Mexico – Like Her

Enriqueta Medellín

Enriqueta Medellín, a prominent Mexican surgeon and environmentalist, dedicated her life to preserving the environment. Her multidisciplinary background in medicine and environmental sciences allowed her to approach environmental issues from a holistic perspective. Through her work with organizations such as Conciencia Ecológica, she raised awareness about waste management, advocated for environmental protection policies, and received numerous awards for her contributions. Medellín’s legacy continues to inspire future generations through the establishment of the Queta Medellín Ecological Center and the Enriqueta Medellín Prize.

MexicoSinger

Concha Michel

Concha Michel (1899–1990) was a Mexican singer-songwriter, political activist, playwright, and researcher who made significant contributions to the preservation of Mexican culture and traditions. She was a cultural icon, and her dedication to preserving Mexican traditions, her activism, and her artistic talents make her a significant figure in women’s history.

MexicoMathematician

Manuela Garín

Manuela (Mane) Garín Pinillos de Álvarez was a Spanish-born and Cuban-raised mathematician who became one of the first women to study mathematics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She has been named as a pioneer of mathematics in Mexico. Garín specialized in applied mathematics involving the mathematical modeling of the Earth’s magnetic field, and played a pivotal role in promoting the importance of mathematics education in Mexico.

MexicoMathematician

Enriqueta González Baz

Enriqueta González Baz y de la Vega was a Mexican mathematician and a trailblazer for women in mathematics in Mexico. She co-founded the Mexican Mathematical Society and became the first woman to earn a degree in mathematics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Enriqueta’s dedication to her field continues to inspire future generations of women in mathematics.

MexicoSailing

Galia Moss

Galia Moss, the first Latin American sailor to solo cross the Atlantic Ocean, embarked on her awe-inspiring journey in 2006, covering a staggering nine thousand miles in just 41 days. Her determination and fearlessness earned her a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Moss’s tenacious spirit and philanthropic efforts make her an inspiration for future generations of women adventurers.

MexicoMatadora

Hilda Tenorio

Hilda Eliana Tenorio Patiño, a pioneering figure in bullfighting, made history as the first woman to receive her alternativa, marking her transition from novillera to matador, at the Plaza de Toros México. With numerous achievements and victories, Tenorio’s dedication and determination have not only positioned her as a rising star in bullfighting but also as a powerful advocate for gender equality within the sport.

MexicoLuchadoraWrestler

Princesa Sugehit

Princesa Sugehit, born Ernestina Sugehit Salazar Martínez, is a Mexican professional wrestler who has left a significant impact on the world of lucha libre. Starting her career as the only female student in a wrestling school, she proved her resilience and determination within the male-dominated industry. Princesa Sugehit has wrestled for prominent promotions such as Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and Lucha Libre AAA World Wide (AAA), and her skills have been recognized internationally. She is a trailblazer in women’s wrestling, inspiring and empowering female wrestlers worldwide.

MexicoLuchadoraWrestler

Marcela

Marcela, born María Elena Santamaría Gómez, developed a passion for professional wrestling from a young age. Despite facing opposition, she pursued her dream and made her wrestling debut in 1985. Throughout her career, Marcela has become a top técnica in Mexico’s wrestling scene, winning multiple championships and triumphing in high-stakes matches. Beyond her accomplishments, Marcela serves as an inspiration to women, breaking barriers and shattering gender stereotypes in a male-dominated industry.

MexicoLuchadoraWrestler

La Amapola

La Amapola, whose real name is Guadalupe Ramona Olvera, is a Mexican professional wrestler known for her skills and charisma. She began her wrestling career in 1997 and made a name for herself in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). La Amapola’s contributions to women’s wrestling and her impact on Mexican professional wrestling have solidified her as a legendary figure in the sport.

MexicoUnited StatesActor

Sara Ramirez

Sara Elena Ramírez, a Mexican-American actor and singer, rose to fame with their Tony Award-winning performance in the Broadway musical “Spamalot.” Ramirez’s portrayal of Dr. Callie Torres on the television series “Grey’s Anatomy” made a significant impact on US television history, as one of the longest-running LGBT characters. Ramirez’s candidness about their own identity as bisexual and non-binary marked a turning point in visibility and representation for the LGBTQ+ community.

