Latina Leaders Celebrate Women’s History Month (Rep. Hilda Solis)

Tonight, the Imagen Foundation will host the annual Latina Leaders — Celebrating our Voices event at the Library of Congress.  At this year’s event, seven extraordinary Latinas and Latina Magazine will be recognized for their leadership and work.

As Honorary Chair of the event, I’m very proud that we can recognize the important contributions of Latinas during Women’s History Month.  Tonight’s honorees have achieved significant accomplishments in the areas of journalism, health, environment, media, entertainment and advocacy.

I was the first Latina co-chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues and the first Latina to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  There are only 7 Latinas currently serving in Congress, and only 73 women Members and 16 women Senators, but we continue working to increase the number of women and Latinas in Congress.

Latinas today are represented in more professions than ever — science, politics, advocacy, literature, business and the media.  As Latina leaders, we have an incredible opportunity and privilege to inspire our young people.

One of the most inspiring Latina Leaders this year is Rosa Rosales, who has fought very hard for Latino communities as the national president of LULAC.

Univision’s Cristina Saralegui is a legend in Spanish-language entertainment and has used her celebrity to bring awareness to vital issues in our community like HIV/AIDS.

Gloria Rodriguez of the Los Angeles County Community Clinic Association is a strong advocate for healthcare access for underserved communities and Latinos nationwide.

Maria Hinojosa is a journalist bringing us high-quality information about issues that may not be reported in mainstream news, but are vital to the Latino community.

Latina Magazine is being honored as a publication that seeks to inform and entertain Latinos about the issues and people important to them.

And finally, the youngest of this year’s Latina Leaders Crystal Castro, Judith Cardenas, and Jennifer Casamayor from UPROSE in New York — are a great example of our young people becoming involved in their community.

It is important we provide younger generations with the motivation and power to realize their dreams and encourage them to be the next generation of leaders for the community.  As pioneers and leaders, tonight’s honorees had the courage and vision to go where there was no path.  During Women’s History Month, we remember them and all women who have been trailblazers in our communities.