As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s recognize the influence of not just Latin Caribbean giants in history, but also of today’s Latin Caribbean culture and its icons on the global stage. From musicians and politicians to actors and activists, these Latin Caribbean icons continue to inspire new generations.
1. Bad Bunny | Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican reggaeton and trap artist Bad Bunny has revolutionized the Latin music industry with hits like “Dákiti,” “Yo Perreo Solo” and the chart topping crossover hit “I Like It” with Cardi B. He has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards, winning three: Best Latin Pop or Urban Album in 2021, Best Música Urbana Album in 2022, and a third in 2023. Bad Bunny also has nominations and wins from the American Music Awards, ASCAP Latin Awards, Billboard Music Awards, the iHeartRadio Music Awards and various others, with his total win count at a staggering 181 awards out of 481 nominations.
Beyond music, Bad Bunny is known for his unapologetic advocacy of social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality, and for using his platform to champion marginalized voices.
2. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | Puerto Rico
Known as AOC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress, where she represents New York’s 14th Congressional District. With Puerto Rican heritage, AOC is a progressive leader in the Democratic Party, advocating for policies that address climate change, economic inequality and racial justice. Her bold stance on important issues and her use of social media to communicate directly with constituents make her a trailblazer in American politics.
3. Cardi B | Dominican Republic/Trinidad
Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, better known as Cardi B, has skyrocketed to fame with her unfiltered personality and chart-topping hits like “Bodak Yellow” and “WAP.” Born to a Dominican father and a Trinidadian mother, Cardi B’s dual Caribbean heritage is reflected in her music and attitude. As a rapper, actress and social media personality, she has broken down barriers for women in hip-hop and is known for speaking out on political and social issues affecting the Latino and Black communities.
4. Ozuna | Dominican Republic/Puerto Rico
Born to a Puerto Rican mother and Dominican father, Ozuna is one of the most successful Latin music artists of the last decade. Known for songs like “Taki Taki” and “Baila Baila Baila,” he’s become a leading figure in the Latin urban music scene. Ozuna’s clean-cut image and global reach have made him a favorite among fans, transcending borders and cultures.
Ozuna has won 12 Billboard Latin Music Awards, including prestigious titles like Artist of the Year and Hot Latin Artist of the Year, Male. He secured two Latin Grammy Awards and six Latin American Music Awards, and was recognized as the Contemporary Latin Songwriter of the Year at the BMI Latin Awards.
He holds four Guinness World Records, including most weeks at number one on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart for his album Odisea, and most Billboard Latin Music Award wins in a single year with 11 in 2019. He also set records for most nominations in a single year and most videos reaching one billion views on YouTube.
5. Sonia Sotomayor | Puerto Rico
Sonia Sotomayor’s journey to the U.S. Supreme Court is a story of resilience and excellence. Raised in a working-class Puerto Rican family in the Bronx, she overcame early challenges, including the death of her father when she was nine, to pursue a career in law. After graduating as valedictorian from high school, she earned a scholarship to Princeton and later attended Yale Law School. Her early career as a prosecutor and private attorney solidified her reputation as a sharp legal mind. She was appointed to the federal bench by George H. W. Bush and later to the U.S. Court of Appeals by Bill Clinton before President Obama appointed her to the Supreme Court in 2009.
As a justice, Sotomayor has consistently advocated for marginalized communities, supporting affirmative action, LGBTQ+ rights, and healthcare access. Her historic appointment marked her as the first Hispanic and third woman to serve on the Supreme Court, where she continues to champion equity and justice for all.
6. Jennifer Lopez | Puerto Rico
One of the most iconic Latin entertainers of all time, Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo) continues to push boundaries in music, film and fashion. From her breakout role in Selena to chart-topping hits like “On the Floor,” J.Lo has consistently represented her Puerto Rican heritage while dominating mainstream pop culture. As an actress, singer and entrepreneur, she has broken glass ceilings for Latinx artists, serving as a global ambassador for the power of the Latin community.
Lopez originally began her rise to fame as a Fly Girl dancer on In Living Color in 1991. Transitioning to acting, she earned critical acclaim for portraying Selena in the 1997 biopic, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. Lopez was the first Latin actress to earn over $1 million for a film role. A Hollywood heartthrob, she has starred in various romantic comedies, including hits like The Wedding Planner (2001) alongside Matthew McConaughey, The Back-up Plan (2010), and Shotgun Wedding (2022).
Her music career took off with her debut album On the 6 (1999), with hits like “Waiting for Tonight” and “Let’s Get Loud,” both receiving Grammy nominations. Lopez’s second album J.Lo (2001) solidified her pop stardom.
In addition to her entertainment career, Lopez has been honored for her fashion influence and humanitarian efforts. Notably, she received the GLAAD Vanguard Award and the Fashion Icon Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. She also has her own self-named skincare line called JLo Beauty®.
