For the 6th year in a row, Siempre Mujer magazine honors “Always Inspiring” Hispanic women in its signature Siempre Inspiran October/November feature. The 2011 honorees –Selena Gomez, Pamela Silva Conde, Ana Maria Irazabal, Barbara Palacios, Angelina Ramirez, and Virginia Isaias – were chosen for their hands-on commitment to important causes in the Hispanic community.
This year’s honorees include:
- Cover Star, Selena Gomez – In 2009, this Disney starlet started channeling her energy into giving back by becoming a UNICEF Ambassador, the youngest in the United States. Since then, Selena has taken an active role in advocating for the world’s most vulnerable children by participating in multiple campaigns, events and projects for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. With Selena’s support, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF has already raised $4 million and attracted extensive attention due to her involvement.
- Executive, Ana Maria Irazabal – As the marketing director of Pepsi, Ana Maria and her team sparked a national grassroots volunteerism movement, Pepsi Refresh Project in 2010. Through the Pepsi Refresh Project, Ana Maria’s team mobilized individuals to develop community projects that would make a difference in their hometowns. Thanks to Ana Maria’s leadership, Pepsi has sponsored over 1,000 ideas and provided up to 1.3 million grants per month to date.
- Former Miss Universe, Barbara Palacios – Building off her 1986 Miss Universe title, Barbara has since used her celebrity for the greater good.  Last year she wrote a self- help book called La belleza de saber vivir and founded BP Inspiracion, a company dedicated to help people find their path to self improvement and a better quality of life. Barbara is also an advocate for holistic lifestyle.
- Non Profit Executive, Angelina Ramirez – As the executive director of the Washington Heights Business Improvement District, Angelina is responsible for promoting the small businesses and rebuilding the economic development of this New York City neighborhood. Angelina’s goal is to reinvent Washington Heights into one of New York’s best touristic attractions. As the result of her work, the organization has been able to help over 250 small-business owners flourish within their community.
- Human Survivor, Virginia Isaias – Virginia was able to overcome her devastating past as a victim of human trafficking, and help others through founding the Fundacion de Sobrevivientes de Trafico Humano. Her tragic past almost cost her and her six month-old baby’s lives. Today, she is a source of inspiration to the 2.5 million victims of human trafficking in the world.
- TV Anchor, Pamela Silva Conde – As an investigative journalist, the new co-host of Univision’s Primer Impacto, and six-time Emmy Award winner, has been able to raise awareness on the issue of child sex trafficking. Pamela is also an active volunteer at St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Amigos for Kids.
This year, Siempre Mujer is also teaming up with COVERGIRL and Pantene to host a special “Women Who Inspire” Facebook event. The Facebook page will feature a selection of women chosen by Siempre Mujer editors who are making a difference in Hispanic communities across the country. Visitors will have the chance to vote on their favorite honoree’s cause. The honoree with the most votes will receive $10,000 for the charity of their choice. The contest runs from September 22, 2011 to November 21, 2011. Visitors can vote at Siempre Mujer Facebook page.