Glo's Latina Girl Crushes

Isabel Allende

Known for her signature writing style, which combines elements of magical realism and myth with her personal experiences — and those of other women sprinkled in — this Chilean-born novelist is one of the true modern literary greats. We recommend her memoir Paula, which is a tribute to her late daughter.

Chita Rivera

This Broadway legend is famous for her onstage portrayal of Maria in West Side Story and as Velma Kelly in the original cast of Chicago (she also made a cameo in the movie version). In 2009 she was recognized for her cultural contributions with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.

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America Ferrera

From The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants to Ugly Betty, this Honduran-American actress is not only uber-famous for her roles on the small and big screens, but also for inspiring girls to have confidence in both their bodies and themselves. (After all, she did get her start with the film Real Women Have Curves.)

Selena

Named the Top Latin Artist of the ’90s and Best Selling Latin Artist of the Decade by Billboard, as well as considered the Mexican equivalent of Madonna, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez is one of the most-missed music icons. We wonder where her already stellar career would have gone had she not been murdered when she was just 23.

Marisol Deluna

This fashion designer got quite the early start on her career. In first grade she was devising ball gowns for princesses, and by middle school she was making patterns for skirts. Today she is best known for her custom silk scarves and ties, and you can see her full line of couture apparel, here.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor

As the first Latina justice on the United States Supreme Court, and only the third woman to serve on it, Sonia had already made history the day she was sworn in. Given that she’d wanted to be a judge since she was in elementary school, we’re looking forward to see what she does next now that she’s risen to the highest possible level in the field.

Sara Baras

This world-renowned flamenco dancer from Spain got her moves from her mama, who ran a dance school. Not only has she performed in shows with others famous footworkers in Paris and New York, Sara has walked the catwalks in London and Madrid, and she was featured in the film Mission Impossible II.