15 LATINA POWERHOUSES PAVING THE WAY
Written by Tricia Love Trujillo Editor-in-Chief, L.A. STYLE Magazine
As Publisher of L.A. STYLE Magazine, I had the honor of connecting with several extraordinary women from various fields to feature in this Hispanic Heritage Month feature, “15 Latina Powerhouses Paving the Way.”
The conversations and questions posed with each of these women varied. Their answers were as diverse and inspiring as the women themselves. Some spoke about faith, others about resilience, creativity, and the responsibility that comes with breaking barriers. And a few were featured not through interviews, but through the unmistakable legacy they’ve already created — women whose lives tell a story even louder than words.
I often reflect on my own journey and the deep roots that have shaped me.
“I feel blessed to call myself a Latina of Puerto Rican heritage. My grandmother’s name was América, and my father lived the real-life ‘West Side Story,’ arriving in New York with a dream. Being one of the youngest minority Latinas in the United States to own one of the oldest legacy publications is an honor. My grounded perspective and love for all people come from my faith and culture — a culture known for its joy, warmth, and resilience.”
This same spirit is reflected in each woman featured here. Their journeys remind us that when faith meets purpose, transformation follows.
It is my honor to introduce 15 Latina Powerhouses Paving the Way — a celebration of women who are redefining leadership through authenticity, service, and love.
Roselyn Sánchez
Actress, Producer, Author & Philanthropist
Roselyn Sánchez is an award-winning actress, producer, author, and philanthropist whose trailblazing career has redefined Latina representation in Hollywood. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she has built a legacy of excellence through film, television, and advocacy.
“Since I was very young, I was fortunate to have a mom who believed in me. When I left Puerto Rico at 21, I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I never doubted my purpose. When your vision is clear and you work hard — that’s when you have a career filled with love, longevity, and integrity. And I absolutely love what I do.”
Rosie Rivera
Speaker, Author, Business & Faith Leader
Rosie Rivera is an American author, speaker, and businesswoman whose journey embodies resilience, faith, and purpose. As the former CEO of Jenni Rivera Enterprises and sister of the late icon Jenni Rivera, she has turned deep personal pain into a message of hope.
“It is everything in my life. It’s faith in God and Jesus Christ is my strength. I believe you can put faith in different things. We all have a yearning or an inherit wiring to have faith in something. I believe it’s supposed to be Jesus Christ, but sometimes we put our faith in the wrong thing. Things like money or our job or our kids or our spouse, and then those things crumble. So for me, the fact that my faith is in Christ and that he never crumbles, genuinely holds me. It always holds me because the world changes. People change, money changes, but my God doesn’t.”
Pili Montilla
TV Host, Producer & Media Entrepreneur
Pili Montilla is an Emmy Award–winning television host, producer, and storyteller who has made her mark as one of the most dynamic voices in bilingual media. Known for her charisma and authenticity, she uses her platform to amplify Latino excellence and creativity.
“My passion is to bring happiness, joy, and a sense of freedom and authenticity into people’s lives through my work. I want others to know that being themselves—even if it means not following the norm—is powerful. As a Latina leader, I show up authentically, balancing pride in my culture with the courage to challenge some of our traditions, creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.”
Rosie Rodríguez
Real Estate Agent eXp Realty | Founder, Vitality IV Drip & Wellness
Rosie Rodríguez stands as one of the most influential Latinas in global real estate. As President of eXp Latino, she leads the fastest-growing division within eXp Realty, a worldwide brokerage of over 90,000 agents in 27 countries.
In addition to her leadership in real estate, Rosie is the founder of Vitality IV Drip & Wellness, a faith-driven wellness company dedicated to restoring balance, vitality, and longevity through personalized IV therapy and holistic health programs. Her vision merges business excellence with purpose — creating spaces that nurture both body and spirit.
“That shift in perspective — moving beyond self-focus — was what enabled me to push through,” she shares. “Understanding that my purpose was bigger than my personal comfort made all the difference.”
