25 Hispanic Power Women
 

(From left) CBS' Nina Tassler, NBC Uni's Belinda Melendez, producer Salma Hayek, MTV Tr3s' Lucia Ballas-Traynor and Univision's Alina Falcon Hispanic Women Navigation Hollywood Ranks

HOLLYWOOD (By Rebecca Ascher-Walsh, Cristy Lytal and Trisha Tucker, Hollywood Reporter) October 11, 2007

6. Darlene Caamano Loquet
President, NALA Films

At a glance: Caamano Loquet, president of NALA Films, co-founded the company with Emilio Diez Barroso in 2005. Education: B.A., communication with an emphasis in journalism, Azusa Pacific University; studied at Fordham University, media communications program Big deal: Caamano Loquet fulfilled a dream she'd had since first seeing "Crash" when she teamed up with writer-director Paul Haggis on his father-son drama "In the Valley of Elah," starring Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon and Jason Patric. Year in review: The company's first project, Warner Bros.' "In the Valley of Elah," was released earlier this year. Buena Vista's "Dan in Real Life" is set for release Oct. 26, and ThinkFilm's "The Air I Breathe" is set for wide release in 2008. Key to success: "I don't take anything personally," she says. "Hollywood's tough, and you have to have your eye on the ball, and you have to keep that belief in yourself that you're here for a reason and you're going to succeed regardless of what's being thrown at you and the obstacles." Up next: Upcoming projects from NALA include the comedy "Mr. Burnout," the horror film "Open Grave," the exorcism tale "Night of Light," the Griffin Dunne-directed "Only Ever You" and the Spanish-language film "La Magdalena." "I've just had my first baby, too!" says Caamano Loquet. "So I've got a lot on my plate, but I love it."

7. Christina Davis
Senior vice president drama series development, CBS

At a glance: Recently promoted to senior vice president drama series development at CBS, Davis co-heads the network's drama department, working with writers and producers to develop a roster of one-hour shows. Education: B.S., UCLA Big deal: Davis dedicated herself to Cynthia Cidre's new series, "Cane," starring Jimmy Smits, Hector Elizando and Rita Moreno. The show, about a family of Cuban immigrants in Miami, has the largest Hispanic cast ever to appear on network primetime television.  Year in review: Davis has also been involved in the development of the new dramas "Viva Laughlin," "Moonlight" and the midseason replacement "Swingtown." "It's truly a groundbreaking year for us because we have been able to develop such a diverse slate," Davis says.  Key to success: "I think it's my passion for finding creative ways to tell stories that are engaging and important." Up next: Davis, who will continue working closely with the creators of the newly launched dramas, is developing another with Julia Alvarez and Salma Hayek called "Yo," about four Latina sisters. As for other projects: "It's early to talk about, but I can continue to promise a diverse slate," she says. "It's really important, both for the network and for me in particular."

8. Antoinette Zel
Senior executive vice president strategy, Telemundo

At a glance: As senior executive vice president strategy for Telemundo, Zel is responsible for overseeing its cable networks as well as marketing, digital media and new initiatives. Education: J.D., Columbia University Big deal: Zel shepherded Yahoo Telemundo, a partnership that combines Yahoo services with Telemundo content, to becoming a leader in the industry, reaching about 14 million Hispanics. Year in review: Zel calls Mun2, Telemundo's network aimed at young Hispanics in the U.S., her "personal baby." Under Zel's leadership, Mun2 has become a financial asset to Telemundo (which is, in turn, owned by NBC). Zel also oversaw research and consumer marketing for the network, engineering deals with outside companies like Yahoo and iTunes to carry Telemundo content. Key to success: Zel claims a triangulated approach to business is her strength. "It's about listening, being innovative and empowering other people," she says. "I have a fundamental respect for other people, and I live by what I believe."  Up next: Her goal for the company: "Continuing to be a critical part of the NBC Universal family and an important asset to the Hispanic community," says Zel. Look for more alliances with Universal's theme parks and crossover content like Telemundo's version of "Top Chef."

