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Spotlights by HRCap: Top 15 Hispanic and Latino Influencers of 2025

  • noemy40
  • Aug 28, 2025
  • 5 min read

Updated: Sep 3, 2025

Published by HRCap, Inc. on August 28, 2025




As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the extraordinary contributions of Hispanic and Latino leaders whose stories reflect resilience, ingenuity, and cultural pride. Their impact transcends industries, bridging communities and shaping a more inclusive future through business, healthcare, technology, media, and the arts. 


These trailblazers remind us that leadership is not measured only by personal achievement but also by the doors they open for others and the legacies they build for generations to come. In recognition of their influence and in celebration of this important month, we proudly present the “Top 15 Hispanic and Latino Influencers of 2025”, whose work continues to uplift, empower, and inspire.



Top 15 Hispanic and Latino Influencers



Marcelo Claure is a business executive and investor known for his leadership in telecommunications and technology. He has held top roles at SoftBank and currently leads Claure Group, where he drives global business growth and innovation.


Claure emphasizes bold decision-making and mentorship, inspiring future entrepreneurs to think big while remaining grounded in community and cultural pride. His work demonstrates how vision and perseverance can shape industries worldwide.



José E. Feliciano is the Co-Founder and managing partner of Clearlake Capital Group, a leading private investment firm with over $85 billion in assets under management. He has held senior roles at Tennenbaum Capital Partners, govWorks, Inc., and Goldman Sachs, bringing extensive experience in investment strategy and operational leadership.


Feliciano emphasizes strategic growth, operational excellence, and community impact. He co-founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Supercharged Initiative, supporting education, entrepreneurship, and opportunity, showing how leadership in business can also create meaningful social change.



Priscilla Almodóvar serves as CEO of Fannie Mae, where she leads one of the country’s most important financial institutions. She has earned recognition for her strategic vision in housing finance, corporate governance, and operational excellence.


Almodóvar prioritizes integrity and accountability for underserved communities. Her leadership exemplifies how principled decision-making can drive meaningful change while fostering inclusive growth in critical sectors like housing and finance.



Damian Rivera is the CEO of ALPFA, advancing opportunities for Latino professionals across corporate America. He leads initiatives in mentorship, leadership development, and professional networking to expand access and representation.


Rivera believes in empowerment, advocacy, and community-building. His leadership demonstrates how cultivating connections and supporting emerging talent can transform industries and create a stronger foundation for future Latino leaders.



Betty Francisco is the CEO of Boston Impact Initiative, where she oversees investments and philanthropic efforts to strengthen local communities and foster entrepreneurship. She has helped launch programs that provide education, mentorship, and funding for underrepresented business owners.


Francisco shows how visionary leaders can create meaningful change by combining strategic thinking with dedication to social responsibility and empowerment.



Ozzie Gromada Meza advocates for diversity in corporate leadership through the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA), promoting Latino and LGBTQ+ representation at the board level. He helps companies implement strategies that create inclusive decision-making environments.


Meza's work demonstrates the importance of fostering inclusive leadership pipelines that not only reflect society but also strengthen corporate governance and innovation.



Helen Arteaga Landaverde is CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, where she has led critical healthcare initiatives, including response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership has focused on improving patient outcomes and expanding access to care in underserved communities.


Arteaga Landaverde demonstrates how strategic leadership combined with compassion can transform public health systems and build trust across diverse populations.



Carla Vernón is the CEO of The Honest Company, guiding its growth and evolution while maintaining a focus on sustainability and responsible business practices. She has helped expand the company’s reach and influence in consumer goods markets.


Vernón expresses how combining business acumen with social responsibility can produce meaningful impact for both consumers and employees.



Elias Torres is currently the Founder and CEO of Agency, an AI agent specifically built for customer success teams to boost efficiency, personalize interactions, and support customer-first experiences. He has been instrumental in building products that transform how businesses interact with customers.


Torres is committed to creating technology solutions that are inclusive, user-friendly, and capable of connecting people across industries, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in tech leadership.



Maribel Pérez Wadsworth is the President and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the first woman to lead the organization since its founding in 1950. She previously served as President of Gannett Media and Publisher of USA Today, where her newsrooms earned five Pulitzer Prizes.


Wadsworth focuses on revitalizing local journalism and fostering informed communities, championing initiatives that strengthen news coverage, promote diversity, and engage the public, demonstrating how leadership in media and philanthropy can drive meaningful social impact.



Nina Vaca is the Founder and CEO of Pinnacle Group, one of the largest woman- and minority-owned staffing firms in the U.S. She has grown the company globally while fostering inclusive workplace practices.


Vaca emphasizes how leaders can combine business success with a commitment to empowering others and creating equitable opportunities in corporate America.



Adriana Cisneros leads Grupo Cisneros, a multinational enterprise in media, digital commerce, and real estate. She has expanded the company’s international footprint while honoring its cultural legacy and storytelling tradition.


Cisneros demonstrates how a global vision combined with community-focused impact can drive both business growth and meaningful social influence.



Arturo Elizondo is CEO of The EVERY Company, a food-tech venture producing animal-free proteins using precision fermentation, aiming to revolutionize the global food system by decoupling protein production from animal agriculture.


Elizondo's work highlights how entrepreneurship can address global challenges through innovative, sustainable solutions while driving industry transformation and creating meaningful social impact.



Pedro David Espinoza is the Founder and CEO of Pan Peru, supporting women to become influential entrepreneurs. He has authored a book featuring insights from over 100 CEOs.


Espinoza emphasizes entrepreneurship, inclusion, and social impact. He demonstrates how fostering diverse talent and creating opportunity-driven initiatives can shape business ecosystems and inspire future leaders.




Alana Meraz is the Founder and CEO of Latinx In Sports, a platform advancing Latinx representation in the sports industry. She has built a network of thousands of professionals, connecting students and industry leaders.


Meraz values mentorship, visibility, and cultural pride. Her work inspires the next generation of Latinx professionals to pursue leadership opportunities while fostering a stronger, more inclusive sports industry.



Conclusion


These fifteen individuals embody the spirit of National Hispanic Heritage Month, illustrating how leadership can inspire change, create opportunities, and strengthen communities. Each has not only excelled in their respective fields but also opened doors for others, proving that true influence is measured by the impact one has on the people and industries around them. Their work shapes industries, amplifies underrepresented voices, and sets a standard for what is possible when talent, vision, and perseverance come together.


Beyond professional accomplishments, they serve as role models for future generations, showing that cultural pride and dedication can drive meaningful progress. They remind us that leadership is not only about personal success but about building lasting legacies that elevate others, foster inclusion, and encourage innovation. As we celebrate their contributions, we also celebrate the broader Hispanic community and the ways in which its leaders continue to shape a stronger, more connected, and more equitable future for all.




Sources: HRCap, LinkedIn, Reuters, Fannie Mae, FHFA, Grupo Cisneros, Fast Company, LA Business Journal, Nasdaq, LCDA, Boston Impact Initiative, Boston Magazine, ALPFA, QNS News, Gannett Media, Hispanic Executive, Latino Corporate Directors Association



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