Latina leaders have been blazing trails and making their mark across the United States in many ways, and 2025 promises to be a year filled with even more remarkable accomplishments. From groundbreaking innovators to bold entrepreneurs, the Latina community is increasingly at the forefront of positive change, transforming industries, advancing social justice, and shaping the future of business and culture. Here are just a few of the Latina jefas poised to make a significant impact in 2025 and beyond.
Maria Teresa Kumar
Political Leadership and Advocacy
Maria Teresa Kumar is the co-founder and CEO of Voto Latino, a nonprofit organization that empowers young Latinx voters through civic engagement. A political strategist and advocate, Kumar has been instrumental in increasing voter turnout among Latino communities. Her tireless efforts in promoting political advocacy will make her a key figure in the coming years, pushing for policies that support our communities and ensure their representation at all levels of government and public service.
Karla Monterroso
Tech Entrepreneurship and Diversity
As Chief Executive Officer of Code2040, Karla Monterroso is leading the path of diversifying the tech industry. Code2040 works to create pathways for Black and Latinx talent in tech, ensuring that historically underrepresented communities have access to career opportunities in this fast-growing field. Monterroso’s leadership will be a game-changer in the tech sector. By focusing on mentorship, networking, and creating spaces for underrepresented communities in tech, she is helping to foster a new generation of Latina tech entrepreneurs and professionals, forever changing the face of the industry.
Claudia Romo Edelman
Global Branding and Advocacy
A force in the business world and the advocacy space, Claudia Romo Edelman is the founder of We Are All Human, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the Latino community. A former United Nations official, Romo Edelman works to bridge the gap between global brands and Latino consumers. She has been instrumental in fostering a sense of unity within the Latinx community, especially in embracing and celebrating Latino culture on a global scale. We can’t wait to see how she will help amplify Latino voices in the corporate and political spheres in 2025.
Beatriz Acevedo
Entrepreneur and Media Mogul
Beatriz Acevedo has long been an inspiration for Latina entrepreneurs. The co-founder of the Latinx digital media company MiTú, she is now CEO and founder of SUMA Wealth, which helps Latinx entrepreneurs navigate the business world and access the resources they need to succeed. As the demand for Latina-led businesses and representation in media grows, Acevedo’s influence will continue to expand, helping to shape a more inclusive economy in 2025 and beyond. Her motto is simple: financial culture is a service. And we thank this jefa for her service!
Melinda Solare
Beauty and Inclusivity
Melinda Solares knows beauty when she sees it. As beauty director at Sephora, she’s redefining the industry with her passion for inclusivity and commitment to Latino representation. Solares has been instrumental in pushing for diversity, ensuring that products and marketing campaigns reflect the true range of skin tones and beauty needs. An advocate for championing underrepresented voices, she has created platforms for Latinx talent and consumers, helping to bridge cultural gaps, and celebrating Latino heritage in beauty. In her current role, she also helps lead Sephora’s commitment to sustainability and social justice, working on projects that prioritize eco-friendly packaging and empowering marginalized communities. Looking toward 2025, Solares plans to continue driving change by launching collaborations with emerging Latino beauty brands, making waves in an industry that has often overlooked their influence. We’re ready when you are, Melinda!
Maria Hinojosa
Journalism and Media Innovation
As a groundbreaking Latina journalist and founder of the Futuro Media Group, Maria Hinojosa has dedicated her career to telling the stories of underrepresented communities, with a special focus on Latino issues. Her show Latino USA has become a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand the diverse experiences of the Latino population in the United States. In 2025, Hinojosa plans to continue to build platforms that center Latino voices in a rapidly changing media landscape. Her commitment to social responsibility and justice through journalism is shaping the way news and storytelling reflect the experiences of Latinos in America, making her one of the most influential Latina voices in media.
Lifting Latina Voices
As champions of Latinidad, our ongoing mission at Lu is to amplify Latina voices. Central to our purpose is serving as champions of our community, through grassroots efforts, charitable works, and partnerships with Latino leaders, institutions, and ambassadors. Just as the jefas celebrated here, we seek to empower Latina jefas who are making a difference today and for generations of Latinos to come.
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that Latina leadership will continue to shape the future of the United States. From entertainment and politics to business and social justice, these powerhouses are not only making waves in their respective industries but are also inspiring young people of all communities. Their work is paving the way for future generations of Latina women to rise, succeed, and inspire change. They will continue to break barriers, redefine what’s possible, and amplify the voices of those who have long been marginalized. For anyone who’s paying attention, yep—the future is Latina!
