Results of the 2000 US Census indicate that the Hispanic-American population is among the fastest growing in the United States. With that growth has come a significant increase in the amount of influence Hispanic Americans wield in every aspect of American life, from politics to entertainment. This biographical dictionary includes over 250 entries profiling Hispanic men and women whose achievements have made a lasting impact on American society. Arranged in an A-Z format, the volume discusses each individual's background and the highlights of his or her career from a wide spectrum of human endeavour, including business, literature, politics, science, health and medicine, arts and entertainment, and religion. An updated bibliography, lists for further reading, and subject indexes - organized by year of birth, country of heritage/ethnic group, and profession - offer a detailed portrait of over 500 years of achievement. Profiles include: Lourdes G. Baird, judge; Ramon Cortines, educator; Francisco Dallmeier, scientist; Jennifer Lopez, actress and singer; Jorge Mas Canosa, activist; Cherrie Moraga, writer; Sammy Sosa, baseball player; and Gary Soto, writer.