Adriana Gallardo
Entrepreneur, Author & Founder, AGI Business Group
Adriana Gallardo is one of the most recognized Latina entrepreneurs in the U.S. As CEO of Adriana’s Insurance and AGI Business Group, she has built one of the nation’s leading financial and insurance networks.
Through her Chingona Circle and Now Rise Foundation, she uplifts women to rise with confidence and purpose. “The power is within you,” she says. “You are stronger than you think.” Her leadership continues to inspire women worldwide to dream bigger and lead bolder.
Cynthia Buelna
Pastor, Life Coach & Speaker
Instagram: @pastorcynthiabuelna
Pastor Cynthia Buelna is a Latina pastor, life coach, and leadership mentor whose mission is to empower others to rise into their divine calling.
“My passion is to empower others to rise and become who they were truly created to be. As a Latina pastor, life coach, and leader, I’ve learned that my greatest strength is showing up as my authentic self. For too long, I felt the pressure to fit into someone else’s mold — to sound a certain way, look a certain way, or even lead a certain way — and that was exhausting, stressful, and unsustainable. What sets me apart today is that I no longer hide the parts of me that make me who I am. Authenticity is how I lead.”
Darlene Crystal Martínez
Real Estate Investor, Interior Designer & Founder, The She Builds Foundation
Instagram: @theshebuildsfoundation
Darlene Crystal Martínez is a visionary real estate investor and interior designer, recognized for her design and property flips featured on HGTV. Her passion for creating beautiful spaces is matched only by her heart for service.
As founder of The She Builds Foundation, she is dedicated to providing a safe house for women and children in need. The organization’s first property, owned by Darlene in California, is currently fundraising for a full roof renovation and interior remodel.
“That experience was transformative,” she shares. “It ignited a desire within me to make a difference.” Through her foundation, she combines faith and philanthropy to create a refuge of hope and restoration for families rebuilding their lives.
Johana Hernández
Fashion Designer & Founder, GLAUDI by Johana Hernández
Instagram: @glaudibyjohanahernandez
Johana Hernández is an internationally acclaimed fashion designer and the creative force behind GLAUDI, a couture brand rooted in faith and family. Born to Salvadoran parents who worked in sewing factories, her rise from humble beginnings in South Gate to global runways is a story of resilience and divine purpose.
Each gown is prayed over and blessed with the verse, “What God has joined together, let no man separate.” Her faith and artistry continue to redefine modern luxury — where elegance meets empowerment.
Paige Junaeus
Pastor, Women’s Community Leader, Author & Interior Designer
Paige Junaeus is a pastor, author, and creative visionary whose life beautifully bridges faith, design, and empowerment. Her mother, raised in New Mexico and of Spanish and Navajo Indian descent, instilled in Paige a deep appreciation for her heritage.As a pastor at The Congregation Family Church, she has spent more than three decades ministering around the world, bringing messages of hope and renewal. Her upcoming book, Pray Like Jesus, captures her heart for authentic prayer. Beyond ministry, Paige is the founder of Paige on the Coast Interior Design, transforming luxury homes from Newport Beach to Stockholm. Through Share Women’s Ministry, she empowers women to walk boldly in faith, purpose, and influence.
Lilliana Pérez
Senior Director of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles Chargers
chargers.com/team/front-office-roster/lilliana-perez
Lilliana Pérez is a proud Mexican and serves as the Senior Director of Cultural Affairs for the Los Angeles Chargers, where she leads transformative initiatives that unite sports, culture, and community.
A lifelong advocate for inclusion and cultural representation, Lilliana celebrates her heritage through her leadership — using her platform to amplify Latino voices and inspire future generations to lead with authenticity and pride.
Anyssa Cisneros
CEO & Founder, NYSA Agency
Anyssa Cisneros is the founder and CEO of NYSA Agency, a project-management and branding firm serving A-list talent and global companies. Inspired by her role as “Auntie Nysa,” she built her agency on faith, excellence, and purpose.
“It brings me so much joy to help other companies and individuals! Seeing their faces light up with their logo on their merch is why I do what I do,” she shares. “Everything I do is anchored with God at the center.” Her leadership redefines what it means to be a modern Latina CEO — faith-driven, creative, and unstoppable.
