HL | Latinas of Influence — Legacy Project

Jan 26, 2026 | Connecting Latinas of Influence, Latinas of Influence

HL | Latinas of Influence — Legacy Project

For more than three decades, Hispanic Lifestyle has been committed to recognizing the women whose leadership, resilience, and influence have shaped business, culture, and community across the United States. Through this ongoing work, nearly 500 Latinas have been honored each story contributing to a powerful and growing narrative of impact.

Today, that legacy enters a new chapter.

Introducing the HL | Latinas of Influence — Legacy Project

The HL | Latinas of Influence — Legacy Project is a reimagined, living platform designed to preserve, elevate, and expand the stories of Latina leaders whose influence continues to shape our communities and inspire future generations.

This is more than a recognition program. It is an evolving archive of leadership, excellence, and lived experience.

Through updated digital profiles, new editorial features, video storytelling, and national distribution, the Legacy Project ensures that the voices of Latinas past honorees and future trailblazers alike remain visible, relevant, and impactful.

Support the Latinas of Influence | Legacy Project and help preserve and elevate the stories of Latina leaders shaping business, culture, and community. Your sponsorship creates lasting impact and year-round visibility.

Nomination - Update Form

“For more than 30 years, HL has had the privilege of telling the stories of extraordinary Latinas whose leadership has shaped our communities. The Legacy Project ensures these stories don’t fade with time. Instead, they live on, documented, accessible, and positioned to inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Richard Sandoval

Founder, President, Hispanic Lifestyle

Why the Legacy Project Matters Now

Latinas are among the fastest-growing and most influential contributors to the U.S. economy, culture, and civic life. Yet their achievements are still too often underrepresented or under-documented.

The Legacy Project addresses that gap by:

Preserving legacy through verified digital profiles and editorial features
Amplifying influence via national content distribution and social platforms
Connecting generations of leaders, mentors, and emerging voices
Creating ongoing visibility, not one-time recognition

As Sandoval notes, “Legacy is not about a single moment of recognition it’s about sustained visibility and continued relevance. Our responsibility is to make sure these stories remain part of the cultural record.”

What the Legacy Project Includes

Each Legacy Project profile may include:

An updated leadership biography and professional highlights
Editorial features aligned with HL’s Culture & Influence coverage
Optional short-form video storytelling
A Legacy Project digital badge for professional and social use
Ongoing visibility through HL platforms and special editorial moments, including Women’s History Month

Together, these elements create a permanent digital footprint that honors where these women have been—and where their influence continues to grow.

A Platform Built on Trust

For more than three decades, HL has served as a trusted voice in the community recognized for thoughtful editorial standards, authentic storytelling, and meaningful relationships.

The Latinas of Influence — Legacy Project builds on that foundation, offering a platform where recognition evolves into long-term visibility, credibility, and connection.

Join the Legacy

The HL | Latinas of Influence — Legacy Project invites past honorees, partners, and supporters to participate in this next chapter ensuring that the stories of Latina leadership are not only remembered, but continuously shared.

Because legacy is not static. It is lived, shaped, and passed forward.

HL | Latinas of Influence – Update Form

Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities

Produced by HL, the Latinas of Influence — Legacy Project is a national, year-round initiative dedicated to recognizing, preserving, and elevating the stories of Latina leaders, businesses, and organizations shaping culture, community, and the economy.

This living digital archive connects legacy recognition, editorial storytelling, and in-person experiences creating long-term value for partners committed to leadership, equity, and influence.

Sponsorship Levels and Opportunities

Presenting Partner

$50,000 annually
Exclusive category

Ideal for: Financial institutions, national brands, corporations with DEI, community impact, or leadership initiatives.

Includes:

“Latinas of Influence — Legacy Project presented by [Partner]” branding
Lead logo placement on Legacy Project hub and nomination pages
Brand inclusion across all Legacy Project editorial and video content
Custom co-branded feature story or video segment (annual)
On-stage recognition at one HL in-person event
Dedicated email newsletter feature
Social media recognition throughout the year
Category exclusivity

Leadership Partner

$25,000 annually

Ideal for: Regional brands, financial services, healthcare, education, professional services.

