types of music piqued his interest, inspiring him to compose plays and the music that accompanies them. His work eventually aired on Broadway, establishing him as a quality writer. Through his passion and creativity, Miranda helps represent Puerto Rican artists and inspires others of Hispanic heritage to pursue their talents.

Miranda wrote hit shows such as “In the Heights” and “Hamilton,” which both showed on Broadway. These musicals found their way onto television, with a movie adaptation of “In the Heights” playing in 2021 and the Broadway play of “Hamilton” showing on screens in 2020. These shows, found on Disney+, helped Miranda begin his career, allowing major networks to start to notice him. 

After his initial success, he began writing music for movies and shows. “Moana” (2016), a movie known for its addictive soundtrack, proves as one of his best works. Following the release of “Moana 2” (2024), his audience begged for Miranda’s music, claiming that his compelling sound improved the first movie after noticing the difference in style without him. Another notable movie he wrote music for, “Encanto” (2021), highlights a Colombian family, which earned the title of the third Disney movie with a Hispanic protagonist. 

Not only does Miranda work in movies, shows and plays, he also uses his platform to highlight other Hispanic artists through his activism. Miranda, his family and the musical “Hamilton” co-founded the Flamboyan Arts Fund, which attempts to preserve, amplify and strengthen arts and culture in Puerto Rico. The fund expands beyond music and cinema, even offering dance and literature classes and scholarships. With this fund, several Puerto Rican artists have received grants to pursue their creative interests.

“His big projects, like ‘Hamilton’ and ‘In the Heights’, reached such a widespread audience, and the fact that a Latino man [did it] shows that [other Latinos and Latinas] can do it too. I can see his impact. I think that his work and activism have caused so many Hispanic kids to realize that they can grow up to be successful like him, especially when they don’t have much representation,” magnet senior Victoria Avila-Zerpa said.

Miranda continues to exceed expectations with his unique creativity expressed through his musical appearances and plays, not only capturing the essence of the characters he represents, but also setting an example for other Hispanic artists. His unmatched ambition in his field speaks to his work ethic, and his activism helps to represent aspiring artists. With his gentle heart and eccentric music, Miranda will continue to break barriers and set standards not only for Hispanic artists but all musicians as well.

Pedro Pascal, a Chilean-American actor, garnered attention for his role as Oberyn Martell in “Game of Thrones.” The character set off Pascal’s career and led to his future parts in “The Mandalorian” and “Narcos.” Despite this, Pascal’s humble beginnings prove that success does not always come easy.

Born José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal in 1975 in Santiago, Chile, the actor only spent s brief time in his birthplace when his parents rebelled against the Chilean military dictator Augusto Pinochet and fled the country with baby Pascal and his sister, Javiera Balmaceda. The family originally moved to Denmark and then eventually settled in San Antonio, Texas. Throughout Pascal’s childhood, he developed a love for film, fostered by his father. In middle and high school, he attended the Orange County School of the Arts. 

“I truly love Pedro Pascal. I found out about him through “The Last of Us” and watched a lot of his other works because of how much I loved him as Joel Miller. Not only is he a good actor, but he also has a lot of good values, and I feel like that is so rare to see in Hollywood. Pedro Pascal is such an inspiration, and I love his genuineness,” magnet junior Mia Beaumont said.

For the beginning of his career, Pascal struggled to find lead roles and stuck to side parts on shows such as “The Good Wife” and “Law & Order.” In 2014, Pascal’s luck changed as he chose to hastily audition for “Game of Thrones” while a friend recorded him on an iPhone. Another friend, Sarah Paulson, sent the recording to Amanda Peet, who passed the recording off to her husband and co-showrunner of the show, David Benioff. The team adored the audition, and thus, Pascal landed the part. The character launched Pascal into a successful career with copious roles, including “The Last of Us,” where Pascal portrayed Joel Miller.

Pascal’s persistence in gaining success within his acting career highlights him as a strong role model. He not only inspires those through his career but also through his social work. He remains true to his Chilean identity and stands for immigrant rights in America. Pascal’s testimony exists as proof that resilience allows for success.

Mario Molina, a name synonymous with innovation, sparked curiosity with his 1974 research that revealed CFC gases destroy the Earth’s protective ozone layer. His contributions to chemistry changed the course of how the world viewed CFCs. Molina’s legacy, marked by creativity, continues to inspire excellence.

Eva Jacqueline Longoria, born in 1975, remains famous for her work as an actress and philanthropist. The actress and director, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, rose to fame for her role as Gabrielle Solis on “Desperate Housewives.” Longoria originally started her career performing in plays at Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology. After winning the Miss Corpus Christi 1998 beauty pageant, Longoria moved to Los Angeles to compete in a talent show and chose to stay in California in pursuit of an acting career.

The actress guest-starred in various successful TV series, such as “General Hospital,” “Beverly Hills 90210,” and “The Young and the Restless.” Her role as Isabella Braña Williams in the latter show blew her career out of the water. This role led the actress to receive her first award, an American Latino Media Arts (ALMA) Award for Outstanding Actress on a Daytime Drama in 2002. After this award, Longoria embarked on a journey to portray Gabrielle Solis in “Desperate Housewives” for the full eight seasons of its run. Throughout the show’s reign, she garnered multiple nominations and awards for her role.

