The purpose of National Latina Day is to inspire Latinas to build positive networks, embrace their narratives, and uplift one another. It also shines a spotlight on the women who are making a difference in their communities—whether at home, in schools, or by supporting others through their leadership.
Latinas You Should Know
Frida Kahlo (1907–1954)
- Field: Art
- Country: Mexico
- Known for: Renowned painter known for her self-portraits and works exploring identity, postcolonialism, gender, and culture.
Dolores Huerta (1930–Present)
- Field: Activism
- Country: United States (Mexican-American)
- Known for: Civil rights activist and labor leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW). Her slogan “Sí, se puede” inspired movements nationwide.
Celia Cruz (1925–2003)
- Field: Music
- Country: Cuba
- Known for: “The Queen of Salsa” who became a global icon, bringing Latin music into the mainstream and breaking barriers for Latina artists.
Sonia Sotomayor (1954–Present)
- Field: Law
- Country: United States (Puerto Rican descent)
- Known for: The first Latina and third woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she is celebrated for her advocacy for equality and justice.
Selena Quintanilla (1971–1995)
- Field: Music and Entertainment
- Country: United States (Mexican-American)
- Known for: The “Queen of Tejano Music” who became a crossover star, paving the way for future Latin artists in the U.S. mainstream music industry.
Rigoberta Menchú (1959–Present)
- Field: Human Rights Activism
- Country: Guatemala
- Known for: Indigenous rights activist and 1992 Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her work in advocating for Indigenous peoples’ rights and social justice.
Isabel Allende (1942–Present)
- Field: Literature
- Country: Chile
- Known for: Best-selling author whose works, including The House of the Spirits, blend magical realism with powerful storytelling, highlighting themes of family and politics.
Sylvia Rivera (1951–2002)
- Field: LGBTQ+ Activism
- Country: United States (Puerto Rican-Venezuelan descent)
- Known for: Pioneering LGBTQ+ rights activist and transgender woman who co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and fought for marginalized communities during the Stonewall uprising.
Eva Perón (1919–1952)
- Field: Politics and Social Activism
- Country: Argentina
- Known for: First Lady of Argentina, she was a powerful advocate for labor rights, women’s suffrage, and the poor, leaving a lasting legacy as a champion of social justice.
Julia de Burgos (1914–1953)
- Field: Poetry and Literature
- Country: Puerto Rico
- Known for: Celebrated poet and civil rights activist, known for her feminist themes and advocacy for Puerto Rican independence.
Antonia Pantoja (1922–2002)
- Field: Education and Civil Rights Activism
- Country: Puerto Rico/United States
- Known for: An educator and civil rights leader, Pantoja founded ASPIRA in 1961, an organization dedicated to empowering Latino youth through education and leadership development. Her work was pivotal in improving educational opportunities and advocating for bilingual education in the United States.
Sylvia Mendez (1936–Present)
- Field: Civil Rights and Education Activism
- Country: United States (Mexican-Puerto Rican descent)
- Known for: As a child, Sylvia Mendez was at the center of the landmark Mendez v. Westminster case in 1947, which successfully ended segregation in California public schools, laying the groundwork for Brown v. Board of Education. Her family’s legal fight helped secure equal education for Latino children across the country.
Felisa Rincón de Gautier (1897–1994)
- Field: Politics and Education
- Country: Puerto Rico
- Known for: The first female mayor of a capital city in the Americas (San Juan, Puerto Rico), Rincón de Gautier was a trailblazer who championed early childhood education. She established the first preschool program in Puerto Rico, modeled after the U.S. Head Start program, which provided educational opportunities to underprivileged children.
Marta Moreno Vega (1942–Present)
- Field: Education and Cultural Advocacy
- Country: United States (Puerto Rican descent)
- Known for: A professor, cultural advocate, and founder of the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI), Vega has dedicated her life to preserving and teaching Afro-Latinx history and culture. She has also been instrumental in advancing educational opportunities and resources for Latino students and educators.
Violeta Parra (1917–1967)
- Field: Education, Music, and Cultural Advocacy
- Country: Chile
- Known for: While primarily known as a musician and folklorist, Violeta Parra was also deeply committed to educational initiatives. Through her work, she preserved Chilean folk traditions and used music and art as tools for education and cultural empowerment, especially among marginalized communities.