Includes:

Prominent logo placement on Legacy Project web pages
Brand integration within selected honoree profiles
Sponsored editorial or video feature (1)
Recognition at one HL conference or recognition event
Email newsletter inclusion (2)
Social media mentions (4 annually)

Legacy Partner

$15,000 annually

Ideal for: Community-focused organizations, corporations with regional impact, nonprofits.

Includes:

Logo placement on Legacy Project sponsor page
Brand mention within Legacy Project content
Sponsored honoree spotlight (1)
Email newsletter inclusion (1)
Social media mentions (2 annually)

Community Partner

$7,500 annually

Ideal for: Local businesses, chambers, associations, professional firms.

Includes:

Logo placement on Legacy Project website
Recognition within select editorial content
Group social media thank-you post
Inclusion in annual Legacy Project recap

À La Carte Enhancements (Optional)

Sponsored Honoree Profile (Article + Video) – $5,000
Event Recognition Segment – $3,500
Email Newsletter Takeover – $2,500
Co-Branded Legacy Archive Section – Custom Pricing

Sponsorship Summary

Sponsorship Opportunities at a Glance

Sponsorship Level	Investment	Brand Visibility	Editorial & Storytelling	Event Recognition	Digital Reach
Presenting Partner	$50,000 (Annual)	Top-tier branding across Legacy Project hub, nomination pages, and all related materials	Custom co-branded feature story or video segment (1)	On-stage recognition at one HL in-person event	Dedicated email feature + ongoing social recognition
Leadership Partner	$25,000 (Annual)	Prominent logo placement on Legacy Project pages	Sponsored editorial or video feature (1) + honoree profile integration	Recognition at one HL conference or recognition event	2 email inclusions + 4 social mentions
Legacy Partner	$15,000 (Annual)	Logo placement on Legacy Project sponsor page	Sponsored honoree spotlight (1)	—	1 email inclusion + 2 social mentions
Community Partner	$7,500 (Annual)	Logo placement on Legacy Project website	—	—	Group social recognition + annual recap inclusion

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

2024 Connecting Latinas of Influence | Los Angeles

Stephanie Beatriz | Culture, Community, Representation

Dec 23, 2025 | Entertainment

Stephanie Beatriz | Culture, Community, Representation

A Creative Conversation on the Red Carpet.

Context and perspective from actress Stephanie Beatriz.

Photos by Richard Sandoval | Production by ReWork Media Group

Once again, Stephanie Beatriz made time for the media by greeting everyone with the same warmth, generosity, and thoughtfulness that have defined her career. A familiar and welcome presence at the event, Beatriz reflected on the importance of celebrating Latino talent, supporting one another, and continuing to show up in an industry that is still evolving.

For Beatriz, attending the 40th Imagen Foundation Awards are more than a ceremony they are a reunion and a reaffirmation of community.

“There are so many Latinos in Hollywood, and this particular night is really special to a lot of us,” she shared. “We’re all gathering to celebrate each other celebrate the work, and celebrate the work that’s coming.”

She spoke candidly about how rare it can be for actors to pause and acknowledge one another amid demanding schedules. Nights like Imagen, she explained, create space for reflection and encouragement.

“We’re all so busy thankfully that when we do get to see each other, we get to celebrate what’s coming next. That’s one of the most exciting things about being here.”

A Career Built on Range and Repetition

Audiences know Beatriz for her standout performances across television, film, and theater from the iconic role of Rosa Diaz on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, to her work on Modern Family, to her acclaimed turn in In the Heights, and more recently in the Netflix series A Man on the Inside. Beatriz credits her foundation in theater for shaping her approach to acting.

“I’ve been very lucky that my career in film and television has reflected my career in theater,” she explained. “I was part of a repertory company doing two or three roles every season.”

