Internationally renowned female stars: Lola Beltrán, and perhaps María de Lourdes, followed by Lucha Villa and, later in her career, the great Rocío Dúrcal, who, as she said, was the most 'Mexican' Spaniard. It was only a couple of decades ago that the term 'Mexican regional music' was coined due to the genre's growing force, and it needed to be categorized on the Billboard charts. Thus, the term for the genre that is now world-famous was born. In it, female representatives such as Ana Bárbara, Alicia Villarreal, Jenni Rivera, and of course Selena have shone. However, there are many, many more, not just on stage, but behind the scenes, fighting for our music to be appreciated. It is gratifying that an institution like Destacados Líderes México, in conjunction with COEPRIN México (International Awards Evaluation Committee), has created Destacadas Mujeres Líderes 2026, awarding personalities from the political, social, business, academic, and artistic spheres. In the latter category, the careers of the great actress Patricia Reyes Spíndola, the actress and singer Laura León, and the icon of Mariana Ochoa's music, each with over 50 years of experience, were recognized and honored with this distinction. This October, serious, committed, and non-sensationalist journalism in Mexican regional music will be part of the annual ceremony. For the first time, thanks to this excellent initiative, the importance that has been built over the years of effort and the fight to end the stigma that Mexican music is only for a certain group of people will be taken into account. It was the implicit part of a culture represented by mariachi. It is true that great figures like Pedro Infante, Antonio Aguilar, and Vicente Fernández represented ranchera music as the image of the man on horseback, the strong and invincible macho. In their era, that was how things were. However, few female singers had visibility in that musical genre; most shone in films and did not go further. For decades, Mexican music was categorized very lightly. On behalf of the many women who work for the cause and live in anonymity, Tere Aguilar will receive the award that validates her career and commitment to society. Destacados Líderes México comes to innovate, looking towards other sectors where there are also relevant female figures who also contribute to the country's enhancement. Special decorations such as Three Gold Stars and Two Gold Stars are also awarded to figures whose permanence, impact, and excellence are recognized. Mexican regional music is not a fad; it is the music that moves the masses and that has been consolidated over time thanks to its quality, but above all, thanks to the talent and greatness of its people.