9. Alexandra Lioutikoff
Senior vice president Latin membership, ASCAP

At a glance: As ASCAP's senior vice president Latin membership, Lioutikoff oversees five offices, signs new talent and promotes and protects Latin songwriters in the U.S. Education: B.A., University of Granada, Spain Big deal: Lioutikoff raised the profile of ASCAP's Latin Music Awards, staging them in New York City's Nokia Theatre and introducing categories for film and television.  Year in review: Lioutikoff, who is fluent in five languages, traveled frequently, recruiting talent to sign with the organization (ASCAP's market share is around 60%). In addition to recognizing trends like Puerto Rico's reggaeton, she established showcases for songwriters in the U.S. and set up networking to encourage them to move into Anglo TV and film. Key to success: "This isn't a nine-to-five business, so we work weekends, we work nights. You never know when you're going to meet a songwriter. Also, I demand results, but I don't micromanage." Up next: Increasing market share and educating songwriters. "The Latin industry isn't old," she says, "so the songwriters haven't been used to thinking about it as a business." In addition to continuing to sign established talent, "I also want to sign a couple of songwriters that are just starting and get them a couple of hits on the charts."

10. Jennifer Lopez
Actress-singer-producer

At a glance: A famously hard-working actress, producer, singer and fashion designer, Lopez isn't slowing down any of her television or fashion endeavors anytime soon. Education: Graduated from Preston High School in the Bronx Big deal: Lopez's Nuyorican Prods. has gone into overdrive this year, with multiple upcoming and already-released projects for both film and television. Year in review: While Lopez's first foray into film production, Picturehouse's August release "El Cantante," might not have been the commercial and critical success she hoped for, she has had plenty of other irons in the fire, including the MTV series "Dance Life," Sony's "Feel the Noise" and ThinkFilm's "Bordertown," all of which she produced. Her song "Que hiciste" from her 2007 Spanish-language album, "Como ama una mujer," was an international hit and reached No. 1 on the U.S. Latin and dance charts, and a new English-language album, "Brave," debuts today. In September, Lopez expanded her fashion empire with her inaugural runway show for new clothing line JustSweet.  Key to success: "I only do what my gut tells me to. I think it's smart to listen to other people's advice, but at the end of the day, you're the only one who can tell you what's right for you," Lopez has said. Up next: Lopez is attached to produce and star in Sony's 2008 release "The Governess."

11. Cynthia Cidre
Writer-producer

At a glance: The Cuban-American screenwriter behind 1992's "The Mambo Kings" is storming the gates of primetime television with the CBS drama "Cane," which chronicles three generations of a sugar and rum family dynasty. Education: B.A., English, University of Miami Big deal: As the creator and executive producer of "Cane," the first Hispanic-themed drama on a broadcast network, Cidre has earned her place in history. Year in review: "Cane" wasn't the year's only sweet spot: Cidre's as-of-yet untitled assassin pilot is in development at CBS, and A&E picked up the female cop drama "Danny Fricke." Key to success: "'Keep doing it' is my advice," she says. "I'd say that in the first 10 years, it was hurtful to put all that effort into a script and not have it be realized into a film. And then one day, I noticed that it was stupid to be hurt and whether it got made or didn't get made was out of my control. And the other thing is that you get better every day. I read stuff I wrote six months ago, and I'm embarrassed." Up next: Cidre's dance card is full for the foreseeable future. "You know how they have the new commercial, men of 'Cane'?" she asks. "I am the woman of 'Cane.' I'm here all day long."