She recalled her formative years at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where versatility and discipline were essential.

“We did all kinds of stuff. And my favorite thing is really just trying to disappear into the role to make it about the character and not about me.”

That philosophy prioritizing craft over celebrity has allowed Beatriz to move seamlessly between comedy, drama, voice work, and stage performance, consistently surprising audiences while remaining grounded in her artistry.

Representation, Resistance, and Resilience

The conversation also turned serious as Beatriz addressed the broader cultural and political climate impacting Latino communities. Speaking with honesty and conviction, she emphasized why events like the Imagen Foundation Awards matter now more than ever.

“We’re in a climate right now globally that is, for lack of a better word, shitting on the Latino community,” she said. “That’s why nights like this are important.”

For Beatriz, the power of the evening lies in visibility and unity.

“We’re all here together, and we’re not going anywhere. We’re part of the fabric of the United States. We’re part of the fabric of entertainment and we always have been.”

She pointed out that Latino artists have been contributing to American entertainment since its earliest days.

“From the very first sitcoms we’ve been here forever and we’re not going anywhere.”

Beyond the Screen: Conversation and Connection

In addition to her on-screen work, Beatriz continues to create space for honest dialogue off-camera. Alongside fellow actress and longtime friend Melissa Fumero, she co-hosts the podcast More Better with Stephanie & Melissa, where the two explore friendship, careers, culture, and personal growth with humor and heart.

The project reflects much of what Beatriz spoke about on the red carpet connection, authenticity, and the importance of shared experiences.

A Lasting Presence

As the night continued and the red carpet buzzed with celebration, Stephanie Beatriz remained what she has always been at Imagen: present, thoughtful, and deeply connected to her community. Her words served as both a reminder and a rallying cry Latino voices matter, Latino stories endure, and collective celebration is itself an act of resilience.

For audiences and fellow creatives alike, Beatriz’s message was clear: keep showing up, keep doing the work, and keep celebrating one another.

Flour, Faith, and Sugar: Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery

Dec 17, 2025 | Business

Flour, Faith, and Sugar: Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery

Exclusive photos and article by Richard Sandoval | Hispanic Lifestyle

Sometimes the best stories begin with a scroll

After watching an Instagram post by Michelle Valles of NBC4 Los Angeles, curiosity and a serious sweet tooth led us east to Rialto, California, in the heart of the Inland Empire. What we discovered was more than a bakery. We found a family-owned business built on flour, faith, and sugar and a story that reflects the spirit of small business growth in the region.

Located on South Riverside Avenue, Sweet Tooth 909 Bakery has quickly become one of Rialto’s most talked-about local spots. Known for selling out early and drawing customers from across the Inland Empire, the bakery is the realization of a dream that began at home.

From Home Kitchen to Community Favorite

Founded in 2012 by Maribel Diaz, Sweet Tooth 909 started as a home-based baking operation. Word spread fast. What began with friends, neighbors, and social media posts soon turned into growing demand—and eventually the leap into a brick-and-mortar location.

Today, Maribel runs the bakery alongside her sister, Araceli Rodriguez, keeping the business rooted in family, culture, and community. Sweet Tooth 909 is often described as a Mexican family-owned bakery, a point of pride reflected in both its flavors and the way customers are welcomed through the door.

We arrived unannounced, cameras in hand, during the holiday season. Despite the busy pace, Maribel and Araceli took time to greet us, share their journey, and walk us through the space an interaction that says a lot about why customers keep coming back.

Faith in the Foundation

One of the most striking moments of our visit came during a conversation about the bakery’s construction. Maribel shared that while building out the space, she inscribed Bible quotations directly onto the wall studs placing her faith into the foundation long before the first pastry was sold.

Those words may be hidden behind drywall, but they remain central to the bakery’s purpose. It’s a reminder that for many small business owners, faith and perseverance are inseparable from entrepreneurship.

