Who are our Latino leaders?

When I was eight years old, I tried to get my parents to move back to the projects. I thought only Latinos lived there. Growing up in a small farm town, I assumed the only way I would become a real Latino is if I lived in a tough, urban environment.

I would speak better Spanish. I would learn to cook like my abuela. I would survive a rough childhood and land an interview on Oprah. I just wanted to see other Latinos I could relate to. I wanted to look up to a Latino leader that shared my same experiences. Thanks to the web series Inspira, my parents now feel less pressure to move back.

“Through Inspira, we hope to inspire America, not just the Latino community,” Hispanic Heritage Foundation Chair Emanuel Pleitez says, “It’s about all Americans. It’s about recognizing the potential of this country.”

In 2010, the Pew Hispanic Center conducted a survey about Latino leaders in America. They asked Latinos, “Who is the most important Latino leader in the country today?” The results: 64 percent could not give an answer; 10 percent said “no one.”

Alarmed by these statistics, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and its L.O.F.T (Latinos on Fast Track) Institute partnered with Indigo Project Media to produce Inspira, a web series that highlights the Latino leaders of the past, present, and future. From California to Ohio, New York to North Carolina, Emanuel Pleitez and co-host Gabriela Fresquez will travel all across the country to meet the men, women, and children that are shaping our communities today and influencing our economy for tomorrow. From the arts to politics, big business to non-profits, Emanuel and Gabriela will personally experience each leader’s life and learn what made them the person they are today.

“We would like to inspire those who are feeling isolated, unmotivated, or without direction,” says co-host Gabriela Fresquez, “There is no better way than by sharing stories about our personal journeys. Most likely other people have experienced the very same challenges and have succeeded in conquering them. Why not spread a little hope and encouragement?”

Viewers will also have a chance to submit names or their own personal videos for a chance to appear on Inspira or the show’s official website. Inspira premieres in January 2012. Episodes and additional information will also be available through the L.O.F.T network. To learn more about Inspira, submit, or are interested in a LA based internship, you can contact info@indigoprojectmedia.com.

You don’t have to wait for Oprah.

By guest Contributor, Maria Ortiz.