CEO of ImpreMedia and prominent Hispanic professional, Monica Lozano, spoke about Hispanic prevalence in government, education and science and mathematic fields during a Tuesday Centennial Lecture.

ImpreMedia, a Spanish-language media company based in Los Angeles, owns several newspapers throughout the country.

“Spanish-language media has been here for more than 100 years to tell the story of a rise of the Latino population,” Lozano said. “The struggles, the diversity, the accomplishments, the set backs. It’s a unique perspective and insight that captures the richness of a growing Hispanic population.”

Lozano’s grandfather, Jose Navarro, began the company more than 100 years ago. Lozano became CEO after a career holding several editorial positions at La Opinión, one of ImpreMedia’s newspapers.

Lozano said the growth of the Hispanic population means a time of experimentation for media and content related to Hispanics should grow along with the community.

“This is a time of great opportunity because it will force us as a nation to do what we do best: to adapt, to be resilient, to be creative and entrepreneurial, to be open minded,” she said. “All the qualities that are inherent to our great American spirit.”

According to Lozano, one in every four children in the U.S. are of Hispanic descent, a reflection of what the future population will look like. She predicts that, though there is a decline in readership, the increasing minority population will drive up a demand for Hispanic related content in media.

Some prominent figures who attended the lecture were UTEP President Diana Natalicio, Mexico Bureau Chief for the Dallas Morning News, Alfredo Corchado, and Border Bureau Chief for Belo KHOU 11, Angela Kocherga.

Lozano also touched on what should be done with immigration reform.

“The status of the 11 million unauthorized immigrants living here must be resolved with a path to citizenship,” she said. “We know from experience that citizenship— by pledging allegiance—people engagement in civic life. We become a nation of one.”

Jasmine Aguilera may be reached at [email protected].