Bob Bragar

Member, Democratic National Committee

One doesn't often have the opportunity to make a quick remark that might affect the course of U.S. policy. I got that chance in an unexpected conversation with Barack Obama in 2007.

Axel W. Caballero

Founder, Director/Producer - Metafora Politica, Cuentame

Stephanie's story is emblematic of the over 25,000 immigrants who apply for family unity waivers each year only to be torn apart by an immigration system that emphasizes blind enforcement policies over sensible and human rights' solutions.

Paromita Shah

Associate Director, National Immigration Project

What's at stake in the immigration reform bill is whether or not we continue to perpetuate the harsh and short-sighted policies of our current immigration laws.

Juan Melendez

Exonerated from death row in 2002

My trial took less than a week. I was sentenced to death. I spent nearly 18 years on death row, a traumatic and heartbreaking time for me and my family. I never stopped fighting for my freedom.

Yoani Sanchez

Award-winning Cuban blogger

Placing zeros to the right seems to be the preferred sport of those who put a price on the homes they sell in Cuba today. A captive market at the end of the day, the buyer could find a lot of surprises in the wide range of classified ads.

Elisa Villanueva Beard

co-CEO, Teach For America

Whether you're on a clearly paved road to your dream job or you're taking the scenic route, my advice for you is the same. Know yourself. Stretch into the unknown. And when you're on the precipice of change, jump! Jump willingly and jump far.

Lizz Winstead

Co-creator, 'The Daily Show'; co-founder, Air America Radio

I mean, really, you can barely see white people anymore unless you turn on cable news, walk into a boardroom of a Fortune 500 company or watch C-SPAN.

Paul Abrams

Last person on Earth not on Facebook

The right-wing is screaming at Eric Holder to investigate potential civil rights' violations by IRS officials. He should take them up on their entreaties, and raise the ante by investigating all the voter suppression and intimidation during the 2012 election.

Jens Erik Gould

Singer-songwriter and 'Time' contributor; creator, 'Bravery Tapes'

Eric Manriquez, a U.S. citizen, has been legally married to Juan Rivera, an undocumented immigrant, for five years in California, yet Rivera can't apply for a green card through marriage as heterosexual spouses can, because the federal government doesn't recognize their union.

Gabriela Abendano

Member, WeCount!

I have lived in this country long enough to know that I love it. But when our families, friends and neighbors work hard everyday and still have to be afraid of raids in their own neighborhoods and homes, it feels a lot like the countries we came from.

Rep. Tony Cardenas

U.S. Representative for California's 29th District

For many Latino families, there is no more important issue than access to quality, affordable health care. How can Republicans say they are interested in addressing the needs of the Latino community when they seek to repeal a law that would greatly benefit Latinos?

Cathy Youngblood

Housekeeper, Hyatt Andaz

I entered the hospitality industry in 2010. It took me all of one week to realize what I did not want to believe. My housekeeping sisters, mostly Latina, were treated different than me.

Leighton Woodhouse

Co-founder, DogParkMedia.com

Mark Zuckerberg's widely reviled, rapidly dissolving DC lobby group heralds itself as the bringer of "different and innovative tactics" to the usual Beltway brand of back room politicking. How did so many smart, powerful people so thoroughly screw up such a simple and straightforward task?

Sylvia E. Meléndez-Klinger

Registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, nutritional consultant and founder of Hispanic Food Communications

As a dietitian, let me share a few basic principles of health and nutrition I have learned and practiced not only with my patients but with my own family. I have compiled a few tips to help you make smart choices when trying to eat balanced meals while on the run.

Lee A. Saunders

President, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO

Conservatives are being forced to take sides: They can either stand with promoters of inflammatory tracts -- like the Heritage Foundation and their hack Jason Richwine -- or they can stand with Americans in both parties who are working to fix our broken immigration system.

Marielena Hincapié

Executive director, National Immigration Law Center

Five years later, the national push for commonsense immigration reform threatens to come undone at the hands of one of Postville's own senators.

Marlo Thomas

Award-winning actress, author and activist

As an adult, it can be hard to meet new people and start new relationships -- especially after a divorce, after the kids are grown, after being laid off or becoming a widow. But it may not be as hard as you think to make new friends in mid-life and beyond.