It's hard to believe that we first saw Taraji P. Henson play Yvette in urban rom-com "Baby Boy" more than 10 years ago. She's made quick work of the decade since, having received praise for roles in acclaimed dramas like "Hustle & Flow" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." This month, she took home a Golden Globe for her role as the outspoken Cookie Lyon in "Empire."

"Henson has really embraced this role," Renata says. "She has given herself zero limits and is not afraid to break stereotypical barriers."

Speaking of empires, Henson isn't bashful about acknowledging her achievements either. "I have built an empire in one generation," the single mom said in an interview. "I've done what my mother wasn't able to do or her mother. That's pretty huge."

Samira Wiley is another "Orange Is the New Black" phenom with beginnings in the theatre. A shining talent from the start, Wiley graduated from Juilliard at age 22, and just a few years later scored her role on "Orange."

Having earned her training at the most prestigious acting school in the world, Wiley helps to disprove the notion that young African American actresses are only capable of playing nannies and other, less-than-complicated characters.

But beyond her talents, Wiley's public presence also stands to tear down barriers for black women in the gay community. The actress is openly gay -- in fact, she's in a relationship with one of the female writers on "Orange" -- and her position as a successful, out lesbian offers a positive example for many gay African American women who struggle to find self-acceptance.

Kerry Washington is a show business veteran whose star power has skyrocketed in the past several years. Over the last decade, her roles in acclaimed movies like "Ray," "The Last King of Scotland" and "Django Unchained" have earned her NAACP Image Award recognition and widespread visibility. But it wasn't until her starring role as Olivia Pope in Shonda Rhimes' ABC drama "Scandal" that Washington truly starting shattering records.

"She's the first African American female lead in a network TV drama in almost 40 years," says De La Rosa. "She has expressed how thankful she is for not only her job, but also for the support of other African American women in Hollywood... She is a breath of fresh air."

If that weren't enough, Washington is also extensively involved in activism for government organizations that support the arts, as well as the movement to end violence against women and girls. From every angle, De La Rosa maintains that she's undoubtedly one of Hollywood's most admirable figures.

Similar to Kerry Washington, Viola Davis has risen through the Hollywood ranks in recent years thanks to her Emmy-winning performance in "How to Get Away With Murder," as well as in films like "Doubt" and "The Help." Although Davis' mainstream fame may be new, her presence in show business has a long, admirable history.

"Viola Davis has been around forever. She comes from Broadway," explains Renata. "Her work is exemplary, but because she's a dark-skinned black woman that the industry dubbed 'unclassically beautiful,' no one ever thought she'd be successful like she is now."

Ultimately, Viola Davis represents the hope that undeniable talent and grit can overcome the superficial side of Hollywood.

Flying powerfully under the radar in Hollywood is Chaz Ebert, the widow of late film critic Roger Ebert, and a woman Renata calls "a force to be reckoned with." Chaz came onto the scene as a nationally recognized civil rights attorney with sociology and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and DePaul University respectively. Her love of the film industry developed after meeting and marrying her husband, one of the most respected movie critics in history. Lawyer first, Hollywood mogul second.

Since her husband's passing in 2013, Ebert has succeeded in carrying on his formidable legacy, perfectly equipped to serve as the President of Ebert Productions, where she manages a slew of publications and events, including the annual Ebertfest film festival.

In 2014, Chaz Ebert co-starred in "Life Itself," a documentary depicting her husband's illustrious career. Unfortunately, the film was snubbed for a 2015 Oscar nod, but Ebert dealt with the disappointment with her usual eloquence and diplomacy.

"I think when someone shares their knowledge and lessons learned like Chaz Ebert does," says De La Rosa, "it shows their true love of the game."