Luz Ramos is an actor and is happy that after many years of work, she can say that out loud. Not because she did not believe it, but because many people didn’t take her seriously.

She loves all things creative and intriguing and Latino. This Boricua does the dishes to the conga beat. Luz is hitting her stride in a competitive field. She will be appearing soon in a movie with Meg Ryan. For Luz, it’s all about believing in yourself

Why the theater to make your impact?

Ramos: Some people choose theatre and I can understand that, because for those of us who have performed live, I can tell you that there is nothing else like it. I chose TV and Film because I just love the process. I love the way it all comes together. I am in love with the movie and TV making business!

You have assembled a quite a resume in the entertainment industry, how did you succeed?
Success is a continuous moving bar for me. I'm always pushing myself.
Even when you ask, I still say to myself, “What success? Are you talking about my kids? Because I haven't even started!” Then I think about it and say, “Yes, I have had some accomplishments.” I have been persistent, self-motivated and very positive in my career and in my life. I have always believed that if you believe in it, you can make it happen. So, whatever success I have is due to my overall attitude.

Does the fact that you are Latina ever impact how you make a business decision?
The fact that I am Latina impacts everything I do, not because I'm constantly aware of it, but because I just see things a little differently. I grew up between Puerto Rico and the US, which makes bi-lingual and bi-cultural. And thus, gives me a different perspective.

When it comes to my career, it is others who make decisions for me based on the fact that I am Latina; unfortunately, people have fixed images in their minds, and stereotypes that they just can't see past. In some ways, that is limiting to an artist because you can't express yourself to the extent that you feel you can. It's one thing to limit yourself, and quite another for others to impose that upon you.

It’s often so tough for Latinos in the U.S.; where did you get your confidence to pursue your dreams?
I try not to look at everything as an obstacle, but rather a challenge or opportunity. If I were to listen to every person who said I couldn't, I would be standing still. The reality is, it took me some time to be able to embrace the fact that I am the producer of my own life, and that I have to make happen what I would like to see happen. Surrounding yourself with the right people doesn't hurt either. A network and support system are very important elements for success for creative people.

How do you see Latinos impacting the future of the U.S.?
Latinos are impacting the now. We are more visible more powerful and more confident than ever before. Latinos are such a diverse, colorful and warm people that I am sure that we will continue to make our mark on an even greater scale in the future.

What do you think is the Latino American Lifestyle?
The Latino American Lifestyle is the one that combines the best of both worlds. Do we have that? I think currently we have percentages of that, which are acceptable to some and not others. With regard to my own life, I just like to live it and try not to label it too much

Every once in a while, someone comes along who rattles the cages of the status quo. Advisor to Fortune 100 CEO’s, award-winning entrepreneur, and visionary leader, Deborah Rosado Shaw was raised in the nation’s poorest congressional district, and today is one of the most powerful voices in the market working with such companies American Express, Avon, IBM, Frito-Lay, Office Depot, JPMorgan Chase, Prudential, Verizon, and Wal-Mart.

Deborah is the best-selling author of Dream BIG! - A Roadmap for Facing Life's Challenges and Creating the Life You Deserve. Her strategies for success have been in Business Week, Family Circle, Forbes, “O” Magazine, and USA Today. She is a frequent television guest and has been appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show as well as on ABC, CNN, FOX, and NBC affiliates nationwide

As a young Latina growing up in New York, did you ever think you would be so successful?

No. I had a pretty big imagination, but could never imagine my current life and opportunities. My eyes couldn't see this far.
  

Was there one specific point in your life, when you were on your way?

I think when I first stood up to my high school counselor who wouldn't send my college applications to the schools of my choice, I started to feel I was on my way. Something about standing up for yourself and experiencing your own power puts powerful wind beneath your wings.

Does the fact that you are Latina ever impact how you make a business decision? 

Every part of who I am impacts my decision making: being a woman, being Latina, being a single mother of three sons. Who we are gives us our sensibility about the world - the lens we see through.  That said, business is about generating success over and over again - profits and shareholder value.  One of the things I love about business is that performance is everything.  If you can come to the game and generate value, the doors you may have had to pry open will often have a welcome mat with your name on it.       