MexicoActivistLGBTQIA

Lorena Borjas

Lorena Borjas (1960-2020) was a Mexican-American transgender and immigrant rights activist who dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and well-being of transgender and immigrant communities. Through her work, she became known as the mother of the transgender Latinx community in Queens, New York. Borjas’s tireless efforts and leadership made a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ rights movement, leaving a lasting legacy.

MexicoUnited StatesActor

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek Pinault, born on September 2, 1966, in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico, is a Mexican and American actress and film producer. She began her career in the entertainment industry with notable roles in both Mexican telenovelas and films. Hayek gained recognition in Mexico with her starring roles in the telenovela “Teresa” and the film “Midaq Alley.” She then made a successful transition to Hollywood, captivating audiences with her performances in films like “Desperado” and “Frida.” In addition to her acting prowess, Hayek is known for her activism and philanthropic work. A true powerhouse, she continues to make a significant impact both on and off the screen.

MexicoArtist

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican painter, was deeply influenced by her country’s popular culture and blended realism with elements of fantasy in her artwork. She aimed to redefine Mexican identity and incorporated elements of pre-Columbian and Catholic beliefs into her self-portraits. Kahlo’s artistic legacy was rediscovered in the late 1970s, and she is now celebrated as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

MexicoBiochemistDiver

Natalie Gibb

Natalie Gibb, a prominent figure in cave exploration and underwater photography, has made significant contributions to the field of diving. Born in Orange County, California in 1980, Gibb developed a passion for adventure and exploration from an early age. Her upbringing in the natural beauty of her surroundings played a pivotal role in shaping her career.

MexicoRefugee

Marisol Valles García

Marisol Valles García, born in 1989 in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, gained international attention as the former police chief of Práxedis G. Guerrero. Facing extreme violence and danger from drug cartels, Valles García was the only person to apply for the job. Her bravery and determination to make a positive contribution to society have made her a symbol of courage and resilience.

MexicoActivistIndigenous

Comandanta Ramona

Comandanta Ramona (1959 January 6, 2006) was an officer of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN), a revolutionary indigenous autonomist organization based in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. She led the Zapatista Army into San Cristóbal de las Casas in 1994, and was the first Zapatista to appear publicly in Mexico City. Ramona was born in 1959 in a Tzotzil Maya community in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. Growing up in a marginalized community, she experienced poverty and struggled to make a living. Ramona used to sell handmade goods to support herself before she joined the EZLN.

MexicoAnthropologistArchaeologist

Eulalia Guzmán

Eulalia Guzmán Barrón (1890–1985) was a pioneering feminist, educator, and nationalist thinker in post-revolutionary Mexico. From an early age, she rejected the idea that women were destined for domesticity and aspired to become a teacher. Guzmán’s journey towards becoming an influential figure began when she was awarded a grant to study at the Normal School for Teachers, from where she graduated in 1910. Her activism and contributions continue to inspire generations of women, scholars, and social reformers.

MexicoBoxer

Ana Marie Torres

Ana María Torres Ramírez, also known as La Guerrera, is a Mexican former professional boxer who made significant contributions to the sport during her career. Her achievements include holding the WBC female super flyweight title twice between 2007 and 2012 and challenging once for the WBC female bantamweight title in 2006. Torres’s dedication and unwavering commitment to the sport inspired aspiring female boxers, shattering stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of athletes.

MexicoArcherBiologist

Dení Ramírez Macías, Ph.D.

Dení Ramírez Macías, Ph.D., is a Mexican marine biologist, ocean scientist, and conservationist. She is widely recognized for her expertise in whale shark research and conservation. Throughout her career, Ramírez has made significant contributions to the understanding and protection of these magnificent creatures.

MexicoLuchadoraWrestler

Xóchitl Hamada

Xóchitl Hamada, a Mexican semi-retired Luchadora, comes from a family of professional wrestlers. Throughout her career, she showcased immense talent and passion for the wrestling industry. Hamada achieved a significant milestone by becoming the second-ever CMLL World Women’s Champion. Her contributions to the women’s division in both CMLL and AAA have solidified her status as a trailblazer in Mexican wrestling.

MexicoLuchadoraWrestler

Lady Apache

Lady Apache, born Sandra González Calderón on June 26, 1970, in Mexico City, Mexico, is a Mexican professional wrestler widely known for her contributions to the world of lucha libre. Throughout her career, she has wrestled under the ring name Lady Apache and has made significant impacts in both Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and AAA, Mexico’s two largest professional wrestling promotions. González’s journey in the wrestling industry has been marked by her remarkable athleticism, numerous championships, and her lasting influence on women’s wrestling.

