The list: 101 top influential leaders in the U.S

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, June, 2008

Our Prediction:

Group members will continue to embrace their roles as world citizens as they voice their messages on social, political and environmental issues.

Contact: Angelo Medina (787) 724-3277

056 CUBA BUSINESS OWNERS AGE: 44

JORGE R. MAS JR.

President and CE0, MasTec, Inc.

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Education: M.B.A from the University of Miami

Residence: Miami, Florida

CHANCES OF MAKING THE LIST NEXT YEAR: High

Who he is:

Jorge R. Mas is the son of the late Jorge Mas Canosa, a Cuban exile who helped pioneer telecommunications and who founded the Cuban American National Foundation. Mas is Chairman of the Board of the CANF, a non-profit institution dedicated to the promotion of a free and democratic Cuba. In 1994, Jorge R. Mas brought his father's construction firm to a higher level. He made an aggressive move to acquire rival construction company Bumup & Sims, and successfully merged the two to become MasTec.

Why he made the list:

In 1999, MasTec became the first Hispanic-owned business in American history to reach $1 billion in revenues. The telecommunications firm deals in cutting-edge technology, providing energy infrastructure construction to major wireless providers, cable TV companies and energy groups including DirecTV, Verizon, AT&T and Florida Power and Light. MasTec also has a large humanitarian scope. The company and the Mas Family Foundation sent donations to U.S.A. Harvest, a non-profit organization providing food for displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina. Mas is a director of the Mas Family Foundation, which currently manages a $5 million endowment funded by the Mas family supporting a vast array of charitable organizations.

Our Prediction:

MasTec has reported first quarter income from continuing operations of $7.8 million. As our romance and dependence with satellite service, HDTVs, cell phones and more continues to the company's profits

Contact: MasTec (305) 599-1800

055 CUBA U.S. CONGRESS AGE: 61

MELQUIADES "MEE' MARTINEZ

Republican U.S. Senator from Florida

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Education: J.D., Florida State University College of Law

Residence: Washington, D.C.

CHANCES OF MAKING THE LIST NEXT YEAR: High

Who he is:

Martinez arrived in the U.S. at 15 as part of the humanitarian mission, Operation Peter Pan. Having come from Cuba without his family, Martinez lived in youth facilities and foster homes until 1966, when he and his family were reunited. A successful trial attorney, Martinez served as the 12th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George W. Bush. At the urging of the president, he sought the open U.S. Senate seat in Florida. He won and was sworn in as Florida's 33rd U.S. Senator in January 2005.

Why he made the list:

The first Cuban-American to serve in the U.S. Senate, Martinez is considered a conservative Republican--he is pro-life, opposes same-sex marriage, and supports the troops and their mission in Iraq. A steward of his state, Martinez helped push through legislation that created a 125-mile buffer zone along Florida's coast, thus protecting that area from off-shore drilling, and has been praised for his gentlemanly conduct throughout negotiations. Passionate about democratic reforms, Martinez is dedicated to advancing civil society throughout the Western hemisphere and is actively involved in U.S. Cuban policy. Currently, Martinez serves on the Armed Services, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Energy and Natural Resources committees as well as a special committee on aging.