12. Ligiah Villalobos
Writer

At a glance: Since making the transition from television executive to full-time writer in 2001, Villalobos has become an equal force in Spanish- and English-language feature films and television. Education: Studied at Brigham Young University Big deal: After six years of sitting on the shelf, Villalobos' script "La misma luna" ("Under the Same Moon") was independently financed for less than $2 million; it was co-purchased at Sundance by the Weinstein Co. and Fox Searchlight for $5 million, becoming the festival's highest sale for a Spanish-language film. The film is set for release in March 2008. Year in review: Villalobos completed her third season as a writer and executive producer on the Nickelodeon series "Go, Diego, Go!," as well as writing its straight-to-DVD edition and companion book. She also wrote an English-language adaptation of the 2003 Israeli film "Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi" — "Diego Ascending" — for Ventazanul, Salma Hayak's production company. Key to success: "I've never had a job that I was qualified to do, but I always thought, 'Why wouldn't I be able to do it?' I'm open to the possibility of what my life could be and to taking risks." Up next: Villalobos is currently pitching a television series, as well as working on another feature film.

13. Frida Torresblanco
Producer

At a glance: In a year when a triumvirate of Mexican directors — Alfonso Cuaron, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and Guillermo del Toro — all made Oscar-nominated films, Torresblanco consolidated power as the president of production at Cuaron's New York-based shingle, Esperanto Filmoj. Education: B.A., film and media studies, Metropolitan University, Madrid; M.A., communication studies, Universidad Complutense Madrid; M.A., literature and scriptwriting, Madrid's School of Literature Big deal: With more gumption than money, she produced del Toro's passion project "Pan's Labyrinth," which won three Oscars. Year in review: Torresblanco kept it mostly in the family, producing a documentary short by Cuaron titled "The Possibility of Hope" and feature directorial debuts from the auteur's screenwriter brother, Carlos (the soccer dramedy "Rudo y Cursi"), and son Jonas (the love story "Ano una"). Key to success: "There are two very important things," she says. "One is discipline and the other one is passion. You need to find something that can really make you alive and happy." Up next: Torresblanco is currently developing "The History of Love," which is being adapted by Mexican screenwriter Sabina Berman from the novel by Nicole Krauss, and a film version of Roald Dahl's "The Witches."

14. Nely Galan
Producer

At a glance: The entrepreneur, creator of Fox's "The Swan" and former director of television at Telemundo is now launching a wellness, health and beauty reality television show called "The New You." Education: Studied English literature at Barnard College but left when she was offered a job in television Big deal: Galan is in negotiations with NBC and Telemundo to air her new daily show, each of which will feature two women getting a complete makeover; they are then followed by cameras for a year.  Year in review: Galan bought the rights to Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's novel "The Dirty Girls Social Club," which she's developing with producer Debra Martin Chase; she also acquired formats and titles from Telemundo's library that led to a deal with NBC Universal to create English-language novelas.  Key to success: "I have the perseverance, discipline and singular focus of a professional athlete," says Galan. "Which isn't to say I don't sometimes wish I could give myself a lobotomy and not have those traits anymore." Up next: A successful real-estate developer on the side, the Cuban-born Galan intends to continue creating multiplatform, sponsor-driven brands in the Latin and Anglo markets. "Otherwise," she explains, "you're just a producer for hire."

15. Christy Haubegger
Agent, CAA

At a glance: The founder of Latina magazine and current CAA agent, Haubegger develops strategic enterprises for entrepreneurial clients like Salma Hayek and George Lopez. Education: J.D., Stanford University Big deal: Haubegger helped Hayek set up a ministudio at MGM and then brought her its first project, thanks to tracking down writer-directors Gabriel and Rodolpho Riva Palacio Alatriste, whose animated "Una pelicula de huevos" is the second-highest-grossing film of all time in Mexico. Their first feature, the comedy "Bones Family," will be produced by Lopez. Year in review: Haubegger helped steer John Singleton to the agency and then toward a television production deal at Warner Bros. She scored Lopez's "George Lopez Presents," a straight-to-video line for Warner Bros., and worked closely with Shakira and Hayek. In addition, she compiles "The Hispanic Intelligence Report," an ongoing research study owned by CAA. Key to success: "I only look impressive because of CAA," she insists. "I take advantage of the expertise they have to offer."  Up next: "I'm still figuring this all out, so imagine what I can do once I know what I'm doing?" Haubegger says with a laugh. "But I have a lot of irons in the fire."

