In 2012, the world said goodbye to the beloved Mexican music legend Jenni Rivera. Dolores Janney Rivera, also known as La Gran Señora, inspired and motivated millions with her strength and unique talents. Although most will remember her as an iconic singer, Jenni was also an actress, producer and entrepreneur. She was and forever will be an incredible force in the Latino community.
With that said, here are five reasons why Jenni Rivera is a Latina icon:
1. She was empowering as well as inspiring
After having her first child at the age of 15, she sold CDs at flea markets to get by while working towards her GED, where she graduated as class valedictorian. She attended California State University where she earned her college degree in business, proving wrong, those who said Latina mothers would never make it to college.
A victim of domestic violence, Jenni spoke up about her first marriage and used her perspective to publicize the issue through her advocacy. Her music inspired many women who were victims of abuse, and motivated them to come forward and seek help.
2. She fought to support her children
Jenni became pregnant while attending Long Beach Poly High School with the first of her five children, Janney “Chiquis” Marín Rivera. She eventually married the child’s father, José Trinidad Marín, who was later convicted of raping both her daughter and a sister-in-law.
"Usually, when a young girl is pregnant, she drops out of school and concentrates on being a mother. I thought that's what I had to do, but my counselors told me there was no way they would let me drop out. I had too much promise," she said, when speaking of her experiences as a teen mom in 2003.
Divorced and on welfare, Jenni worked in real estate and took a second job to at her father's record label to support her and her three children.
3. Her career was a total success
While her musical career took off, selling over 1.2 million albums in the U.S. and landing eight albums at the top of Billboard’s Mexican charts, Jenni didn’t stop there and began to build an empire. She started companies including Divina Realty, Divina Cosmetics, Jenni Rivera Fragrance, Jenni Jeans and Divine Music. She also starred in the three reality shows including “I Love Jenni.”
4. She gave “multifaceted woman” a whole new meaning
Jenni Rivera was beyond the music. She was named a celebrity spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 2010 and founded The Jenni Rivera Foundation, offering services to victims and single mothers of domestic and sexual abuse. It doesn’t end there, the L.A. City Council officially named Aug. 6 “Jenni Rivera Day” in honor of all her charity work and involvement in the community.
5. She continues to slay beyond her grave
It’s been almost five years after her death and Jenni is still helping others. Her foundation recently opened a 35-room, 24-hour women’s refuge, admitting women and their children at any time.
Jenni Rivera will forever be a Latina icon.
"Jenni siempre vivirá."