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From Eva Longoria to Dolores Huerta, TIME’s Latino Leaders Dinner Celebrated Some of the Latino Voices Shaping the Future 

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for TIME

Last night, Los Angeles played host to a momentous event as TIME magazine rolled out the red carpet for the TIME Latino Leaders Dinner. This affair highlighted the extraordinary impact of U.S.-based Latino leaders who are shaping the fabric of the future of those in the United States. 

The star-studded gathering, hosted by TIME, featured prominent figures from the Latino/e community. From actress Eva Longoria and labor leader Dolores Huerta to author Elizabeth Acevedo and Carla Vernón, the evening brimmed with inspiration. 

TIME CEO Jessica Sibley, in her opening address, articulated the magazine’s mission of spotlighting the voices of change, stating, “TIME has been featuring prominent U.S.-based Latino Leaders who are driving change across entertainment, government policy, music, media, and culture. Tonight, we’re gathered together to honor the work they are doing to transform industries, uplift communities, and shape the future of America.” 

TIME, an iconic global media brand resonating for a century, seeks to narrate the fundamental stories of individuals and ideas that mold and enhance the world we inhabit. 

Key Moments at TIME’s Latino Leaders Dinner

According to TIME, Eva Longoria, during her address, emphasized the importance of narrating Latino stories from their perspective, striving not just for their community but aiming for a broader audience. Longoria passionately advocated for creating heroes on screens that mirror the diverse tapestry of society. 

“I knew I wanted to have the opportunity to tell our stories from our perspective…But not for us: for everybody. So it’s not by us, for us; it’s by us, for everybody. I wanted to create heroes for us that look like us on the small screen and on the big screen…Hollywood defines what heroes look like…And they never look like us.” 

From Eva Longoria to Dolores Huerta, TIME's Latino Leaders Dinner Celebrated Some of the Latino Voices Shaping the Future 
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 29: Eva Longoria
speaks during the TIME Latino Leaders Event at Soulmate on November 29, 2023 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for TIME)

Dolores Huerta, a stalwart in civil rights activism, passionately echoed the need to address systemic inequalities that persist in contemporary society, drawing attention to the imbalances borne from historical injustices. 

“One of the legacies of slavery is that some people have to work all of their lives to make other people rich…There is no reason that we should have people who are homeless and sleeping on sidewalks.” 

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 29: Dolores Huerta speaks during the TIME Latino Leaders Event at Soulmate on November 29, 2023 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for TIME)

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona highlighted the strength embedded in identity, underscoring the power of bilingualism and biculturalism as a formidable advantage. 

“For the first time ever, three of my colleagues were Latinos, and we just started code switching naturally…Bilingualism and biculturalism is my superpower.” 

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 29: United States Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona speaks onstage during the TIME Latino Leaders Event at Soulmate on November 29, 2023 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for TIME)

Author Elizabeth Acevedo magnificently illustrated the significance of building community and resilience, emphasizing the value of consistently showing up in every aspect of life. 

“In every stage of our lives, from the moment we are given to light, we long to belong, to know and be known…And I think the first lesson of any great leader is to show up. The second greatest lesson is to continue showing up.” 

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 29: Elizabeth Acevedo speaks during the TIME Latino Leaders Event at Soulmate on November 29, 2023 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for TIME)

Carla Vernón, CEO of The Honest Company, drew inspiration from the disruptive ethos of hip-hop culture, advocating for innovation and transformation in breaking away from traditional norms. 

“Growing up in the era of hip hop gave us permission to throw off the old rules and the old confines of tradition…Hip hop told us that disruption is key, and we need you to put your own unique spark on things to drive transformation, to drive innovation.” 

The TIME Latino Leaders Dinner used its platform to remind the world of the impact of Latino/e voices. They get it – and we need others to get on board ASAP.  

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