A Box Full of Favorites

Of course, no visit to Sweet Tooth 909 would be complete without tasting the offerings that have earned it a loyal following. We walked away with a box of treats that perfectly captured the bakery’s appeal:

Almond Croissant — flaky, buttery, and delicately sweet
Chocolate Chip Cookie — classic, comforting, and generously loaded
Strawberry Pastry — bright, balanced, and beautifully crafted
Cinnamon Roll — rich, warm, and perfect for the holiday season

Each item reflected care, consistency, and pride in craft qualities that define successful neighborhood bakeries.

A Growing Presence in the Inland Empire

Sweet Tooth 909’s popularity has been fueled not only by quality baking but also by strong community support and social media visibility. A viral moment in recent years helped expand its reach, drawing visitors from neighboring cities and reinforcing Rialto’s growing reputation as a destination for locally owned businesses.

Open limited days and often selling out by early afternoon, the bakery has become a reminder of what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

As the holiday season comes to a close, we extend our best wishes to Maribel Diaz, Araceli Rodriguez, and the entire Sweet Tooth 909 team for a prosperous and sweet 2026.

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Dec 15, 2025 | Entertainment

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Actress Jearnest Corchado on Honoring a Living Legend in Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story

Photos by Richard Sandoval | Production by ReWork Media Group

At the 2025 Imagen Foundation Awards, held at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Hispanic Lifestyle spoke with actress Jearnest Corchado and legendary singer Lisa Lisa (Lisa Vélez) on the red carpet about the emotional and creative journey behind the biopic Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story.

The film tells the powerful story of Lisa Lisa, the trailblazing Puerto Rican singer who rose to fame in the 1980s as the front woman of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, becoming one of the first Latina artists to achieve mainstream success in pop, freestyle, and R&B music.

For Corchado, stepping into the role of a living legend came with both gratitude and pressure.

“It was crazy because I was lucky to do a biopic of someone who’s a living legend,” Corchado shared. “It was really hard, but I’m very grateful that I got to have her after every scene… just having her there telling me, ‘You did a good job.’”

Portraying a real person especially one whose music defined an era was a demanding experience. Corchado acknowledged the emotional weight of wanting to honor Lisa Lisa’s legacy with authenticity and respect.

“It’s so hard because you want to do the best job you can. You want to make them happy,” she said. “So I’m glad that you’re happy.”

Lisa Lisa herself admitted she was initially hesitant to share her life story on screen.

“I really wasn’t ready for it,” she said. “About eight years ago, I got a call asking if they could put my movie out, and I said, ‘Does anybody want to know about my life?’ But they convinced me and here it is.”

For Lisa Lisa, choosing Corchado to portray her proved to be a meaningful decision one that resonated deeply with audiences and with the artist herself.

Corchado reflected on how telling Lisa Lisa’s story changed her personally.

“Lisa is an inspiration to so many women, and especially me now,” she said. “I feel like I came to the film set as one person, and I left as a completely different person.”

The role also gave Corchado a chance to connect across generations especially with her mother, an avid fan who grew up during Lisa Lisa’s rise in the 1980s.

“My mom is her number one fan,” Corchado shared with a smile. “To be able to play her in the film and experience even a glimpse of what it was like to be in the ’80s was a dream come true.”

Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is now streaming on Prime Video, bringing Lisa Lisa’s groundbreaking journey to a new generation of viewers.

“It’s streaming now,” Lisa Lisa said. “Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is on Prime—so watch us.”

Bio Information

Jearnest Corchado is an award-winning Puerto Rican actress known for her dynamic performances in television and film. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in Little America, Sneaky Pete, and The Blacklist. Corchado is celebrated for bringing depth, authenticity, and emotional range to stories that spotlight culture, identity, and resilience.

Lisa Lisa (Lisa Vélez) is a pioneering Puerto Rican singer and cultural icon who rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead singer of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. With chart-topping hits such as “Can You Feel the Beat,” “All Cried Out,” and “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” she became one of the first Latina artists to achieve crossover success in mainstream pop music. Her influence continues to shape music and culture today.

