In Honor of Women’s History Month, I chose Salma Hayek who is inspiring and aspires to change the world for the better.

She was born Salma Valgarma Hayek Jiménez on September 2, 1966.  She is a Mexican and American film actress and producer. She began her career in Mexico starring in the telenovela Teresa and starred in the film El Callejón de los Milagros (Miracle Alley) for which she was nominated for an Ariel Award. In 1991, Hayek moved to Hollywood and I am sure many have heard of her or seen her in movies like Grown Up’s, Dusk till Dawn, and Desperado.  Her breakthrough role was in the 2002 film Frida, as Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, for which she was nominated for Best Actress for the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award, and which she also produced. This movie received widespread attention and was a critical and commercial success.

Even though Salma is a well-known actor she is highly active to bring awareness of violence against women, discrimination against immigrants and she now has added campaigns helping children.  On July 19, 2005, Hayek testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary supporting reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

Although now she is recognized in the public, she had difficulty getting into the spotlight. As a Mexican woman, it was hard for her to not be sexualized and harassed while chasing her Hollywood dreams. As one of the most prominent Hispanic actresses, she uses her voice to help other women and children who need help.  She is an ambassador with UNICEF.  Through her own charity, the Salma Hayek Foundation, she has now branched out to work with disadvantaged children on the streets of Mexico, helping them to overcome problems such as drugs, violence or lack of education.