At first, I didn't notice that so many of my idols growing up were Latina. I am a certified child of the gloriously cringe-filled 2000s, but one thing that decade got right was the incredible representation of young Latina women. In fact, the three largest Disney franchises were headed up by strong, smart, and talented female leading ladies representing Latin America. Television shows on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon also made a point to include Latinx casts with a great focus on diverse programming.
The influence of these characters made me proud to speak Spanish, introduced my non-Latinx friends to my culture, and gave me another reason to appreciate my favourite shows and movies. While the networks my parents watched are only starting to catch up, here are 10 characters from more than a decade ago who proved Latinx representation is not asking for too much.
Gabriella Montez From High School Musical
Smart, talented, and kind to the core, Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens [2]) was the girl next door every 9-year old wanted to be friends with. Yes, Baby V is technically Filipino, but as a little girl, it was inspiring to see a character who pushed the Latinx stereotype nonetheless.
Mitchie Torres From Camp Rock
Demi Lovato [3] slid onto the scene as the girl who lived everyone's dream of falling in love with a Jonas Brother (or in the case of the movie, a Gray brother). Most importantly, Mitchie taught me that I should never be ashamed of where I come from or who I am.
Lola Martinez From Zoey 101
Nothing was going to stop this aspiring movie star from reaching her goals of winning an Oscar by 19 — heck, we meet her as she is going full method! Her determination was a reminder to my third grade self that nothing is impossible if I put my mind to it!
Rico Suave From Hannah Montana
Oh, Rico. He's as smooth as his last name and greedy as his first. This mini mogul ran his family's beachside surf shop and outsmarted his peers despite being younger and smaller.
Chanel Simmons From The Cheetah Girls
Chanel has been known to say, "I wear Prada or nada, mama," but her heart is truly one of the purest. She is strong, fierce, and loyal — qualities I admired just as much then as I do now. Cheetahlicious!
Carlos Garcia From Big Time Rush
Carlos made up one quarter of the boy band Big Time Rush on and off screen. His character is best compared to a puppy dog — happy, excited, and always up for an adventure! His positive, fun-loving nature was so refreshing and made my optimistic heart swell with joy!
Alex Russo From Wizards of Waverly Place
The snarkiest wizard of the bunch, Alex was clever and independent. Her mother's Mexican heritage is never forgotten, and the importance of a family's legacy is an central theme in the show.
Miranda Sanchez From Lizzie McGuire
Lizzie's best friend Miranda defended her blond bestie against the mean girls [4] and supported her through it all. Her quirky style was iconic and her one-liners even more so!
Cece Jones From Shake It Up
Cuban-American actress Bella Thorne played the ubertalented, hilarious dancer Cece Jones opposite Zendaya [5]. Their close bond went beyond any normal friendship, and proved success can come in pairs.
Tori Vega From Victorious
Sure, Pacific Coast Academy is everyone's dream school, but I'd argue that Hollywood Arts High School is the coolest TV school of all time. And Victoria Justice got to go to both! This Puerto Rican actress played the triple threat Tori Vega in this Nickelodeon sitcom. Her confidence made her a great example for following your passions and living life to the fullest.