19 Inspirational Quotes From Latinx Leaders

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ve compiled some of our favorite insights and inspiration from Latinx luminaries in our community. These quotes come from trailblazers, C-suite executives, students, activists, and celebrities. They are a mix of highlights from The Well; the Jopwell team; red-carpet interviews and memorable moments at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and the Hispanic Heritage Awards 2017 galas; and this year’s National Association of Latino Professionals For America Convention in Las Vegas.

"We are needed. We have to be engaged and get ourselves elected to school boards and city councils. Sí se puede!"

Dolores Huerta, United Farm Workers cofounder

"Widen the path of opportunities and continue to leave a powerful and positive legacy in this world."

Luis Fonsi, singer/songwriter

“Your individuality is important, but so is belonging. Recognize the parts of your culture that have shaped your past, and the parts you want to carry with you into the future.”

Sol Peralta, audience engagement manager at Jopwell

"If I could go back and give myself advice, I would say, 'You deserve to be here because you are a good actor. You know it. Now, let everybody else know.'"

Daniella De Jesús, actress (Orange Is The New Black) and writer

"You are not lucky to be here. The world needs your perspective. They are lucky to have you.”

Antonio Tijerino, President & CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation

"As people of color, we have a potent power – and a responsibility – to change events around us, not just professionally, but spiritually and politically as well."

Michelle Herrera Mulligan, writer and editor

“Make sure to do something that provides you with motivation to get up in the morning and go to work. Whether it’s passion for a mission, excitement about creating, or intellectual stimulation, follow a path where you consistently feel engaged."

Nadia Abouzaid, head of campus engagement at Jopwell

"Acknowledge and embrace the person you are, imperfections and all. That’s the highest service we can achieve: to give back and give to ourselves in the best way we know."

Dr. Paul Bonin Rodriguez, assistant professor at the University of Texas, Austin

“Get behind other people’s success. Your life was built on other people’s dreams, so let’s not let them down.”

Dionicia Nava, student at California State University, Los Angeles

“The only limitation is self imposed.”

Armando Vasquez, student at California State University San Marcos

"We must be impatient for change. Let us remember that our voice is a precious gift and we must use it."

Claudia Flores, Immigration campaign manager, Center for American Progress

“As my mom always said growing up, ‘When you do something, do it con ganas.’ To her, that phrase extended to the way in which my siblings and I not only pursued our careers, but to how neatly we swept the floor. So whether you’re early in your career and have to side hustle as a barista, or have finally made your way to the corner office — do it all con ganas."

Analisa Cantu, content production associate at Jopwell

“My multicultural sorority taught me how to find my voice and be comfortable using it. I needed to be just as forward and direct as the women around me if I wanted my opinions and ideas to be heard.”

Barbara Gonzalez, associate culture editor at Cassius

“Kids, regardless of race or background, can accomplish anything if we expect great things from them.”

Jose Rosario, second grade teacher at Success Academy

“Work at a place where you feel challenged. Stay level-headed and hungry. I'm always looking forward to the next challenge.”

Rafa Crespo Bosque, software engineering manager at LinkedIn

“I had to work extra hard. It's not easy for Latinos to get education, but I'm trying to make a difference. I dreamed of being at the top, and I'm not going to give up.”

Abigail Rodriguez, MSW and MBA; wife of WWE wrestler Kalisto

"Instead of listening to all of the horrific stuff on the news every single day, every moment of the day, sometimes I just go quiet. I spend some time with myself, and I think about things that are important to me. It sounds simple, but it works.”

JW Cortés, actor, singer, speaker, and activist

"There are two forms of power in the world: money and bodies. We didn't have as much money at the time, but we had a lot of bodies."

Juan Sepúlveda, SVP, System Leadership at PBS

"It has been so important for me to embrace what I personally bring to the table. Let your stories inform your voice."

Vivian Nuñez, founder of Too Damn Young