The 15 Most Influential Latinos
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AMÉRICA FERRERA
Her starring role in Ugly Betty (ABC) has turned her into a Golden Globe, SAG, Emmy and ALMA-award winning actress. But it's her role as a humanitarian that sets her apart. Ferrera is working to get Latinos to vote, and has even been on the campaign trail with Senator Hillary Clinton.
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RICKY MARTIN
Last year was a whirlwind of success for the Puerto Rican superstar: his Blanco y Negro world tour, the release of his Ricky Martin MTV Unplugged album, and his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Now the 36-year-old humanitarian is setting his sights on helping children worldwide.
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SHAKIRA
The Colombian singer is more than just a sexy hip-shaker – she's a humanitarian who constantly works to improve the lives of kids though her Bare Foot Foundation and ALAS (América Latina en Acción Solidaria), which she and other artists created to fight poverty in Latin America.
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JORGE RAMOS
At age 49, the Mexican journalist has visited more than 60 countries, interviewed more than 70 world leaders and reported on more than five wars. His Univisión programs Noticiero punto and Al punto reach millions of Hispanic viewers daily, and his radio show, eight published books and newspaper columns reach even more audiences.
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CARLA ESTRADA
If you put her name on a telenovela, you're guaranteed a successful show. The 50-year-old Mexican producer of hits like Amor real, Alborada and Pasión is a Televisa darling.
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PEREZ HILTON
With around 9.5 million people viewing his Hollywood gossip blog Perezhilton.com every day, the 29-year-old self-proclaimed "entertainer" has certainly found a way to get his voice to the masses. He's also a proud Latino – Mario Lavandeira (his real name) is of Cuban descent.
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JUANES
The Colombian singer's hit "Me enamora" is a chart-topping success, but the 35-year-old's biggest feat has been the impact his Mi Sangre Foundation has made on the lives of victims of mines in his native country.
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RAÚL DE MOLINA
He's considered by many – including Paulina Rubio – to be a staple of the entertainment industry. For more than 20 years, the 49-year-old has brought us the latest in celebrity gossip, first as a paparazzo and now as host of El Gordo y la Flaca (Univisión).
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LILLIAN RODRÍGUEZ LÓPEZ
As president of the Hispanic Federation, this community leader of Puerto Rican descent, 45, fights to promote better education and health care for Latinos.
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RAÚL MATEU
He heads the Latin division of the William Morris talent agency, representing artists the likes of Jennifer López. The 39-year-old Venezuelan was also a crucial part of turning Yo soy Betty, la fea into ABC's hit show Ugly Betty.
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MARÍA LÓPEZ ÁLVAREZ
The producer of Cuban descent, 45, is vice president and co-director of news for Univisión. She's also the creative force behind popular programs like Primer impacto, El Gordo y La Flaca and Nuestra belleza latina.
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LUIS BALAGUER
As president and owner of Latin World Entertainment, this 40-year-old Spanish businessman represents Latin celebrities like Myrka Dellanos, Sofía Vergara and Angélica Vale.
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SANTIAGO BLANCO
This 37-year-old Mexican executive is now vice president for Coca-Cola's North American division. He manages more than 17 brands, among them Sprite, Fresca and Fanta.
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ANNA ESCOBEDO CABRAL
The 48-year-old of Mexican descent has served as Treasurer of the United States since July 2004.
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MANNY VIDAL
This 44-year-old Cuban businessman came up with the idea for the most efficient Hispanic marketing and communications agency in the United States: The Vidal Partnership, which boasts clients like Nissan, Kraft and Wendy's .