Salma Valgarma Hayek Pinault
Salma began her career in Mexico, captivating audiences with her exceptional talent in starring roles in various telenovelas. Her first was “Teresa” from 1989 – 1991. was an early success in television and laid the groundwork for her rise in the entertainment industry, which was further solidified by her performance in the romantic drama “Midaq Alley” in 1995. These pivotal roles not only showcased her versatility as an actress but also endeared her to a wide audience, establishing her as a prominent figure in Mexican cinema.
As her popularity surged, she set her sights on Hollywood, where she made a striking entrance with notable appearances in several blockbuster films. Her role in “Desperado” (1995) marked her transition to the international stage, where she shared screen space with iconic stars and showcased her charisma to Hollywood audiences. Who could forget her memorable performance in “From Dusk till Dawn” (1996), a now cult classic as the sultry succubus Santanico Pandemonium that further solidified her status as a leading actress. In the late ’90s, she continued to captivate viewers with her roles in “Wild Wild West” (1999) and “Dogma” (1999), both of which demonstrated her ability to navigate various genres. Through her impressive body of work, she not only broke barriers for Latina actresses in Hollywood but also left an indelible mark on the film industry that continues to inspire aspiring actors today.
Salma has become an advocate over the years and has charitable work which includes increasing awareness on violence against women and discrimination against immigrants.[On July 19, 2005, Hayek testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary supporting reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act In February 2006, she donated $25,000 to a Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, shelter for battered women and another $50,000 to Monterrey based anti-domestic violence groups.
On February 14, 2007, She married Billionaire Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault. She gave birth to their daughter 2 yrs prior.
The Hollywood Reporter ranked Hayek 4th in their Latino Power 50, of a list of the most powerful Latin members of Hollywood. In 2008, she was awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award, in recognition of her creative works that have enhanced the perception of women through the medium of television, and Entertainment Weekly ranked her 17th in their list of the 25 Smartest People in TV.
Cesar Conde
Chairman, NBCUniversal News Group
Conde has led the transformation of NBCUniversal’s news businesses since taking charge in 2020, leaning into streaming through NBC News Now and programming Peacock with original news and opinion content, as well as simulcasts of CNBC and MSNBC’s morning shows. He also has made diversity a priority through initiatives to make the news division more representative of America.
Carmen Cuba Carla Hool
Casting directors hold a pivotal role in the film and television industry, acting as the gatekeepers who can propel unknown talent into the limelight and forever alter the fabric of Hollywood. Their discerning eyes have the ability to not just spot potential but to reshape narratives, driving the representation of diverse voices and experiences to the forefront of mainstream media. Among these influential figures is Hool, who has established herself as a premier talent scout for Latin actors, lending her expertise to celebrated projects such as “Coco,” “Flamin’ Hot,” “Narcos.”” “Man on Fire”, “Despicable Me 2″, ” Apocalypto” and “Sin Nombre” to name a few.
Hool is another casting powerhouse who has made significant strides in an industry historically resistant to women in the industry. With a knack for unearthing talent, she has dramatically changed the trajectory of promising actors, exemplified by her work with the “Stranger Things” ensemble, for which she won her second Emmy. Her upcoming projects, including “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Crying in H Mart,” highlight her ongoing influence in selecting impactful talent and shaping narratives that speak to a broader audience. For Cuba hool, power in this ecosystem translates to the ability to connect directly with influential figures without needing to justify her vision or aesthetic. Her relationships and reputation allow her to advocate for a more diverse representation in storytelling.
The industry’s landscape has evolved significantly for Latino talent, marking a shift towards authenticity and respect in representation. According to Hool, there has been a noticeable change in the approach producers take regarding Latin stories and characters. Rather than relying solely on stereotypes or outdated perceptions, there’s a willingness to consult with experts on the nuances of Latin culture. This newfound openness reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity, where casting directors like Hool can educate producers about the rich tapestry of the Latino community rather than having to fight for recognition or validation repeatedly. This evolution in the industry’s mindset is a testament to the growing importance of diverse narratives and the vital role casting directors play in bringing those stories to life.
Daddy Yankee
Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez – His 2004 masterpiece, Barrio Fino, made him the first reggaetón act to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, and became the top-selling Latin album of the decade, paving the way for artists like Don Omar and Wisin y Yandel to swim in the mainstream. Barrio Fino’s lead single, “Gasolina,” is the first reggaetón song inducted into the National Recording Registry. Now retired from music, he is an executive producer on Neon, a new Netflix comedy series about three friends moving to Miami to pursue their reggaetón dreams.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio aka Bad Bunny –
Known as the King of Latin Trap music is the first non English speaking artist to become spotify’s most streamed artist of the year. His 2016 song “Diles” lead to a recording contract with Hear this Music. He has had billboard hits such as “La Cancion”, ” Ojitos Lindos”, “Pero Negro”, ” Yonaguni” and ” Si Estuviesemos juntos”. He not only has a movie career but seems to be an accomplished actor and athlete.
A self-professed lifelong fan of professional wrestling, Bad Bunny began making appearances in the American promotion WWE in 2021. During WWE’s annual Royal Rumble event held on January 31, 2021, Bad Bunny performed his song “Booker T” live, which also had an appearance by the former wrestler of the same name. When he’s not performing music he currently appears on WWE’s weekly television show, Monday Night Raw.
Luis Muñoz Marín
Marin was a politician who was called the “Father of Modern Puerto Rico.” He was the first democratically elected Governor of Puerto Rico when Congress granted the territory the right to elect its own governor, and was reelected in 1952, 1956 and 1960. He fought to rapidly expand economic growth in Puerto Rico, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 for his work.
Carlos Trujillo’s –
Is an American lobbyist and government affairs professional who previously served as United States Ambassador to the Organization of American States. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives from 2010 until his appointment as ambassador.
Alex Rodriguez –
Investments A-Rod Corp. Founder and CEO
After his brilliant career with the Yankees in the MLB, Alex Rodriguez continued to hit home runs in business with his investment firm A-Rod Corp. And the son of Dominican immigrants has been able to hit hard. In real estate, his firm has acquired assets for more than US$1 billion and has developed more than 45 million square meters in various residential, industrial, tourism and commercial projects. In addition, with A-Rod Corp Ventures and VCP, Rodriguez maintains a constant presence in venture capital investment and advice to entrepreneurs. The athlete-investor’s footprint expands to Mexico with his Energy Fitness chain of gyms.
Francisco Sanchez
Law Firm Holland & Knight Co-Chair. International Trade Practice
Francisco Sánchez’s legal career has taken him from the halls of the White House to the boards of some of the world’s largest companies. He currently leads Tampa-based Holland & Knight’s international trade practice. Sanchez, who previously founded CNS Global Advisors, has spent decades advising clients and various US administrations on how to grow businesses. The executive was Barack Obama’s undersecretary of International Trade and under Bill Clinton was a senior official at the Department of Transportation. He is a firm believer in the free exchange of goods and services, especially with the idea of expanding his clients’ businesses in the US to the world.
