9 Hispanic and Latine Milwaukeeans You Should Know
Barbara Cerda & Valeria Cerda
Years ago sisters Barbara and Valeria Cerda started a book popup, sharing stories authored for and by BIPOC communities, specializing in Latine literature. La Revo (short for la revolución) soon grew, and has become a popular online bookstore, curating stories that center diverse experiences.
Mauricio Ramirez
If you don’t know Mauricio’s name, you definitely know his art. The local muralist has designed and painted several of Milwaukee’s most distinguished murals, including Our Roots Say That We’re Sisters on Marquette’s campus, Anything for SELENAS in Walker’s Point and perhaps most notably, the giant Giannis Antetokounmp mural on Milwaukee’s East Side. His work often visualizes conversations around culture, identity and community.
Daniela Varela
In 2019, Daniela Varela founded Ruby’s Bagels, a Latina owned-and-operated bagel food truck located in Zocalo Food Park, a popular Latino co-owned dining and event space. Ruby’s specializes in Milwaukee-style bagels, a technique she created and perfected years prior. Her bagels are so beloved, they were recognized by Bon Appétit as one of the best bagels in the U.S., outside of New York.
Gregory León
James Beard two-time Best Chef finalist Gregory León runs Milwaukee’s beloved Amilinda, a mixture of his Venezuelan father’s name (Amilcar) and his American mother’s name (Linda). León spent many years at a variety of San Francisco restaurants, and spent some time in cooking and consulting in Madrid. He brought his love of Iberian cuisine to Milwaukee, where he’s been an integral part of the culinary scene since 2015.
Nataly Andrade & Galy Montes
Nataly Andrade and Galy Montes are the founders of Mercadera Market, a makers market that showcases the work of Milwaukee’s Latina small business owners and artisans, including specialty items from Corazoncito Style, Axolotl Artesanal and more. They are kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with a pop-up at Fashion Fest MKE, on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Bayshore Mall.
Robert Cordova
There’s an incredible amount of technology inside of Fiserv Forums curved walls. From ticket sales, to digital displays, live show control and running the jumbotron, the Bucks games are made possible due to an ecosystem of technology– all strategized by Milwaukee Bucks Chief Technology and Strategy Officer, Robert Cordova. In 2019, he won the MIlwaukee CIO of the Year award, an apt recognition for a man whose work is integral to the fabric of the city.
Randy Crespo
Recently featured in our Fall Arts Guide, Milwaukee Ballet Leading Artist Randy Crespo began dancing ballet at the age of nine at the prestigious Cuban National Ballet School. He has danced in dozens of performances for audiences across the country. This November he will open the Milwaukee Ballet’s 2024/25 season as the titular role in Casanova.
