On Jan. 20, Angelica Perez-Litwin, a clinical psychologist and the founder of "Latinas Think Big," created a petition that is aimed at getting Sesame Workshop to change the role of newcomer Nina to that of a college educated Latina.

On Jan. 16, Sesame Street premiered on HBO and with the switch of network also came the addition of a new Latina character played by Cuban-American actress Suki Lopez.

While the addition of a Latina to replace Sonia Mazano, who played the beloved Maria for over 40 years, was highly celebrated, in her Change.org petition, Dr. Perez-Litwin points out that Lopez's character has stereotypically been designated a babysitter and laundromat and bike shop employee.

Dr. Perez-Litwin, one of the most influential Latinas involved in expanding Latino use of digital media, said "Sesame Street" should use Nina as an accurate embodiment of today's educated and independent Latinas. She is, however, aware of the show's representation of other past Latinos, like Luis (Emilio Delgado) and Maria.

While Luis is a business owner, one can argue that his role of a repairman falls into the group of typical blue collar jobs Latinos are group into.

However, Perez-Litwin pointed out that time and the generational gap had a lot to do with the public's acceptance of this role for Luis.

"Luis and Maria were one of the first leading Latino characters on a national television, in an era where Latinos were invisible on television media," she told Latin Post. "Having Latino characters was, by itself, a pioneering move that may have, unfortunately, overshadowed concerns over the stereotyped occupation Luis had on the show."

Dr. Perez-Litwin added that today's generation of progressive millennials, one that Nina represents, are not going to overlook something like role on a kid's program.

In general, Dr. Perez-Litwin states that the petition, which already has over 1,580 signatures, isn't simply about one television role but something much bigger than that.

Since creating the petition several women have shared their stories and thoughts of empowerment on the petition page and that to her is very valuable.

"I hope it marks a turning point in how we collectively challenge social issues," she explained. "Sometimes, small efforts [like a simple petition] can have profound impact, and can mobilize communities to affect change."

Sesame Workshop hasn't commented on the matter, but Lopez did answer tweets from fans on Twitter. The actress suggested, that despite popular belief, Nina is a college student.

"I agree. She's a college student. Her jobs are just side jobs," she replied to one tweet and added that Nina "works her side jobs to pay for school and rent" in another.

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