Barbara Ferrer
Celebrity Makeup Artist & Beauty Entrepreneur
Instagram: @barbaraferrermakeup
Barbara Ferrer is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur of Guatemalan heritage, celebrated for her radiant artistry and faith-driven approach to beauty. With a career spanning fashion and media, her work has graced countless red carpets and publications.
Grounded in her faith in Christ Jesus, Barbara believes true beauty begins within. “Makeup should enhance who you are, not hide it,” she shares. Through her artistry and heart, she inspires women to reflect their inner light — beauty from the inside out.
Ruby Barrios de León
Entrepreneur & Co-Owner, Progressive Scrap Metals (PSM)
psm-recycle.com | coh-international.org
Ruby Barrios de León is a powerhouse entrepreneur and co-owner of Progressive Scrap Metals (PSM), one of the largest recycling companies in the region. Alongside her husband, she has helped build PSM into a global force in sustainable trade, exporting millions of pounds of recyclable materials monthly to over 20 countries.
Guided by faith and compassion, Ruby also co-founded Cornerstone of Hope International, a nonprofit providing food, mentorship, and hope to families in need across Guatemala and Kenya.
Ruby leads with conviction, compassion, and courage — showing what it means to rise, lead, and serve as a Latina woman of faith, purpose, and impact.
Jessica Esqueda
Founder, Cornerstone of Hope | Co-Owner, PROMA Investments
Instagram: @mrs.jessica_esqueda
coh-international.org | promainvestments.com
Faith and compassion guide Jessica Esqueda, founder of Cornerstone of Hope International, a nonprofit transforming lives through education, restoration, and service. From providing meals and medical care in Guatemala City to supporting children in Nairobi, her mission reflects love in action and faith in motion.
As co-owner of PROMA Investments, she specializes in strategic real estate development that builds long-term growth and generational wealth. “True leadership begins when love turns into action,” she shares. Guided by faith, Jessica continues to empower families and communities through purpose-driven impact.
Davina Ferreira
Author, Poet & Founder, Alegría Media & Publishing
Davina Ferreira is the visionary behind Alegría Media & Publishing, a platform that uplifts Latinx voices through books, art, and storytelling. Born in Miami and raised in Colombia, she channels her experiences into creative empowerment for women worldwide.
“My passion lies in inspiring Latinas to recognize that no matter their circumstances, family history, life challenges, or wounds, they have the power to heal and thrive through creativity — our God-given gift — and particularly through creative writing. I believe in the transformative power of sharing our stories, connecting with others, and creating service through storytelling. Often, we underestimate the value of our own experiences, but when women write from a place of service rather than ego, we can uplift each other, transform our communities, and cultivate a more empathetic world — especially for young women and those navigating loneliness and mental health challenges in our society today.
In a time when human connection is more important than ever, storytelling becomes a tool for empathy, healing, and unity.
As for how I am paving the way differently for Latinas: trailblazing in any community, especially ours, often means creating a path where none exists. My work is deeply heart-centered and grounded in social impact and legacy. That’s why I’ve developed initiatives like the Alegría Mobile Bookstore and our non-profit division, alongside accessible publishing opportunities for women of color. I want every woman to have the ability to share her art and story with the world. I believe our stories are a source of connection — they foster union rather than separation — and through them, we can bring a message of love, healing, and kindness to the world.”
Editor’s Note
As I reflect on the journeys of these 15 Latina powerhouses, I am reminded that true influence does not come from titles or applause. It comes from purpose. Each of these women carries a story rooted in a purpose greater than themselves and fierce determination. They are not only shaping industries but transforming culture, proving that leadership can be both powerful and graceful, bold and compassionate.
At L.A. STYLE Magazine, our mission is to continue amplifying voices like theirs—stories that inspire and unite. My prayer is that every young woman who reads this sees herself reflected here, strong, seen, and unstoppable. When women rise in purpose with God’s calling at the center, the door opens for entire generations to rise with them. It is when we choose to be the hands and feet of Jesus that hearts are touched and true change begins.
By Tricia Love Trujillo - Publisher, L.A. STYLE Magazine