While Longoria remains known for her talent as an actress, behind the scenes, her philanthropic work serves as a true inspiration. In 2020, the actress jointly launched Poderistas, a nonprofit organization meant to exist as a digital space to celebrate Latina culture, with various other prominent Latina figures, such as America Ferrera and Elsa Collins. Longoria also founded the Eva Longoria Foundation, which focuses on supporting economic empowerment, civic engagement and cultural impact innovatively.

Longoria also opened up to the public about her family referring to her as “la prieta fea,” translated to “the ugly dark one.” Her mother and sisters all possess lighter features, whereas Longoria differentiates from her family with dark hair and dark eyes. The actress used this nickname to motivate herself to develop other social skills, such as funniness or intelligence.

“I love Eva Longoria so much; she gives so many opportunities to the Latino and Latina communities in various forms. Even after all she went through with her family, she is still such an inspiration. She also shows Latina women that you do not have to fit in a box with all the different roles she has played. She not only advocates for the Hispanic community within the film industry, but she also uses her platform to advocate for Hispanics outside of the film industry,” magnet junior Isabelle Gleason said.

All in all, Eva Longoria’s acting skills and resilience led to her receiving infinite love from the Latino community. She clearly reciprocates the love as she hosts events specifically for the Latino communities, fostering cultural sharing and economic growth with the Latino community. Eva Longoria’s capabilities and talent forge her into a wonderful role model for young Latina women.

Dr. Helen Rodriguez-Trias, M.D, born in New York City in 1928, spent the majority of her early childhood in Puerto Rico. When she turned 10, her family officially moved back to New York, but during this time in the city, she faced racism and discrimination as she grew up in a Latino household. Her experience would later shape the professional and personal activism she would pursue throughout her life. 

Rodriguez-Trias began her academic career in 1948 at the University of Puerto Rico, where her passion for activism sparked. During her time at the school, she became active in the campus Puerto Rican Independence Movement. She eventually returned to New York City and decided to continue her schooling to study her passions of science and social justice. Once she graduated in 1957 from the University of Puerto Rico, Rodriguez-Trias earned her medical degree from the university’s medical school and founded her first care center for newborn babies. After looking over this care center for three years, she traveled to New York City again, where she dove into Community-based medicine at Lincoln Hospital. She centered her work within a commonly impoverished and underserved Puerto Rican population of the South Bronx. At this time, she became the head of the pediatric unit.

“I don’t believe many people know about her unless they are involved in the activism movements she’s fought for. Like me, as an example, I have known her since I’m in the healthcare field, and she plays a part in how everything works today, helping women have more medical rights. She is an interesting woman activist that all could look up to and even appreciate what she’s done,” NC parent R.N. Paris Ford said.

Throughout her career, Dr. Rodriguez-Trias remained committed to addressing the health disparities that affected marginalized communities, especially for women, children and people of color. In the 1970s, she became a vocal advocate for women’s reproductive rights, working tirelessly to end the forced sterilization of Puerto Rican women and other women of color. Her work exposed systemic injustices and emphasized the need for informed consent and culturally competent care in reproductive health. As a founding member of the Committee to End Sterilization Abuse and the Women’s Caucus of the American Public Health Association (APHA), she helped bring these issues to national attention and shape public health policy through an equity-centered lens.

In 1993, Dr. Rodriguez-Trias became one of the first Latina presidents of the APHA. During her tenure, she continued to champion public health initiatives that prioritized the needs of underserved communities across the U.S. and Latin America. That same year, she received the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal from President Bill Clinton in recognition of her lifelong dedication to social justice, healthcare reform and advocacy for women and children. 

Actress, singer and dancer Rita Moreno influenced the entertainment industry for over 70 years. After earning the four major entertainment awards — an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony– she became the first Latina woman to achieve EGOT. She also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to the arts.

Moreno, born December 11, 1931, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, spent the first five years of her life on a farm. During her childhood, her mother moved their family to New York City, which sparked an interest in dance, prompting her to begin taking classes. Following these years, she landed her first job at the age of 11, recording Spanish-language versions of American films. Shortly after, Moreno debuted on Broadway at 13 as “Angelina” in Skydrift. This role caught the attention of Hollywood filmmakers, and she started receiving offers from agents for future jobs. Her first major film, “So Young, So Bad,” began her seven-year contract with Louis B. Mayer’s MGM studios, where she adopted the stage name Rita Moreno.

“I first found out about Rita from a pretty popular show called ‘One Day at a Time.’ She’s a really good actress, and I would’ve never guessed that she played in much of anything else since I haven’t seen any other stuff she’s recognized for. I hope that after the long perseverance gets her to the places she wants, as she deserves it after everything she had to endure,” junior Chloe Bettis said.

During her start-up career following her contract, she played featuring or supporting roles. Moreno frequently received typecast offers and remembers offers for ethnic or sexualized roles. Casting directors asked her to depict various ethnicities, including Hawaiian, Native American and even a young Burmese woman named Tuptim in “The King and I”. For the portrayal, Moreno won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, but even after winning this award, her agent still only submitted her for exotic and Latina roles. These incidents led to her decision to walk away from the mistreatment of Hollywood and act in summer theater for the next seven years. With her actively standing up to the mistreatment she received, Moreno aided in shattering barriers for Latina and Latinx performers. Her achievements and advocacy for authentic representation helped increase the acceptance of Hispanic actors.