The Most Influential Latinos

Hispanic Magazine September 2000

Hispanic Trends, a political firm owned by Hispanic Publishing Group –which also owns HISPANIC magazine- interviewed 501, registered Hispanic voters representing 48 continental U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The participants were asked, “Who is the Hispanic personality or Latino leader that you consider the most important, the one ha you would say has the most influence and credibility with you?

After their answer was recorded, they were read a list of 38 names, including television and Hollywood personalities, congressmen, mayors, and cabinet member, and again asked our original question. The results of both questions were tallied and the top ten most influential Hispanic in the nation are:

1. Edward James Olmos

2. Henry Cisneros

3. Jorge Ramos. Jorge Ramos is best know for his journalistic work with the Univision Spanish-language TV network. He has interviewed personalities such as President Bill Clinton, Subcomandante Marcos in Chiapas and President Ernesto Samper of Colombia. Ramos has a weekly column in 30 newspapers and his radio commentaries are broadcast in 34 radio stations.

4. Gloria Molina

5. Ricardo Montalban

6. Gloria Estefan

7. Bill Richardson

8. Luis Guitierrez

9. Cristina Saralegui

10. Lincoln Díaz-Balart