TIME added a new list to its 100 influential people franchise. Aimed at highlighting rising stars who are shaping the future in one way or another, TIME 100 Next includes advocates, artists leaders, phenoms and innovators. This year, 11 Latinos and Latin Americans made the inaugural list.
As is reflective in our day to day society, this list shows how our community gives hope for the future through our efforts – and especially our leadership – in a variety of areas. Here’s a roundup of the Latinos and Latin Americans that the magazine deems are on the rise.
Camila Cabello
“In times like these, when noise can distort the purity of an artist’s message, Camila has managed to honor her story and her background in an authentic way with her pop music. The impact of her songs—from ‘Havana’ and ‘Señorita’ to ‘Shameless’ and ‘Liar’—has opened the door so that the world can see and hear the massive potential of the Latin music community.” – Alejandro Sanz
Jharrel Jerome
“He didn’t just play my younger self; he represented the little Korey inside of me. It was a dream come true. I hope he will continue to grow in his success.” – Korey Wise
Advocates: Bad Bunny
“I truly admire his commitment to help bring awareness to topics affecting not only our island, but the world. He shows up when it matters most, and makes sacrifices for what he believes is right in his heart. No matter what.” – Ricky Martin
Advocates: Alexandra Rojas
“As executive director of Justice Democrats, Alexandra Rojas and her team recruit and train primary challengers—often young, working-class people of color—to unseat less progressive incumbents. In 2018, they helped elect what’s now known as the Squad: Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley.” – Charlotte Alter
Leaders: Carlos Alvarado Quesada
“Since becoming president in 2018, President Alvarado has established a bold path for Costa Rica, setting targets to reform transport, energy, waste and land use. He is building on his nation’s rich legacy of sustainable development and environmentally mindful growth.” – Ban Ki-moon
Leaders: Francis Suarez
“A Miami native, Francis is a passionate advocate for the community he represents. While his efforts to solve the big problems—everything from sea-level resilience to solutions to gun violence—are clear, I personally witnessed his commitment to solving problems that fly under the radar when we visited public-housing complexes together in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood.
Miami has a unique set of advantages and challenges. But Francis’ desire to serve his community has consistently guided the city toward a promising future.” – Marco Rubio
Leaders: Vanessa Luna
“The educator and DACA recipient co-founded ImmSchools, a nonprofit that trains teachers to better support America’s millions of children with undocumented family members by creating more inclusive classroom environments. In ImmSchools’ first 12 months, 960 students and their families participated in its programs—which include know-your-rights workshops and college-admissions guidance—and Luna, who was named a 2019 Roddenberry Fellow, says the nonprofit will reach more than 1,000 educators this fiscal year.” – Jasmine Aguilera
Leaders: Rafaela Requesens
“As Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro began tightening his grip on power during an economic crisis, Requesens took to the streets. In 2017, she helped lead the mass youth protests against the government as head of a prominent students’ union. The following year, she and her brother Juan, an opposition lawmaker, were arrested. (The government charged Juan with orchestrating a drone attack on Maduro, without offering proof; no trial date has been announced.) But Requesens remains undeterred. “I won’t say there aren’t times that I lose heart,” she says, “but I get back up again because that’s what [my brother] taught me.” – Ciara Nugent
Leaders: Tabata Amaral
Amaral says fixing Brazil’s problems (fewer than half of adults have a high school diploma, for example) will require some new political thinking. “There is so much between left and right, especially in a moment that is so polarized, and in a world that is so complex with all the new technologies,” she says, “we have to find a way in between.” – Ciara Nugent
Innovators: Silvia Caballero
“This year, up to 2 million Americans will contract drug-resistant bacterial infections. Microbiologist and immunologist Silvia Caballero wants to do something about that… Her treatment protocol could go into early trials in two years.” – Jeffrey Kluger
Innovators: Jess Morales Rocketto
“You couldn’t miss Jess Morales Rocketto during my 2016 campaign: she was the young woman standing on top of a cabinet, leading hundreds of staff and volunteers in a rousing chant. After the election, she used her passion, digital savvy and activist experience to facilitate the protests that cropped up at airports across America. She joined the National Domestic Workers Alliance, tackling issues from economic justice to immigration reform. Faced with the crisis at the border, Jess helped lead efforts to reunite every child with their loved ones. And after witnessing the power of women’s activism, she helped launch Supermajority, an organization dedicated to gender equity. She is not only tireless—she is fearless.” – Hillary Clinton