16. Corey Sienega
Producer, vice president production and development, David Kirschner Prods.

At a glance: In an industry where people change jobs almost as frequently as socks, Sienega is celebrating her 14th year working at David Kirschner Prods., where she is currently a producer and vice president production and development. Education: Studied at San Francisco State University, Cinema Department Big deal: Fifteen years after Kirschner first read the script for "Miss Potter," the biopic finally made it to the big screen in December 2006. Year in review: "Miss Potter" earned a Golden Globe nomination for its star Renee Zellweger.  Key to success: "It's so easy to get caught up in the political stuff or the showiness of it, but in the end, it's just work hard and pursue stories that you really want to share with people," she says. Up next: New Line's dramedy "Martian Child," starring John Cusack, hits theaters Nov. 2. Films also in development include the comedy "Disappearance of Trout," a horror film about two Mexican-American truckers mixed up in a vampire war and a drama based on the true story of the Miami Dade Community College chess team. "I'm thrilled to be developing a couple projects now that do have lead characters that are Hispanic," says Sienega, who is of Mexican and Irish descent. "What I love to see more of is when somebody's culture, background, race, sexuality becomes just one element of the character instead of the defining element."

17. Emily Simonitsch
Senior vice president special markets, Live Nation

At a glance: A longtime veteran of House of Blues Entertainment, Simonitsch, now senior vice president special markets at Live Nation in Southern California, has been instrumental in capitalizing on the opportunity for expansion brought about by the company's acquisition late last year by Live Nation, the world's largest producer and promoter of live television. Education: Studied law and business at California State University, Los Angeles, and USC Big deal: Simonitsch has been making impressive strides in growing the market for Latin music artists in Southern California, a feat for which the Los Angeles Times named her in its 2006 "Power Issue" as one of the "most powerful people in Southern California."  Year in review: Simonitsch spent 2007 pursuing the same goal she's been after for the last 25 years: Bringing Latin music to ever-expanding numbers of Southern Californians. The difference is that now, due to the resources and market reach of Live Nation, she has a much larger assortment of venues to fill. "I've always been an avid believer in booking anybody that wants to work at the right venue and the right price," Simonitsch says, and because she considers booking someone into her venue like inviting someone into her home, she attends every show that she books. Key to success: "Trust your gut feeling and stay focused on the values you consider important." Up next: In 2008, Simonitsch will be focused on producing more festivals and packaging artists together in order to gain more exposure.

18. Madeline Padilla
Executive director of publicity, Arenas Entertainment

At a glance: Padilla, a Puerto Rican native and executive director of publicity at Arenas Entertainment, has been the brains behind some of the company's highest-profile marketing successes since she joined the firm in 2002. Education: Studied English at Hunter College, New York City Big deal: Padilla had the unenviable task of selling 2006's "Apocalypto," a film criticized for its portrayal of the Mayan civilization, to Hispanic audiences. The film's surprise No. 1 boxoffice opening and brisk DVD sales show that her hard work paid off. Year in review: Padilla's marketing campaigns frequently demonstrate impressively outside-the-box thinking. Faced with the challenge of selling Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" to the Hispanic community this summer, Padilla came up with the creative (and successful) idea of having Luis Garcia, the film's Mexican-American makeup artist, demonstrate his craft on Spanish-language talk shows by making the hosts up to look like pirates.  Key to success: "Someone very dear to me once told me that you're only limited by your own creativity, and I've used that with great benefits. You set your own limits." Up next: Disney's "South of the Border," a project close to Padilla's heart, is a "love letter to Mexico" about a spoiled Beverly Hills Chihuahua that gets lost, well, south of the border. The film features the voice talent of Drew Barrymore, Salma Hayek, George Lopez and a slew of Hispanic luminaries.

