By Bohemian Babushka
This is the official mes to celebrate women and their accomplishments. Taking the catchphrase “SheSePuede” from the MiTuberos, BB writes with mucho orgullo of Latinas who have made an impact on society in various arenas. Naturally the first group that come to mind are those in entertainment- like the unforgettable Celia Cruz, Reina de Salsa y Rita Moreno, who was the first to win an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and a Grammy.
Next, in the mundo of deportes, tenemos Maria Bueno. Ranked No. 1 in the world in 1959, 1960, 1964, and 1966 when she won the singles title at Wimbledon three times and the U.S. National title four times. In the 70’s golf’s girl was Nancy Lopez. In 1978 she became the first Latina to win the LPGA. Of course we have Olympians como Lisa Fernandez with her three gold medals in softball. Good health obviously takes a part, and in that subject Latinas also know a thing or two.
In the area of health we have Dr. Helen Rodriguez-Trias. Rodriguez-Trias served as the (primera Latina) president of the American Public Health Association and the medical director of the New York State AIDS Institute. A tireless leader in the women’s health movement, she fought for equal access to healthcare for poor women and children and fought in the lucha against the practice de forced sterilization. In 2001 she received the Presidential Citizens Medal.
In the double duty of health and politics we have Antonia Novello. Antonia served as 14th Surgeon General of the United States from 1990 to 1993. Novello is the first woman and first Hispanic to serve as Surgeon General. Por supuesto also a must mention in la politica must be Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first hispanic to be appointed to that esteemed position.
Brains no basta cuando hablamos de Hispanas. Mathematician Ruth Gonzalez graduated with a Ph.D. in applied mathematics in 1986 from Rice University, becoming la primera U.S.-born Hispanic woman to earn a doctorate in mathematics. A geophysicist, her work focused on the development of seismic imaging tools for exploring oil and gas reservoirs and she has been instrumental at Exxon Production Research Company, helping them to discover oil and gas reservoirs.
Now in closing, Babushka comes full circle. The 2019 Oscars shared many hispanic moments, from language to nominations. It was the year of highest Spanish standouts- most notably for Roma and its’ cast. “ Spanish-American Chef José Andrés joined Luna in introducing “Roma”and praised the film for shining a spotlight on “all the invisible people in our lives–immigrants and women–who move humanity forward”. And THAT is the punto BB wanted to make. Fame doesn’t equate worthiness. Babushka highlighted many Latinas we should be proud of, pero al final it’s those daily warriors, the women who move humanity forward, silently doing their part to better themselves and those they love; para ellas is this celebration. A ellas we say Gracias.
Babushka Besos a todos. Cuidensen.