Often referred to as the Queen of Tejano Music, Selena Quintanilla was a perfect example of how not knowing a language does not mean you are any less Latin than anyone else.  As a third-generation Latin-American woman in the US, Selena was criticized for not knowing Spanish yet claiming to be a proud Mexican. She countered the people who would critique her by saying “I feel very proud to be Mexican. I didn’t have the opportunity to learn Spanish when I was a girl, but … it’s never too late to get in touch with your roots.” This made a huge impact in the Latin community as it brought up the conversation that ones identity is more than just a language. 

26 year old, Katya Echazarreta, made history as the first Mexican-born American woman and youngest women ever to fly to space. She has been a leading examples and hopes to inspire others. She stated that growing up she "was looking around and I wasn't seeing many people who looked like me, women of color or just women in general, in some of these spaces. I wanted other women and other people of color who are interested in doing the same things that I've been doing to know that one of us has made it.

Born in Inglewood, CA, Rebbeca Marie Gomez, known artistically as Becky G, has been a pioneer in the Latin community, especially in bringing awareness to the feeling many young Latinas feel when exploring their own identity. in an interview, Gomez expressed that she identifies herself as a "200 percenter." This means that she is 100 percent proud to have been born and raised in Inglewood, but also 100 percent proud of her Mexican roots. Now, Becky G is a global sensation and continues to incorporate music from her ancestors in her projects that she shares with the world.

Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez is of Puerto Rican, Ashkenazi Jewish, Filipino, and Spanish descent. He has been an advocate for sharing the struggle not knowing your identity as a latino in the US, but mixed race as well. In an interview he states the misconception people often have and explains that people may say "You’re in this gray zone, so you can pass for whatever the hell you want.’ But it’s not like that at all. It’s actually the exact opposite. What we’re trying to do is educate people to know what that feels like so they ’ll never make someone feel like that ever again." He opens up how it's okay to feel like you dont belong in one group or another and that someone like him can overcome these struggles.

After first hand seeing how racial and ethnic discrimination harms the lives of people in his community, Cesar Chavez decided to unite a group of people who share the same beliefs as him and with the same sense of identity. This is what led him to found the group that advocates for the rights of farm workers, acting to increase wages and improve the working conditions and safety of farm workers. He had a huge impact on the way farm workers were treated in this country and even sparked the famous phrase, "Si Se Puede!"

Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales, was a former boxer who also led political activism and advocated for the chicano population in the 1960s. He was the author of the poem, I am Joaquin. Published in 1967, in both English and Spanish, this poem discusses parts of Mexican American history and outlines the struggles that Chicanos have endured in their quest for a cultural identity and equal rights. Although it depicts some trajic events in history, the poem also provides optimism for a brighter future ahead.