Inspiring Latina

Stefanie Frances didn't think she'd run a marathon when she first started running. But soon, it became a passion. Now, she's completed more than 30 marathons and, at the age of 60, has no plans on stopping. 

Every year Frances runs the Nike Marathon race, which is now in its 10th year and is one of the largest women's marathons in the world. (Fun fact: you get a Tiffany's necklace at the end!) The race benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training. To date, Frances has raised more than $100,000 for the cause. 

Eliana de Las Casas might only be 13, but she's accomplished a lot more than your average adult! With a cookbook series and weekly radio show, the young chef counts Aaron Sanchez, Andrew Zimmern and Wendy Williams among fans. This week, she'll be working with Dove for their 4th Annual Dove Self-Esteem Weekend event, which partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Girls Inc. and Girl Scouts to improve the self-esteem of young girls all over the nation. 

Christina Mendez is an actress, model, philanthropist, hostess, and mother, who is taking the entertainment by storm. Being the granddaughter of Meringue King Joseito Mateo, performing was always in her blood.

After nine years of working hard, Christina has become one of the most recognizable “real size” models, and she is proud of her curves! Mendez has been been featured on BET's Rip The Runway, MSN Living, and countless fashion campaigns including QFD by Qristyl Frazier Designs-Project Runway Alumni, and MadRag, amoung others.

To call Colombian triathlete Aurora Colello a go-getter would be the understatement of the century. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), this mother of four took matters into her own hands, using diet, exercise, and holistic methods for treatment–even curing her blindness caused by the disease. 

After participating in many triathlons, Aurora is now working to raise money for pediatric cancer research by competing this September in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon presented by Equinox.