10 Influential Hispanic Immigrant Figures in the U.S.

Immigrants from around the world play a vital role in the United States, contributing to a vast and diverse array of fields. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this article highlights ten influential Hispanic immigrants who have made significant contributions and reshaped their respective fields. Their work continues to inspire and influence our culture and society. These figures have impacted social justice, humanitarianism, literature, journalism, and media.

1. Oscar de la Renta (1932–2014)
   Field: Fashion Designer

• • Early Life and Background
    The iconic Dominican fashion designer was born in Santo Domingo on July 22, 1932, to a Dominican mother and a Puerto Rican father. As the only boy among seven children, his family encouraged him to pursue his passion for the arts from an early age. His love for the arts led him to Spain, where he studied at the Royal Academy of San Fernando. His transition from illustration to fashion began with clothing sketches he made for extra money in newspapers.
  • Professional Achievements and Impact
    De la Renta’s fashion career started with designing for various fashion houses in Spain and apprenticing with couture designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, who became his mentor. This mentorship led him to Paris, where he worked as a couture assistant at Lanvin. In the 1960s, he moved to the U.S. to further his career, working with fashion houses such as Elizabeth Arden and Jane Derby, which he took over in 1965 after Derby’s death. He then joined Balmain, becoming the first Dominican designer at a French fashion house. Known for his elegant, romantic, and glamorous garments, De la Renta played a key role in defining American high fashion. His designs have graced first ladies, celebrities, and high-profile events such as the Oscars and the Met Gala.
  • Advocacy and Legacy
    De la Renta’s work extended beyond fashion, supporting various causes like education, children’s health, and cultural development in his native Dominican Republic. He contributed to the La Casa del Niño orphanage in La Romana. His legacy epitomizes elegance and innovation, continuing to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

2. Sofia Vergara (1972–)
   Field: Actress and Entrepreneur

• • Early Life and Background
    Born on July 10, 1972, in Barranquilla, Colombia, to a homemaker mother and a cattle rancher father, Vergara was one of five siblings. Initially studying pre-dentistry at the National University of Colombia, she shifted to modeling and show business to escape the violence in Colombia, which had affected her family.
  • Professional Achievements and Impact
    Vergara was discovered while walking on the beach in Colombia, leading to offers in modeling and television. Her first commercial was a Pepsi ad at 17. After moving to the U.S., she had guest roles in TV shows and films, with a breakthrough role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on Modern Family (2009–2020), which earned her critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015 and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in Griselda. Vergara has also launched successful businesses in beauty, fashion, and consumer goods.
  • Advocacy and Legacy
    After a successful recovery from thyroid cancer in 2000, Vergara has used her platform for cancer awareness and support. She advocates for Latino communities, diversity, and education, uplifting underprivileged Latino youth with scholarships and resources. Vergara’s career spans media, philanthropy, and advocacy, making her a prominent figure in various fields.

3. Jorge Ramos (1958–)
   Field: Journalist, Activist, Author

• • Early Life and Background
    Born on March 16, 1958, in Mexico City, Ramos graduated in communications from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico and earned a master’s degree in international studies from the University of Miami. In 2007, he received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of Richmond.
  • Professional Achievements and Impact
    Ramos began his journalism career in Mexico but moved to the U.S. due to government censorship. He joined Univision in the mid-1980s, becoming a prominent anchor for Noticiero Univision. He has covered major historical events, including wars, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the 9/11 attacks. Ramos is known for his direct style of interviewing and advocacy on behalf of undocumented individuals in the U.S., earning multiple Emmy Awards and the Maria Moors Cabot Prize for journalism.
  • Advocacy and Legacy
    Ramos uses his platform to highlight the challenges faced by undocumented individuals and advocates for Latino and immigrant rights. His confrontational interviewing style has made him a trusted figure in the Hispanic community, especially on issues of immigration, human rights, and Latino representation.