It’s often so tough for Latinos in the U.S.; where did you get your confidence to pursue your dreams?

Each time you give yourself permission to Dream Big and go after it, you grow your confidence. It's a like muscle that you have to build over time. The first time you go to the gym, you don't pick up a 100 pound weight. You may start out with 5 pound dumbbells and you work your way up. So today you may talk to your boss about an idea you have, tomorrow you may be buying the company that will bring one of your ideas to life. Don't surrender your dreams to your circumstances.

How do you see Latinos impacting the future of the U.S.?

Actually, we are creating a new America.  Today, right now, Latinos shape what America is, what America eats, what America buys, and what American values are.  This is a mighty demographic force that will only grow in influence.  My hope is that more Latino values will become infused in the culture - our family values, our love of life, our passion, our work ethic, and our resilience. 

Born in Havana, Cuba, this highly motivated Latina covers financial markets and business stories for CNBC.  A graduate of Yale University, Coombs has reported on such national stories as the spying scandal on Hewlett-Packard's board of directors and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and Mississippi. She has also served as an anchor on CNBC’s Worldwide Exchange," broadcast live from Europe, Asia and the United States.   Bertha is a Latina who takes her business seriously.

Why a career in broadcasting? 

I was four years old when my family came to the U.S. from Cuba. Television was my window into America, and broadcast news provided a front row seat to history.   I was always interested in news, so much so, my mom once told me that I could probably be like Barbara Walters some day.  

I didn’t give it much thought, until it came time to choose a career after college. I had the opportunity to pursue a television journalism fellowship, and I pursued.
  

Does the fact that you are Latina ever impact how you may present a news story? 

I sometimes get teased about pronouncing Spanish names with the proper accent.   Spanglish is so natural to me; sometimes I don’t realize I’m doing it. 

When it comes to content, it can be an advantage understanding Latin culture.  When most American news outlets were shocked to hear Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez call President Bush the devil, during an appearance at the U.N., those of us who were familiar with his Hola Presidente broadcasts in Caracas were able to point out that he does that sort of thing all the time.

It’s often so tough for Latinos in the U.S., where did you get your confidence

to pursue a career in network news?

No question, it came from my parents.  Knowing the sacrifice they made in coming to the U.S., in some ways made me hard-wired to be ambitious.  

On the one hand, I felt pressure to succeed.   But it also gives me a potent example of the power of hope and how important it is to take risks in order to achieve your dreams.

Most important, they supported my interest in education, and encouraged their niña to pursue a professional career.   

How do you see Latinos impacting the future of the U.S.?

I see Latinos emerging as a greater political force in the U.S.  We already have big voting blocks in California, Florida, Texas and New York, and with these states playing a bigger role in the early presidential primaries next year, I think Latinos are going to gain a bigger voice on the national stage. 

Culturally, television shows like Ugly Betty and the George Lopez Show are also helping to give voice to our traditions.

What do you think is the Latino American Lifestyle?

I think our lifestyle is one of constant evolution.  In my own life, I’ve tried to hold onto my family’s Cuban traditions, but I’m also affected by other Latino influences, and American customs.   I probably dance Merengue better than I do the Cha Cha;  I’ve got Colombian rock,  Cuban Mambos, and Mexican Rancheras on my iPod; and at Thanksgiving, I stuff my turkey with chorizo and corn-bread stuffing.

I think it makes for a much richer American experience.

Http://www.cnbc.com/id/15838196 

In just two years since this dynamic Latino became Puerto Rico’s Representative to the U.S. Congress, he has proven his leadership abilities.   A rising star in the National Republican Party, he has fought for and protected 20,000 jobs in Puerto Rico, preserved historic sites, and authored legislation that established “El Yunque” as the only tropical rainforest wilderness in the national forest system.  He is clear on his mission and the role of Latinos in the U.S.