MexicoAstronomer

Paris Pişmiş

Marie Paris Pişmiş de Recillas, known as Mari Sukiasian, was an Armenian-Mexican astronomer who played a crucial role in establishing Mexico’s importance in astronomical education and research. She was the first woman to obtain a Ph.D. from the Science Faculty of Istanbul University and went on to become the first professional astronomer in Mexico. Pişmiş’s extensive research and dedication to teaching left a lasting impact on the field of astronomy and inspired future generations of astronomers, including her daughter and granddaughter.

MexicoMatadora

Lupita López

Lupita López is a renowned Mexican bullfighter and matador who broke gender barriers in the male-dominated profession. Her journey began at a young age, fueled by her unwavering passion for bullfighting. Throughout her career, López has captivated audiences with her skill, grace, and bravery in the ring. She has also used her platform to advocate for gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields, making her a role model for aspiring women in the profession.

MexicoBoxer

Martha Salazar

Martha Salazar, known as “The Shadow,” was a Mexican boxer who became the WBC world Heavyweight champion. She made a mark in women’s boxing history, becoming the third Hispanic to achieve this title. Salazar’s journey in the boxing world was filled with victories and setbacks, but her determination and resilience inspired aspiring athletes and left a lasting impact on the sport.

MexicoBoxer

Laura Serrano

Laura Serrano Garcia, a Mexican boxer, began her impressive career while studying in Mexico City. She went on to become a trailblazer in women’s boxing, with notable victories and a significant impact on the sport, challenging gender barriers and inspiring future generations of female athletes. She was inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

MexicoUnited StatesAnthropologist

Florence M. Hawley

Florence May Hawley Ellis, a pioneer in dendrochronology, made significant contributions to the field in the mid-20th century. Despite facing challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, she became a role model for anthropologists, inspiring her students and women in academia to strive for excellence. Hawley’s dedication to her work extended beyond her retirement in 1971, as she continued to actively contribute to anthropology until her death in 1991. Her innovative techniques and groundbreaking research in dendrochronology have left a lasting impact on the field.

CanadaMexicoSwimmer

Martha Gustafson

Martha Sandoval Gustafson, born on January 8, 1950, is a Mexican-Canadian Paralympic medallist in table tennis, swimming, and athletics. Throughout her career, Gustafson showcased exceptional talent and determination, winning a total of twelve medals at the Paralympic Games and leaving an indelible mark on the world of adaptive sports.

MexicoTrack & Field

Ana Guevara

Ana Gabriela Guevara Espinoza, born on March 4, 1977, in Nogales, Sonora, is a Mexican former track and field athlete renowned for her outstanding performances in the 400 meters event. She began her athletic career in 1996 and quickly rose to prominence as one of the most formidable competitors in her discipline. Guevara’s crowning achievement came on August 27, 2003, in Paris, France. It was there that she became the World Champion in the women’s 400 meters, setting a personal record, a national record, and a world-leading time of 48.89 seconds.

MexicoTrack & Field

Enriqueta Basilio

Enriqueta Basilio, born in Mexicali in 1948, made history as the first woman to light the Olympic Cauldron at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Although she faced personal challenges, including the loss of her husband in an airplane accident, Enriqueta continued to inspire others and advocate for positive change throughout her life. She passed away in 2019, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazer in sports and society.

MexicoPolandUnited States

Arlene Limas

Arlene Limas, an American taekwondo practitioner, is a highly accomplished martial artist of Mexican and Polish heritage. She made history by becoming the first American to win a gold medal in taekwondo at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. Limas has achieved numerous accolades throughout her career and continues to inspire others through her passion for the sport.

MexicoIndigenousRunner

María Lorena Ramírez

María Lorena Ramírez Hernández, an indigenous long-distance runner from the Rarámuri ethnic group in Chihuahua, Mexico, rose to international fame after winning the Cerro Rojo UltraTrail in 2017 barefoot and wearing traditional Rarámuri attire. Her incredible achievements and unwavering dedication have inspired Rarámuri children and earned her recognition as a symbol of strength and resilience.

MexicoGolfer

Lorena Ochoa

Lorena Ochoa Reyes was a Mexican professional golfer who dominated the world of women’s golf during her career. She became the first Mexican golfer, male or female, to be ranked number one in the world. With numerous victories and records, Ochoa is considered the best Mexican and Latin American female golfer of all time. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2017.