Empowerment Series: Managing Director, Banijay Mexico + US Hispanic, named one of 25 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment, Emmy-Nominated, Marie Leguizamo Shares Sage Advice with AW

In 2025, Marie Leguizamo was named one of People Español‘s Most Powerful Women in Entertainment. She has made the list of Hollywood Reporter’s Most Powerful Women in International Television. The Executive was recognized by the International Academy of Arts & Sciences with Emmy nominations. The Imagen Foundation honored the dynamic Latina as one of 2024’s Influential Latinas, and she is mentioned among Hola‘s 100 Latina Powerhouses.

Her career spans over two decades, during which time she produced unscripted television, delivering record-breaking ratings with series like “LOL: Last One Laughing,” “Jalas o Te Rajas,” and “La Voz.”  Today, she is the Managing Director of Banijay Mexico + US Hispanic, a division of Banijay Americas, home of some of the biggest television brands in the US and Latin America.

Marie is originally from the Bronx. During her early years, her family moved to Long Island, where she grew up. As a young girl, she wanted to work in front of the cameras, then found passion behind it. The Latina powerhouse built a successful career as a Showrunner and Executive Producer, then found bigger dreams, overseeing entertainment projects from development to completion.

As a Latina in a male-dominated industry, she encountered some hurdles, but today, she uses her experiences and powers for good. She is vocal about her desire to support other Latinas and empower us by extending opportunities we may not get otherwise. Banijay Mexico + US Hispanic is 70% women and 30% men. Marie is putting action behind her words. She is an innovator, not only producing content for television and streaming. The executive is forward-thinking; she looks for projects and content that can be strong contenders for the growing popularity of YouTube and TikTok.

In EPS 122, AW sits with Marie for a candid conversation about her journey to the executive office, building a successful career, lifting other women as she rises to the top, teambuilding, collaboration over competition, preparing Banijay Mexico + US Hispanic to move into a new era with the threats to DEI programs, and best advice for dreamers.

Our interview reminds us that dreams take time, and never come easy. If they did, then everyone would be jumping on the fantasy train. Never stop pursuing what sets your soul on fire, it is worth it in the end.

Stream the insightful episode everywhere you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Learn more about Banijay Mexico + US Hispanic and the team.

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