Among the Hispanic stars who appeared on national TV greeting the new millennium were Gloria Estefan at NBC, in concert inaugurating the new American Airlines Arena in Miami; Enrique Iglesias on ABC, from Madison Square Garden, New York; Christina Aguilera and Carlos Santana, from the ABC studios in New York; and Jon Secada, also on ABC, ringing in the year 2000 at the 11^th annual BellSouth Big Orange Celebration in Miami.

VISTA MAGAZINE and CENTURY By Buick invited readers nationwide to nominate their choices for Hispanic Woman and Man of the Century. In response, more than 4,300 of you told us who best represents your dreams, ideals, battles and conquests. Your choices are embodied by two individuals whose contributions have been felt from East Coast to West Coast, from center stage at Radio City Music Hall to the grape and lettuce fields of California. VISTA and BUICK proudly announce the winners. The three runners-up were: Ricky Martin, Edward J. Olmos and Emilio Estefan; also Cristina Saralegui, Dolores Huerta, and tied were Rita Moreno and Selena.

Why is Gloria Estefan the Hispanic Woman of the Century? After months of collecting votes, it’s time to share the responses. Far more important than the impressive numbers of letters received, are the messages they carry. Actually, there are several reasons our readers offer for choosing Gloria. In some cases people recognize the accomplished artist, while others feel that, above all, she is their inspiration and role model. There are letters that talk about the Hispanic woman who always makes us proud because of her actions, while others relate to her concerns regarding the Latino community. Yet, the majority is moved by Gloria’s work as a humanitarian through her foundation, and for the exceptional valor shown throughout her life, especially when the odds were against her.

"I believe she deserves this honor for a number of reasons. Most obvious is her successful career. But she has overcome a tremendous obstacle that almost cost her life. Her strong will and perseverance were an example to those who have similar experiences in their lives... and finally, it’s her great big heart, always willing to help others, and establishing her own foundation..." says Theresa Aquino, from Albany, N.Y. "Gloria Estefan is a woman who’s always there for the people that need her, and she is always trying to make the Latin people look good, no matter the country, color or religion," says Dayana Gonzáles who lives in Gloria’s hometown, Miami, Fla. And for Sara Quintana, from Valley Cottage, N.Y. What impresses her the most is that, "all the while that Ms. Estefan became more and more popular, selling more and more records, she always remained kind, caring and loving... and always remained close to her family. It seems the more successful she got, the more she did for others."

Known far and wide as the "Queen of Latin Pop," recipient of the Award of Merit from the American Music Awards, Gloria Estefan has sold over 45 million records, becoming the single most successful crossover performer in Latin music history. Born Gloria Fajardo, in Havana Cuba, she came to the United States shortly after Fidel Castro seized power on the Caribbean island. The Fajardos settled in Miami, and shortly afterward her father joined the ill-fated brigade of 1,300 fellow Cubans who took part in the Bay of Pigs invasion; was incarcerated and released a year-and-a-half later.

Upon his return, he joined the U.S. Army completing a year’s tour of duty in Vietnam. Right after he came back, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Those were difficult moments, with young Gloria helping with his care as his health progressively deteriorated, and caring for her younger sister while her mother worked and studied at night. Understandably, she had little time for a social life, instead finding solace and emotional strength singing and playing the guitar.

Dreaming of becoming a psychologist, in 1975 Gloria received a partial scholarship to the University of Miami. Despite her reserved nature, she was drawn to join a local quartet called Miami Latin Boys as an accompanist and occasional front singer, blossoming into a
self-assured performer under the guidance of the group’s leader, Emilio Estefan. Eventually, the group changes its name to Miami Sound Machine, and in 1978, Gloria also changed hers when she married Estefan. It was the beginning of an incredible journey.

Today, more than 20 years later, the Estefans are one of the most accomplished and respected couples in the world of entertainment. Unquestionably, favorites of a community that adores them.

Gloria Estefan’s career accomplishments are well-known: Grammy Award winner, actress, composer, singer... But it’s her commitment to helping others that sets her apart. "As far as I can remember, my dream in life has been to be able to help as many people as possible. That dream and many more have come true for me, and I find my greatest rewards come from sharing what I have received with others," she said in a letter issued by the Gloria Estefan Foundation.

The foundation was created in 1997 to support charitable programs for disadvantaged children, to empower young people through education and opportunity. Its mission includes funding annual scholarships for students who need financial assistance. Inspired by the founder’s vision, the foundation aims to reach those who struggle outside the safeguards of society by promoting health programs and cultural development.

Through the foundation, Estefan helps a variety of projects with support that goes beyond the monetary. Long before its inception, Gloria was already involved in a series of community projects. In 1992, for example, she organized a concert at Joe Robbie Stadium( now Pro Player) raising $3 million for the rebuilding effort after Hurricane Andrew. Last year she traveled with a group of artists to the Dominican Republic to help the victims of Hurricane Georges.

Through the T.J. Martell Foundation, Estefan provides support for cancer, leukemia and AIDS research. She provides financial and hands-on volunteer support for Camillus House, a homeless shelter in Miami’s Overtown district. And with her family she participates, every year, in the AIDS Walk, raising thousands of dollars.

I n1990, while on tour, Estefan was almost killed when a tractor-trailer truck collided with her bus. She broke and dislocated a vertebra in her back, and underwent surgery during which two eight-inch iron rods were permanently implanted to stabilize and align her spinal column. Despite in initial discouraging prognosis, Gloria Estefan made a miraculous comeback, thanks to a year of physical therapy. Today, through her foundation, she supports a variety of health concerns, especially spinal cord injuries and pediatric AIDS.

Music and arts are very dear to Gloria Estefan’s heart. That’s why she likes to help musicians in their senior high school years who have no financial assistance. Education figures high on the agenda, and the Gloria Estefan Foundation is committed to making education accessible to needy children. There are also innumerable cases that are less known to the public, like the young woman diagnosed with a terminal disease who wanted to record a song; her wish was granted at the Estefans’ Crescent Moon Studios.. or the little Central American girl in need of a life-saving operation who finally came to this country and was treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

There are many more stories, many more facets to this young woman’s life that make her so special. Perhaps, the lyrics of a song she wrote explain, better than anything else, what’s in her heart.

© All rights reserved by La Revista 2000

Ein dickes Dankeschön an meine Freundin Amanda Warnock. Du bist einfach wunderbar zu mir! A very thick Thank You to my friend Amanda Warnock. You are always so wonderful to me!

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