Known for its elaborate celebrations, People en Español has done it again with this year's star-studded "Las 25 Mujeres Más Poderosas," recognizing the Latinas who are not only making headlines for their talents and influence, but taking a stand to serve as positive symbols of Hispanic America.

The annual luncheon was held this past Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014 in sunny Miami. In partnership with Target and Botran Rum, it adds to the other great People en Español franchises like "Sexiest Man Alive," "Estrellas del Año," and "50 Más Bellos." The sophisticated women recognized include Puerto Rican television Host Adamari Lopez from Telemundo, Venezuelan actresses Alicia Machado and Gaby Espino, and Cristina Saralegui, the Cuban journalist who has been a staple in many Latin homes for decades.

In a world that celebrates fame and celebrity status, many stars can shine, but few can illuminate our hearts. I spoke exclusively to the two people who made this all possible -- People en Español Managing Editor Armando Correa and Publisher Monique Manso -- to dig deeper and find out what it takes to create such a list of Latinas who stand out.

"First, they have to be outstanding in their field," Correa said. "Ideally, they've reached a place where they are able to reach back to help their community, especially the younger set who is looking for mentors and examples to follow. The best have all that and what I call 'emotional connection,' the ability to come across the screen or a boardroom and make a person-to-person connection with whoever is at the other end of that conversation. If she can be seen not just as The Actress, The Singer, The Businesswoman and can be relatable to our readers as a friend, sister, mother, that's where she hits the jackpot. And by the way, they also make the best kinds of covers."

Looking over the list of honorees, I'm most proud to see legendary journalist Cristina Saralegui. Her comeback at "Despierta América" has been a huge success. But there are many other Latinas who also deserved to make the list, including Telemundo journalist Maria Celeste Arrarás, who brings Hispanic America the news that matters, not the common gossip junk. She stands as one of the most influential Latinas of our generation. Also, what about Laura Posada, whose empowering "Clap4Change" and "Laura Posada on Tour" are inspiring women everywhere, and of course, Sofía Vergara.

"Las 25 Mujeres Más Poderosas" was a viral success under the hashtag #25Poderosas, appealing to the digitally-connected appetite of Hispanic America. "Our positioning is based on consistent and powerful audience engagement," Manso said. "People en Español serves a passionate community of 6.9 million through the magazine. We also lead the conversation on celebrity trends and women's empowerment with our social audience that includes over a million followers on Twitter and over 2.9 million fans on Facebook. Our advertising partners are drawn to People en Español as the trusted voice in Hispanic entertainment and culture -- which remains invaluable within an increasingly crowded and varied media landscape."

So after all the talk about empowerment, what does it really mean to be a powerful, influential woman? When it comes to being a role model, it's not about the number of Facebook fans or publicists you have, or the number of headlines or acting roles you get, but rather how many you are influencing backstage, after the camera stops rolling. It's about the people working for a cause, not for applause. I'm reminded of a beautiful quote by my coach Jose Antonio Valencia: "True stars care about the Light they can give to the world, not the bling they can get for themselves."

Carlos Anaya created the #HISPANICAMERICAFORWARD movement, taking Latinos to higher places by showcasing transformational entertainment content in all multi-media channels/platforms. He can be reached at carlos@carlosanaya.net, @carlosanaya, and on Instagram at carlosanayamedia.