Empowering the next generation of Hispanic women is a key priority for the U.S. Hispanic economy, and I can't think of a more inspirational and empowering event for aspiring Latina students than the Woman of the Year Awards.
I know I'm representing the Library of Congress, all the people of the United States and, of course, the Latinos and Latinas as well.
I was thrilled to play a role on 'Dora the Explorer,' a show that has touched the lives of many children around the world, including my own child. Dora is such an iconic and important Latina heroine, and I'm proud to now be a part of the show's ever-growing legacy.
Usually, I'll be auditioning for the third lead, and there will be Latina actresses, Indian actresses, African American actresses because it will be like, 'Let's check off this box. We have our lead white girl, and we need an ethnic slot.'
I'm all about the crossover. The role doesn't necessarily have to be white or Latina or black. It could be anything. But it's hard in Hollywood, because sometimes it's all about the box office. Or all about looks and things like that. It's not about the story that they have to tell.
It's a great honor for us to be recognized by the prestigious LATINA Style for two consecutive years. We feel that we have a very robust diversity plan and we're gratified and encouraged when the experts tell us we're on the right track.
One of the worst things [Donald Trump] said was about a woman in a beauty contest. He loves beauty contests, supporting them and hanging around them. And he called this woman "Miss Piggy." Then he called her "Miss Housekeeping," because she was Latina. Donald, she has a name.
I usually say Latina, Mexican-American or American Mexican, and in certain contexts, Chicana, depending on whether my audience understands the term or not.
I am a woman, and I am a Latina. Those are the things that make my writing distinctive. Those are the things that give my writing power.
By her being a product of the community, it inspires a lot of the younger generation to reach for goals that they never thought they could attain, especially Latina women.