Just because we’re Latina doesn't mean we’re born knowing Spanish. Selena was a third-generation Texan and started singing in Spanish only phonetically. It wasn't until a trip to Mexico for media appearances that she mastered the language. As an american kid raised in the US, there are many Latin americans who can relate to Selena's language gap. She was the one non-Spanish-speaking Latina we could all relate to. She mentions in a 1994 interview on Sabado Gigante how her Spanish speaking skills evolved.

Not only because she could never turn down a dare, but because she was the first to break down barriers in music and culture. Who else could have made their way into the boy's club of Tejano music and absolutely slay? Who else could record a crossover album and have it debut at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200? It's because of her grit that she was able to influence so many artists who came after her and leave a lasting legacy.

As a fashion designer, Selena would design almost every piece of clothing she wore on stage. She made bustiers a thing, danced to her own beat (giving us “the washing machine”), and never took herself too seriously. She was one of the first curvy women in the spotlight at the time and gave the same sense of confidence to Latinas everywhere. Because of Selena, Latinas everywhere had a positive role model that showed how beautiful and powerful brown skin could be.