All month long Wafi Media has been celebrating the contributions made by women throughout history and society. March 25th, we shine the spotlight on women who carry the name Guadalupe in honor of the saint Guadalupe. These women have made large accomplishments to the Latina community as actresses, scientists, musicians, and a Miss Universe pageant winner.
María Guadalupe Villalobos Vélez
Actress, singer, and dancer María Guadalupe Villalobos Vélez, or as she was professionally known Lupe Vélez had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. Lupe Vélez was one of the first Latina actresses to rise to stardom in Hollywood in the early 1930s along with Dolores Del Rio and Conchita Montenegro.
Throughout her time as an actress, she made audiences laugh with her comedic roles in films like Hot Peppers (1933) and Hollywood Party (1934). In between filming, she was also a star on the stage as she made her Broadway debut in the play Hot-Cha! in 1934.
Guadalupe Pineda
Her music is beloved by many across Mexico and Latin America. She is the Latin grammy award nominee for Best Long Form Music Video, she won the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
Before she became a musical icon she worked a variety of different jobs that allowed her to sing for example, “Pineda began singing in the local coffee shops and small venues, building her repertoire and reputation while she supported herself selling real estate and teaching guitar lessons” (AllMusic).
Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri Fernández de Heredia
She was a Roman Catholic chemistry professor at the University of Burgos in Spain. Her contributions to the scientific community were in the form of teaching and researching.
Along with her commitment to science Guadalupe Ortiz was committed to her faith. She was a part of the religious organization Opus Dei; dedicated to carrying out the teachings and practices of the Christian faith. Guadalupe dedicated herself to giving back to the community, a document cited Guadalupe’s work, “During the years she spent in Mexico she was one of the main people involved in setting up Montefalco, a former colonial hacienda which was then in ruins and which today has been converted into a conference center and retreat house, and the venue for two educational institutions: Montefalco School and the rural college El Peñón.”
María de Guadalupe Lupita Jones Garay
Actress, television producer, model, the winner, and the first Latina to become Miss Universe 1991. Lupita Jones has starred in projects such as La malquerida, El Señor de los Cielos, and Rosario. A source mentions that in 2000, Lupita Jones became an ambassador for the United Nation Population Fund Goodwill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOK6GrB9obM
The name Guadalupe pays tribute to the saint Guadalupe who is the Virgin Mother of the Roman Catholic church. Her name means love and compassion and she is also the protector of mankind. I’ve chosen the four women on this list to discuss their achievements. Lupe Vélez changed the way audiences viewed Latinas not just as a mistress, or a security or a maid, but as the main character. Guadalupe Ortiz dedicated herself to the work of God all while helping to mold young minds in the scientific community. Guadalupe Pineda is sharing the beauty of Mexican culture through her music and Lupita Jones is fighting to change the lives of women by working with volunteer organizations like the Nation Population Fund Goodwill.
