As we come together to reflect on the 30th anniversary of LATINA Style, let us never forget the struggles and transcendent overcoming of our dear, late Anna Maria Arias, Founder of this important publication. Thanks to her resilience, indomitable spirit, and vision of inclusivity and increased representation of Latina professionals in business and public service, we have seen an explosion of platforms and organizations that serve and help catapult more Latinas’ careers.

From the halls of Congress, a growing number of Latinas currently serving in Congress continue to influence public policy, and we can say it all started with the first Latina in Congress– representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R), elected in 1989 as the first Latina and first Cuban-American to serve in Congress.

While the Cold War ushered in an era of space exploration, particularly the race to space between the U.S. and Russia, the impact of Latinas in the space industry today can be largely attributed to Dr. Ellen Ochoa. Dr. Ochoa, who flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery and was the first Latina to go to space in 1993, also served as the first Hispanic director for the Johnson Space Center.

I’m personally encouraged to see many companies are already activated in this regard and benefitting from onboarding top Latina talent. Companies like Pacific Gas and Electric Company which in 2017 selected Geisha J. Williams to serve as President and CEO, making her the first Latina CEO for a Fortune 200 company and the highest-ranking Latina in business.

Likewise, important strides have been made in hiring and appointing federal civil service employees as well as federal judges. Upholding the rule of law and constitutionally protected freedoms are bedrock principles vested in our judicial branch of government. As the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States, the Supreme Court can have a long-lasting impact on policy. When President Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor in 2009, who was later sworn in as the first Latina, and only the third woman, to serve as a Supreme Court Justice, it clearly broke barriers and inspired a new generation of young Latinas to reach higher.

The opportunity to witness and see these changes, for our Latina community, has been personally very positive as an American Latino. Although there is much more to accomplish and many more barriers to break, I see a bright future for Latinas in all facets of career, business, and leadership. I again commend LATINA Style’s leadership as they continue to carry the torch, highlighting the accomplishments and milestones of rising Latinas, for decades to come. And, of course, I look forward to a future “special edition” showcasing the first Latina President of the United States on its front cover.

Allen Gutierrez is the founder of The MCA Group based out of Maryland. A recognized national leader that has helped countless entrepreneurs on how to start, grow and expand their business.