19. Kathryn Galan
Executive director, NALIP

At a glance: During her six-year tenure as executive director of the nonprofit National Association of Hispanic Independent Producers (NALIP), Galan has created several signature programs and transformed the organization into one of the preeminent resources for the Hispanic film community. Education: B.A., English, Amherst College; M.A., film and television history, aesthetics and critical theory, UCLA Big deal: Galan spearheaded the creation of a new program with the National Endowment for the Arts called "Doing Your Doc: Diverse Visions, Regional Voices," a three-day workshop to develop more Hispanic, Asian, Native, Pacific Islander and African-American documentaries outside of New York and Los Angeles. Year in review: Galan kept her calendar full with the Hispanic Writers Lab, the Hispanic Producers Academy, the Hispanic Media Market and NALIP Annual Conference, and the Hispanic Media Resource Guide. Key to success: "I would say that my career interests generally and over the long-term have been inspired by one of (writer) Joan Didion's most memorable apothegms: 'We tell ourselves stories in order to live,'" she says. "As regards my work as a social activist, I'm fueled by the maxim: 'If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.'" Up next: In honor of NALIP's 10th anniversary in March 2009, the organization plans to publish a study about Hispanic decisionmakers in Hollywood. "We're really looking carefully at the Hispanic story, at Hispanic progress, at the ways that we're making advancements in the various areas of the industry that are important to us," Galan says

20. Marlene Dermer
Co-Founder, LALIFF

At a glance: In 1996, the Peruvian-American visionary co-founded, with Edward James Olmos and George Hernandez, the Los Angeles Hispanic International Film Festival (LALIFF), which evolved into the Hispanic International Film Institute (LIFI). Education: Studied at New Orleans' Loyola University, American Film Institute and UCLA Extension Big deal: Besides supporting filmmakers, LIFI invests more broadly in the future through youth programs that incorporate audiovisual tools to promote literacy. Year in review: In addition to LALIFF, a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards' short-film category, the institute engages in preservation work and community outreach through audiovisual youth literary programs, a writing competition and the Hispanic Screenwriters Lab. Key to success: "Perseverance and hard work," she says. "I'm very clear about that. Perseverance. Having a vision. And it has not been by any means an easy road. It has been for me a great personal sacrifice. And I feel I have sacrificed much time with my son to pursue my dream and to be a financially responsible parent." Up next: "In a way, we want to be a Hispanic Sundance," says Dermer, "not to replace them — I have a great respect for the Sundance Institute — but simply to enhance or bring or present more possibilities of support, development and nurturing."

21. Helen Hernandez
President and founder, Imagen Foundation

At a glance: With the financial support of Norman Lear and Jerry Perenchio's Embassy Communications, Hernandez, a former labor organizer, started the Imagen Awards and Imagen Foundation in 1985, which both provide access, education and resources for Hispanics in television. Education: Studied at George Meany Center for Labor Studies, Washington, D.C., and Antioch College, New York  Big deal: This year marked the movement of the Imagen Awards from the Beverly Hilton to the Walt Disney Concert Hall — where 1,800 people attended the event. Year in review: Imagen continued to fulfill its mission with annual events like the television job fair and community workshops. Key to success: "What I've learned, especially from Norman Lear, is not to be afraid," she says. "When you're committed and you know it's the right thing to do, you do it. And you just keep your eye on the prize." Up next: On Oct. 15, Imagen will host a luncheon to honor the people on its new list of powerful Hispanics in Hollywood. "What Imagen is doing now is really trying to create that mechanism to see where the Hispanics are in the television industry, not just the entry level but also at the upper echelons, so we can begin to share with the industry, 'Look, this is who we are, and these are the contributions that we've made,'" says Hernandez.

