Hispanic and Latino Contributors to Our World

Luis Santeiro (1947 - ) A native of Cuba who immigrated to the U.S. in 1960. He is the producer of Sesame Street, has contributed to the series 3-2-1 Contact and After School Specials.

Tomas Rivera (1935-1984) Son of migrant workers, this writer and educator dedicated his life to education as a way to improve the lives of Mexican Americans, finally serving as chancellor at the University of California, Riverside. His best known novel “ ...y no se trago la tierrial and the Earth Did Not Part”.

Fernando Botero (1932-) Columbian born sculptor and painter who has completed over 1,000 oil paintings, 400 drawings and 100 sculptures.

Nestor Almendros (1930-1992) Born in Barcelona, Spain he eventually established himself in Paris and became one of the greatest directors of photography in the world.

Jaime Escalante (1930- ) Born in Bolivia where he began his career as a physics and math teacher, he immigrated to the U.S. where he is credited with finding a way to teach and inspire low achieving students to perform at the nation's highest levels in math and calculus. (The movie “Stand & Deliver” honors his life and accomplishments in Los Angeles.)

Ellen Ochoa (1958- ) The first Mexican American woman to become an astronaut.

Romana Acosta Banuelos (1925- ) First Mexican American to be appointed Treasurer of the United States.

Alberto Calderon (1921-1998) Argentina born scholar considered one of the century's most distinguished mathematicians, winning the 1991 National Medal of Science and the 1989 Wolf Prize.

Nancy Lopez (1957- ) Mexican American woman who became one of the youngest women golfers to succeed professionally. She is the 11th member to be inducted into the Ladies Professional Golf Association Hall of Fame.

Isabel Allende (1942- ) Chilean born novelist who immigrated to the U.S. in 1988. She received the Library Journal's Best Book award for her novel Eva Luna which examines the role of women in Latin American society. Her best known work The House of Spirits has been translated into over 25 languages.

Jane Delgado 1953- ) Cuban immigrant who dedicated her life to improving the health of Hispanic and Latino Americans. She was the president of the National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services organizations and co-authored the Report of the Secretary's Task Force on Black and Minority Health.

Severo Ochoa (1905-1993) Spanish American who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology for his research into nucleic acids in the body's cells. He also received the National Medal of Science.
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