Selena

She broke down barriers within the music business by performing, singing and designer. Her dual function as a Mexican American performer was modern and traditional. She helped bring Tejano into the mainstream through her ingenuity. She was a rising star who's tragic death threw it into turmoil. As is the norm for a gifted, charming young performer dies too soon people mourn the possibilities that she could not yet attain. In the following years, fans were encouraged to push themselves harder to ensure that Selena's achievements would not be forgotten. Her death in a shooting triggered an emotional response within the Latino community that is likened in a way to Elvis Presley, and John Lennon. The music of Selena, an artist who was hugely successful throughout Latino communities across North America touched people young as well as old. Selena has been called by some as the Latina Madonna, but she is still a great character model. Selena's values of family life offstage and involvement with AIDS awareness efforts provide a great example.