22. Natalie Chaidez
Producer-writer

At a glance: Chaidez, a consulting producer on Fox's "The Sarah Connor Chronicles," has made name for herself as a writer of strong female characters in a string of television shows loved by audiences and respected by critics. Education: B.F.A., film, UCLA Big deal: Chaidez spent last year co-executive producing and writing for NBC's "Heroes" and received a WGA Award nomination for her troubles. Year in review: Chaidez has been on a remarkable upward trajectory ever since she graduated from UCLA and joined the inaugural year of the Disney Fellowship program. She spent three seasons with Dick Wolf on "New York Undercover" and then moved on to "Judging Amy" and the short-lived "Heist" before landing "Heroes" in 2006. Having made a name for herself as a writer of "strong, kick-ass women," Chaidez is currently bringing one of the toughest broads in action film history, the "Terminator" films' Sarah Connor, to television with the spring 2008 series "The Sarah Connor Chronicles." Key to success: "It's not the dog in the fight; it's the fight in the dog." Up next: The film "The Spy Wore Red," which Chaidez adapted from the book by Aline Romanos, is currently in development with Rachel McAdams and powerhouse producing team Kennedy/Marshall Co. attached.

23. Delia Orjuela
Assistant vice president writer-publisher relations, BMI Latin

At a glance: After being hired 11 years ago to open BMI's Latin music office in Los Angeles, Orjuela has risen through the ranks to become assistant vice president writer-publisher relations. Education: B.A., broadcast journalism, California State University, Long Beach Big deal: After a heated signing war, regional Mexican singer-songwriter Mariano Barba cast his fortunes with BMI. Year in review: In addition to hosting the annual Billboard Latin Conference & Awards and showcases like the Noche Bohemia and Verano Alternativo, Orjuela watched proudly as Argentine composer Gustavo Santaolalla — whom she has worked with for a decade — won his second Oscar for the score to "Babel." Key to success: "The Latin music community is a family pretty much," she says. "And it's just letting the songwriters know that they're also part of another family with us at BMI. It's not just about, 'Now you're a big star and let us work with you.' We want to be here from the beginning, to help develop the artists and grow with them." Up next: "I guess my biggest project is that I'm having a baby!" says Orjuela. "Right now, I'm just very excited with the Grammy nominations, because a lot of our writers and artists got nominated."

24. Patricia Vega
Director, Chaf Enterprises

At a glance: As the director of Chaf Enterprises, Vega has managed all aspects of Puerto Rican pop star Chayanne's career — including endorsements, record contracts and tours — for a decade. Education: B.A., social work, La Salle University, Bogota, Colombia Big deal: Chayanne's first single, "Si nos quedara poco tiempo," from his April 2007 album, "Mi tiempo," has topped the charts all over Latin America. "We've released the second single, and it's impossible to put it at No. 1 because the first one is still there!" says Vega. Year in review: Vega booked the entirety of Chayanne's current world tour. By its conclusion in March 2008, Chayanne and his team will have been on the road for 16 months, performing in 57 shows in more than 20 countries. Key to success: "It is basically to believe in my artist and to fight for him," she says, "and be surrounded by good people. When we are on the road, we are a group of 40 people, and I take care of everybody, and I receive only positive things from everybody. We try to serve people, and we receive the same. That is our philosophy here." Up next: Vega plans to open new markets after the tour ends in 2008. "Europe," she says. "It's one of my goals for next year."

25. Sofia Vergara
Host-producer

At a glance: The stunning host of two popular Univision shows — "Fuera de serie" and "A que no te atreves" — is successfully crossing over to the U.S. market. Education: Studied dentistry at La Universidad Metropolitana Barranquilla, Colombia Big deal: Vergara recently filmed a role in Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns." Year in review: While ABC's "Knights of Prosperity" met with scarcity and cancelation, the 5-foot-7-inch Colombian model and actress has kept busy filming Perry's film adaptation of his play "Meet the Browns"; marketing Mike Newell's "Love in the Time of Cholera" (set for a November release) and other films to U.S. Hispanics through her company, Latin World Entertainment; executive producing and starring in the Latin-American version of "Desperate Housewives"; and creating jobs in her native Barranquilla through her "Vergara by Sofia" clothing line. Key to success: "The most important thing is that you should never take 'no' personally," she says. "It's very hard: You have to become the character, act funny or sad or cry in front of these people you have just met, and then they tell you no. If you take it personally, you won't have the strength to do it again and again and again, and that's the way you book a job." Up next: ABC is looking for the next project on which the network and Vergara can collaborate.