About the Film
Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story is a biographical film chronicling the life, career, and cultural impact of Lisa Lisa from her early beginnings to her rise as a groundbreaking Latina voice in the music industry. The film highlights themes of perseverance, identity, and the power of representation.

Actress Lauren “Luna” Vélez

Nov 15, 2025 | Entertainment

Actress Lauren “Luna” Vélez

Reflects on Heritage, Identity, and a Life in Entertainment

Hispanic Lifestyle Archive Spotlight | From the 2009 ALMA Awards Red Carpet

As part of Hispanic Lifestyle’s 30-year journey documenting the voices that shape our culture, we are proud to revisit one of our most memorable interviews from the archives a 2009 red carpet conversation with acclaimed actress Lauren “Luna” Vélez at the NCLR ALMA Awards.

Even now, her words remain powerful, heartfelt, and deeply connected to the themes of cultural pride and representation that continue to fuel our work.

“Each year my pride level grows… it’s like being with family. We all recognize each other, and it’s filled with heart and soul a real recognition of a cultural identity that we share.”

Lauren “Luna” Vélez

Actress

Standing on the red carpet surrounded by fellow Latino talent, Vélez spoke openly about how meaningful it was to celebrate heritage and community at an industry event dedicated to uplifting Latino excellence.

“Each year my pride level grows… it’s like being with family. We all recognize each other, and it’s filled with heart and soul a real recognition of a cultural identity that we share.”

For Vélez, the ALMA Awards were more than a Hollywood gathering; they were a reminder that Latino artists are creating impact — not just through their roles on screen, but through the visibility and unity they bring to the entertainment industry.

A Career Built on Talent, Heart, and Hard Work

By 2009, Vélez had already established herself as one of the most dynamic Latina performers in television, with standout roles in hit series including “Dexter” and “Ugly Betty.”

Reflecting on her journey, she credited both dedication and the support of the people closest to her.

“I have been very fortunate. I’ve worked my day off, but I also have an incredible support system. I have a brilliant family. My twin sister is here with me tonight, which is great.”

Her humility, warmth, and sincerity made this moment unforgettable a snapshot of an artist grounded in gratitude while rising in success.

Updated Bio: Lauren “Luna” Vélez (2025 Edition)

Lauren “Luna” Vélez is an acclaimed Afro-Latina actress whose career spans more than three decades in television, film, animation, and theater. Born and raised in Brooklyn to Puerto Rican parents, Vélez is celebrated for bringing depth, strength, and authenticity to every character she portrays.

She gained widespread recognition for her breakout roles as Detective Nina Moreno on New York Undercover and Dr. Gloria Nathan on HBO’s Oz, performances that helped establish her as one of the most compelling Latina actresses of her generation. Vélez later captivated audiences with her award-winning portrayal of Lt. María LaGuerta on Showtime’s hit series Dexter and appeared on fan-favorite shows including Ugly Betty, Law & Order: SVU, Elementary, and How to Get Away With Murder.

In recent years, Vélez has reached global audiences through her celebrated voice role as Rio Morales, the mother of Miles Morales, in the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse animated film franchise (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse), a character embraced as a powerful representation of Afro-Latina motherhood and cultural pride.

Her film credits include City Hall, I Like It Like That, Prince of Central Park, Swallow, and Widows. She continues to appear in both independent and studio projects, using her platform to champion diverse and authentic Latino storytelling.

Lauren “Luna” Vélez remains a respected figure in entertainment known for her talent, her advocacy, and her commitment to honoring her Puerto Rican roots and Afro-Latina identity.

Revisiting the Hispanic Lifestyle Archives

In September 2025, as part of our effort to reimagine the website we first launched in 1999, Hispanic Lifestyle began resurfacing standout moments that illustrate our mission of capturing Culture, Passion, and Influence.

This conversation with Lauren “Luna” Vélez continues to reflect the heart of our platform celebrating the voices, stories, and achievements that make our community thrive.