While we are reflecting on the kind of year 2018 was, we can be happy that a strong group of Latinas were in the mix and kicking ass. In the arenas of politics, music, literature, and more, Latinxs were there, making their mark, setting records, shattering them, and in the process, shattering the glass ceiling, so that we can hope to achieve our own dreams. Here are 13 of those inspiring heroines.
Alexandria Ocasio-Ortiz
In 2018, Nuyorican Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made history when she became the youngest woman ever to be elected to Congress. The 29-year-old kicked down the door to Congress, promising to be a true voice, and advocate, of the people.
Julissa Arce
Another Latina who made her mark this year is author Julissa Arce. She released her second book, Someone Like Me: How One Undocumented Girl Fought for Her American Dream. My (Underground) American Dream, her first book chronicling her journey from undocumented Mexican immigrant to Wall Street executive, became a best-seller (that’s going to be turned into a TV show!)
Cardi B
This year, Dominicana Cardi B continued the massive success she had in 2018. In addition to becoming a mom, Cardi was nominated for five Grammys, was one of Entertainment Weekly’s Entertainers of the Year, and broke two of Beyoncé’s Guinness World Records.
Noelle Santos
Afro-Latina Noelle Santos is a perfect example of someone who sees a void that needs to be filled and proceeds to fill it. When the Barnes & Noble bookstore closed in the Bronx, Noelle decided to open The Lit.Bar.
Veronica Escobar
Two women made history during this year’s midterm elections when they became the first Latinas from Texas to be elected to Congress — Veronica Escobar is one of them (Sylvia Garcia is the other). This year, the Chicana from El Paso also led protests, with Beto O’Rourke, against Trump’s separation of families immigrating to the U.S.
Elizabeth Acevedo
Afro-Dominicana Elizabeth Acevedo had a major literary hit on her hands with The Poet X. The book, about a Harlem girl named Xiomara who uses poetry to understand her mother and life, was a New York Times bestseller, and won the National Book Award.
Elana Meyers Taylor
Panamanian-American Elana Meyers Taylor won a silver medal for the United States at this year’s Olympic Games. The bobsledder also won silver at the 2014 Sochi Games, and bronze at the 2010 Vancouver Games.
Sylvia Garcia
Sylvia Garcia was one of the two women elected to be the first Latinas from Texas in Congress (the other is Veronica Escobar). In 1998, Garcia was also the first woman, and the first Latino, to be elected City Controller of Houston.
America Ferrera
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrNmgCkhVqi/
America Ferrera was part of the Latina celeb super group (Zoe Saldana, Gina Rodriguez, Eva Longoria, and Rosario Dawson) who encouraged other Latinas to vote during the midterm elections. She also penned the book American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures, which also includes stories from several other first-generation-American celebs.
Michele Docharty
Congrats to $GS' Heather von Zuben and Michele Docharty who are recognized on @alpfa’s 2019 Most Powerful Latinas list. They are inspiring leaders inside and outside of our firm: https://t.co/0oTqPXbv2k pic.twitter.com/ztN97hYtEH
— GoldmanSachs Careers (@GSCareers) August 14, 2019
Michele Docharty is a Partner and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs. The Association of Latino Professionals for America named Docharty one of the 50 most powerful Latinas in business. In her role as a Latinx boss, Michele has been involved in diversity efforts at the company.
Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello was one of the major winners in music in 2018. In addition to two Grammy nods, she became the most streamed solo female artist on YouTube. Her hit, “Havana,” was also the most streamed jam by a female artist on Spotify.
Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria is consistently winning for herself, and for all of us Latinos. She was producing shows that put the focus on Latinos in Hollywood (such as the upcoming show, Grand Hotel), and urging us to vote with other Latina powerhouse celebs. She was starring in films such as Overboard, working on the Dora the Explorer movie, and getting honored at the ALMA Awards. And she did this all while also becoming a first-time mom.
