The following five fierce jefas have kept us entertained on our screens, our homes, and live on stage. Their talent knows no bounds as they set out to impress, entertain, and improve the path for Latinxs to come.

From moving sports coverage into a more equitable direction to creating culturally relevant comedy shows and inspiring podcasts, we applaud these women for all they do para la cultura.

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Continue reading to learn more about them, and vote for your favorite Jefa on the Rise.

Elisa Hernandez, Host for the Los Angeles Dodgers

Elisa Hernandez is a first-generation Salvadoran making a big impact for Latinas in the sports industry. She is currently the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pregame show host, engaging with the crowds at the legendary stadium. This jefa has worn many hats in the industry, from creating Spanish content for the NFL to editing content for sports websites and podcasting. And this LA native does it all while donning her long nails and hoop earrings, embracing every part of who she is along the way.

Raiza Licea, Actor and Comedian in supergroup Spanish Aquí Presents

Comedian and actor Raiza Licea was born and raised in Miami, and she was destined to be a star. After studying theatre and training in improv, the Cubana moved to Los Angeles and started performing at the renowned Upright Citizens Brigade theatre. After being cut from one of their sought-after performance teams, a fire was lit within her. She formed UCB’s first Latinx mainstage comedy team, Spanish Aquí Presents, with three of her fellow comedians. She is the first woman of color, and the first Latina in history, to serve as Artistic Director of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). As a major comedy theater offering its stage to comedians of international stature, this jefa proved that Latinas have a place in the comedy scene and that their voice matters.

MJ Acosta-Ruiz, NFL Network host

@mjacostatv

A day in the life hosting Total Access on @nflnetwork #nfl #tvhost #womeninsports

♬ Calm Down – Rema & Selena Gomez

MJ Acosta-Ruiz became the first Afro-Latina to host and report for the NFL Network, allowing young Latinas to see themselves in a male-dominated industry. She’s a fierce advocate for equality and women’s representation, mentoring women who hope to join her in the sports industry. The Emmy award-winning, bilingual journalist previously co-hosted the “On Her Turf” podcast, where she interviewed incredible female athletes. This jefa has made an indelible impact in sports in just five years, and it’s thanks to her being her powerful self.

Melissa Ortiz, former pro soccer player and sports analyst

Sports analyst, content creator, and former professional soccer player Melissa Ortiz is on a mission to inspire others, no matter where her career takes her. The Colombian-American has racked up quite the resume. She previously played internationally for Colombia in the Women’s World Cup, Pan-American Games, and the Olympics. This jefa has even overcome tearing her achilles four days before the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Ortiz has constantly fought for improvements for her beloved national team as well as women’s soccer as a whole.

Odalys Jasmine, host of the Hella Latin@ podcast

Odalys Jasmine is the creator and host of the “Hella Latin@” podcast. Through it, she boosts the personal stories of the Latinx community. Inspiring first-gen and immigrant guests recount their story to her, while opening up about exploring their identities. Outside of her podcast, this jefa works in content production at TikTok, and leads workshops for college students and Latinx organizations. She’s a first-generation Hondureña from San Diego, who is providing valuable resources and inspiration for other Latinx first-gens.

This form is currently closed for submissions.

Voting closes on September 10th, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST.

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