The document profiles 20 notable Hispanic figures from 1460 to present day. It includes conquistadors, revolutionaries, artists, scientists, athletes, and politicians who made important contributions to Hispanic history and culture in fields such as exploration, independence movements, literature, music, science, and government. Many of them were firsts as the first Hispanic/Latino or woman in their respective achievements and positions.

1. Hispanic History Makers

2. Juan Ponce de Leon 1460-1521 Conquistador and Explorer Conquered Puerto Rico Discovered Florida

3. Hernan Cortes 1485-1520 Conquistador Conquered the Aztec Empire

4. Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz 1648-1695 Poet Scholar Mexican Nun Studied theology, astronomy, philosophy, literature, mathematics, painting, and music

5. Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo 1753-1811 Revolutionary Priest Tried to free Mexico from Spanish rule in a famous speech called “Grito de Delores” on September 16, 1810.

6. Simon Bolivar 1783-1830 Soldier and Statesman Called El Libertador (the Liberator) Liberated parts of South America from the Spanish

7. Juan Seguin 1806-1890 Soldier Fought at the Alamo, but did not die because he left to get reinforcements. Calvary Captain at the Battle of San Jacinto

8. Jose Marti 1853-1895 Revolutionary and Writer Led the movement for the independence of Cuba. Author Poet Was killed in Cuba while leading a revolt.

9. Diego Rivera 1886-1957 Mexican Painter Painted murals of Mexican life and culture. Painted murals of US industry

10. Severo Ochoa 1905-1993 Spanish biochemist Won the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine His discovery helped expand our knowledge of genetics

11. Frida Kahlo 1907-1954 Mexican Painter Known for her intense self-portraits. Her style featured brilliant colors. Her work is still very popular today.

12. Narciso Martinez 1911-1992 Mexican Musician “ Father” of the Tejano style of accordion music known as conjunto.

13. Cesar Chavez 1927-1993 Mexican American Activist World War II Veteran Founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) Helped gain better working conditions for migrant workers and safer foods for all Americans.

14. Jaime Escalante 1903-Present Educator Math teacher who achieved outstanding results with his students in California. Awarded the United States Presidential Medal for his achievements.

15. Roberto Clemente 1934-1972 Puerto Rican Baseball Player Led the National League in hitting 4 times. Led the Pittsburgh Pirates to two World Series.

16. Antonia Novello 1944-Present Puerto Rican Physician and Public Official First Hispanic and women to be named Surgeon General of the United States.

17. Edward James Olmos 1947-Present Mexican American Actor and Activist Has received many awards for his acting Actively involved in political and humanitarian causes

18. Carlos Santana 1947-Present Mexican Musician Grammy award winning jazz-rock musician. His music reaches audiences from the 1960’s to today

19. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen 1952-Present Cuban Congresswoman First Cuban-American member of Congress Has served in the House of Representatives since 1989.

20. Sandra Cisneros 1954-Present Mexican American writer, poet, and novelist. She is known for her vivid portrayal of Mexican American life.

21. Nancy Lopez 1957-Present Mexican American Golfer Has won 3 LPGA Titles Member of the LPGA Hall of Fame

22. Ellen Ochoa 1958-Present Mexican American Astronaut First Latino Women to travel into space. Has logged 1,000 hours in space Also a accomplished flutist

23. Selena Quintanilla Perez 1971-1995 Mexican American Singer Popular Tejano singer in both Mexico and the United States. Her album “Dreaming of You” became the all time selling debut album by a female.