Hispanic women have made amazing strides as everything from CEOs and founders to astronauts and painters—but they haven’t always received the recognition they deserve. As we observe Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15 in the United States), we thought now would be an excellent time to highlight some Hispanic heroes of history and today, and to introduce you to women who have shaped the fields of art, literature, space exploration, politics, business, and more.
Biography of Isabel Allende, Writer of Modern Magical Realism, from ThoughtCo—“Isabel Allende is a Chilean writer who specializes in magical realist literature. She is considered the most widely read Spanish-language author in the world and has received numerous awards, including Chile’s National Literature Prize and the American Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
(Also check out ThoughtCo’s Famous Hispanic Women in American Culture and History.)
The Legacy of Mexican Painter Frida Kahlo — Brown, Queer, Disabled and Revolutionary, from ARTSATL.org—“Kahlo’s deeply personal and guttural form of self-portraiture is one of the precursors to the radical self-portraiture we see coming from contemporary artists of color. The politically charged depictions of self reflect how artists contend with the political climate of their time. […] The story of Frida Kahlo is one of a brown, queer, disabled revolutionary. Despite great adversity, she made a profound impact on the world by standing firm in who she was. She reminds us that there is strength in vulnerability, and that there is spirit beyond our physical bodies.”
9 Latinx Activists You Should Have Learned About in History Class, from Bustle—“The Smithsonian Magazine reported that a 2017 study found for every three male historical figures taught to students in a standard high school social studies class, only one woman was mentioned. Of the 178 female historical figures taught in the curriculums that were included in the report, the study found only 8 percent of the historical female figures were Latinx. Despite this, Latinx activists — especially women — have always played a crucial role in creating cultural and political change throughout history. Here are nine Latinx activists who probably weren’t in your textbooks you should know about.”
Ellen Ochoa Featured on Astronaut Friday, from Space Center Houston—“Ochoa logged nearly 1,000 hours in space. She is also the first Hispanic woman to fly in space. […] In 2013, Ochoa began a new role at JSC as center director. She served as the 11th director, becoming the first Hispanic, and second woman, to hold the position. She served in this role for five years, during which she oversaw major milestones like the first Orion flight test and the selection of four astronauts for Commercial Crew training. Prior to her role as center director, Ochoa served as the deputy center director and the director of flight crew operations on site at JSC.”
12 Influential Hispanic Females Share Their #GirlBoss Tips, from Parade—“Be unwavering in the space you take up, and unapologetic about how you present yourself. We don’t all look the same, talk the same, or even share the same nationality, so be wary of anyone who tries to put you in a box. Embrace your uniqueness because that is ultimately why others will follow you.”
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