3 succesful Mexicans in US and maybe you didn’t know

• Rodrigo Prieto is one of this succesful Mexicans.
• They put the name of their country high
• They are outstanding in what they do

It’s not just Alejandro González Iñárritu, Guillermo del Toro or Salma Hayek… there are many more Mexicans who are ‘breaking it’ in the US.

And as an example we can only mention the chef Carlos Gaytán, the writer Valeria Luiselli and the photographer Rodrigo Prieto.

Each one in their field is truly raising the name of Mexico.

Now, on the occasion of Hispanic Heritage Month, it is a good opportunity to learn more about their careers in the US.

1. Chef Carlos Gaytán

From the town of Huitzuco, in Guerrero, Mexico, Carlos Gaytán emigrated to the city of Chicago in the USA where he started from scratch.

His first job was as a dishwasher, but he never settled and after moving up from position to position, he achieved his long-awaited dream: becoming a chef.

The turning point in Gaytán’s career came when he became the executive chef of the Mexique restaurant in Chicago.

It was at this restaurant where he masterfully fused classic Mexican cuisine with modern culinary techniques and elegant presentation.

2. The first Mexican with a Michelin star

One of the most important milestones in his career was in 2011, when Mexique became the first Mexican cuisine restaurant in the US to receive a Michelin star.

This historic achievement established Carlos Gaytán as an influential figure in the country’s gastronomic scene.

Years later he returned to Mexico to found a restaurant at the Hotel Xcaret México, which he named Ha.

But, according to the website LiveUSA in 2019 he returned to Chicago to focus on his Tzuco project, a Mexican food restaurant with a French flavor.

2. Valeria Luiselli

She is a prominent Mexican writer who has captivated readers and critics in the United States with her unique narrative and her ability to address social issues.

She began her literary career in Mexico before moving to New York.

Her arrival in the United States marked a turning point in her career, as she began to publish works in English and gain recognition in the American literary field.

Her books often challenge traditional narrative conventions and address pressing issues, such as migration, identity, and language.

Her most notable works

One of Valeria Luiselli’s most notable achievements is her novel Lost Children Archive (also known as Desierto Sonoro in Spanish), published in 2019.

This work delves into the complexity of immigration and the humanitarian crisis on the border between the US and Mexico.

She has published other works in English, such as Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in Forty Questions, an essay that addresses the experience of migrant children in the US immigration system.

Her literary style is characterized by her lyrical prose and her ability to weave multiple narratives and diverse voices into a single work.

3. Rodrigo Prieto

His career in the US is a success story that has left an indelible mark on the cinema industry, American and global.

Born in Mexico City, Prieto has proven to be one of the most influential and versatile cinematographers of his generation.

He has collaborated with some of the most respected and acclaimed directors in contemporary cinematography.

His ability to adapt to different genres and film styles has been one of the keys to his success.

Oscar nominated

One of the most fruitful associations in his career has been with the Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu.

Together they have worked on projects that have received critical acclaim and multiple awards, such as Amores Perros, 21 Gramos, Babel and Birdman.

Birdman was particularly noted for its innovative approach to cinematography, which featured the illusion of one continuous shot throughout the entire film.

This film earned Prieto a well-deserved Oscar nomination. But he has also worked with directors like Martin Scorsese and Ang Lee.