4. Gloria Estefan (1957–)
   Field: Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Businesswoman

• • Early Life and Background
    Cuban American Grammy Award-winning singer Gloria Estefan was born on September 1, 1957, in Havana, Cuba. Her family immigrated to the U.S. after the Cuban Revolution. Her father’s participation in the Bay of Pigs invasion and subsequent imprisonment influenced her early life. Estefan attended Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in Miami and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in French from the University of Miami.
  • Professional Achievements and Impact
    In the mid-1970s, Estefan and her cousin Mercedes formed the Miami Latin Boys, later known as Miami Sound Machine. The group’s success was marked by hits like “Conga” and “Words Get in the Way.” Estefan made a remarkable comeback after a serious bus accident with the album Into the Light. She has won eight Grammy Awards, been named one of the top 100 greatest artists of all time, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. In 2017, she was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors.
  • Advocacy and Legacy
    Estefan supports various causes, including education, disaster relief, and health care. Her foundation, established in 1997, focuses on empowering underprivileged communities. Her influence in reshaping Latin culture in mainstream media and music is significant, making her a cultural icon.

5. Eugenio Derbez (1961–)
   Field: Actor, Comedian, Director, Producer

• • Early Life and Background
    Born on September 2, 1961, in Mexico City, Derbez grew up in an artistic family and studied at Televisa Acting School and the Mexican Institute of Cinematography and Theater.
  • Professional Achievements and Impact
    Derbez gained popularity in Mexico with shows like Al Derecho y Al Derbez and La Familia P. Luche. His film Instructions Not Included (2013) became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film in the U.S. He has also voiced Donkey in the Spanish versions of the Shrek franchise and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016.
  • Advocacy and Legacy
    Derbez advocates for social and environmental causes, including animal rights, climate change, and immigrant rights. His contributions to entertainment and advocacy have made him a beloved figure both in the Hispanic community and Hollywood.

6. Carolina Herrera (1939–)
   Field: Fashion Designer

• • Early Life and Background
    Born on January 8, 1939, in Caracas, Venezuela, Herrera grew up in a socially prominent family. Her grandmother’s influence sparked her interest in fashion.
  • Professional Achievements and Impact
    Herrera began her fashion career in the 1960s as a publicist for Emilio Pucci. She moved to New York City in the 1980s and launched her first collection with great success. Known for her sophisticated and elegant designs, she expanded into bridal wear and launched a successful fragrance line. In 2008, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA.
  • Advocacy and Legacy
    The Carolina Herrera brand is a global fashion empire known for its sophistication and timeless appeal. Herrera supports causes related to cancer research, education, and the arts, collaborating with organizations like the American Cancer Society and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

7. Ana de Armas (1988-)
   Field: Actress

• • Early Life and Background
    Ana de Armas was born on April 30, 1988, in Havana, Cuba. From a young age, she was passionate about acting and attended the National Theatre School of Cuba. Her early career began with roles in Cuban television and film, but her ambition led her to seek opportunities beyond her homeland.
  • Professional Achievements and Impact
    In 2014, de Armas moved to Spain, where she continued to build her career and gained fame for her roles in Spanish-language films and television series, such as “El Internado.” Her success in Spain paved the way for her move to the United States later that year to pursue opportunities in Hollywood. Her breakthrough in Hollywood came with her role in the critically acclaimed film “Knives Out” (2019), which earned her widespread recognition. She has since starred in a range of successful films, including “No Time to Die” (2021) and “Deep Water” (2022), showcasing her versatility and talent.
  • Advocacy and Legacy
    Ana de Armas is celebrated not only for her acting skills but also for her role in breaking barriers for Latin American actresses in Hollywood. Her success has paved the way for more diverse representation in the film industry. De Armas continues to use her platform to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry, inspiring a new generation of actors from Latin America.

8. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (1952–)
   Field: Former United States Representative

• • Early Life and Background
    Born on July 15, 1952, in Havana, Cuba, Ros-Lehtinen emigrated to the U.S. with her family. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Florida International University and her Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Miami.
  • Professional Achievements and Impact
    Ros-Lehtinen was the first Hispanic woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1989, serving Florida’s 27th Congressional District. She became a prominent advocate for issues including education reform, human rights, and environmental protection. Her legislative work includes significant contributions to U.S.-Cuban relations and the protection of LGBT rights.
  • Advocacy and Legacy
    Ros-Lehtinen’s political career and advocacy for diverse causes have made her a trailblazer in U.S. politics. Her leadership and impact on legislation, particularly in support of the Hispanic and LGBT communities, continue to influence American politics.

9. José Ramón Andrés (1969–)
   Field: Chef, Restaurateur, Humanitarian

• • Early Life and Background
    José Ramón Andrés, renowned for his culinary expertise, was born on July 13, 1969, in Mieres, Asturias, Spain. His passion for cooking emerged early, leading him to enroll in the Escuela Superior de Hostelería in Barcelona at the age of fifteen. At eighteen, Andrés fulfilled his military service by cooking for an admiral. He honed his skills at the prestigious El Bulli restaurant for three years before moving to the United States in 1990.
  • Professional Achievements and Impact
    Upon arriving in New York City, Andrés worked in several fine dining establishments before taking the helm at Jaleo in Washington, D.C. He subsequently opened additional restaurants across the U.S., gaining acclaim both in America and Spain. His success led to a television show, Vamos a Cocinar, which premiered in 2005. That year, Andrés also published his first cookbook, Tapas: A Taste of Spain in America. His innovative approach to cooking, which integrates scientific principles to create new flavors and textures, has earned him a reputation for creativity. Andrés has taught culinary physics at Harvard University and a course on how food shapes civilization at George Washington University. Recognized for his contributions, he has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and received the James Beard Foundation Award for Humanitarian of the Year.
  • Advocacy and Legacy
    Andrés is celebrated for his humanitarian efforts through his non-profit organization, World Central Kitchen (WCK). WCK provides meals to those affected by natural disasters and crises. The organization has been active in numerous disaster relief efforts, including the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and the crisis in Ukraine. Andrés’s work has significantly impacted both the culinary world and humanitarian efforts, demonstrating the transformative power of food in addressing global challenges.

10. Raffi Freedman-Gurspan (1987–)
    Field: Activist

• • Early Life and Background
    Raffi Freedman-Gurspan was born on May 3, 1987, to an Indigenous family in Intibucá, Honduras. She was adopted by an American Jewish family and raised in Massachusetts. Freedman-Gurspan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Olaf College in 2009. During her junior year, she studied international law with a focus on human rights and gender equality at the University of Oslo Faculty of Law.
  • Professional Achievements and Impact
    After graduation, Freedman-Gurspan joined the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), where she worked on policy and legislative issues. In 2011, she made history as the first openly transgender legislative staffer at the Massachusetts State House, playing a crucial role in passing the transgender civil rights bill. In August 2015, Freedman-Gurspan was appointed by President Barack Obama as the Outreach and Recruitment Director in the Presidential Personnel Office, becoming the first openly transgender person to serve as a White House staffer.
  • Advocacy and Legacy
    Freedman-Gurspan has been a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, focusing on inclusion and equality. Her work continues to influence the LGBTQ+ rights movement and promote social justice. Her dedication to advancing equality has established her as a leading figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and broader social justice issues.

While this list highlights only a few of the many influential Hispanic immigrants who have left their mark on American society, their stories represent a broader spectrum of how immigrant talent and vision continue to shape and enrich American culture. Each of these individuals exemplifies the profound impact that Hispanic immigrants have on diverse fields and the ways in which their contributions enhance and influence the fabric of the U.S. today. Their achievements underscore the rich diversity and the enduring legacy of Hispanic immigrants in shaping the American experience.