( CNN ) It matters that Disney has chosen to make its newest princess Hispanic . Princess Elena of Avalor , who will debut next year on Disney Junior 's `` Sofia the First , '' according to the company , appears to represent a commitment to diversity -- which also happens to be a smart business strategy in a country with a burgeoning Latino population . But most importantly , Elena -- a princess meant to reflect `` diverse Latin cultures and folklore , '' says Disney -- will offer young Latina girls an opportunity to see themselves in the media that they consume . Just like other American girls . And they will see a lot of her : Elena will have her own animated series later in 2016 , and will be voiced by the Dominican-born actress Aimee Carrero , according to a Disney press release . In other words : Move over Cinderella , there is a new princesa in town . From Sleeping Beauty to Snow White , the Disney princesses are a staple of pop culture -- fantasy heroines iconic to generations of young girls . Disney has introduced with great fanfare ethnically diverse princesses before : the Asian princess ( Mulan ) , a Native-American princess ( Pocahontas ) , a Middle Eastern princess ( Jasmine ) , and an African-American princess ( Tiana ) . And they are no longer primarily known for their ethnicity . They are simply seen as Disney princesses . The same will likely be true of Elena . What 's crucial , is that all young Disney fans can feel included , visible , and relevant through a multicultural lineup of heroines . By seeing themselves throughout our culture , the next generation of Latinas will feel more fully part of American society . Besides , it could n't hurt for young Latinas have a positive role model , even if she is a fictional character . A 2012 study by the National Hispanic Media Coalition found that TV shows and films often contributed to the public 's negative perception of Latinos . In fact , the Coalition found that the top three ways that non-Latinos viewed Latinos in the media were as criminals , gardeners and maids . Elena also reflects an important recognition by Disney of the power of the Latino consumer market . Last year , the Nielsen Company estimated that U.S. Hispanics have a spending power of $ 1.4 trillion , and companies like Ford , McDonalds , and Wal-Mart have all targeted Hispanic customers . Disney already markets a line of quinceñera dresses , so Elena could be seen as a logical extension of their brand . It can not be lost on Disney that its rival Nickelodeon has enjoyed phenomenal TV and merchandising success with their Latina character Dora the Explorer . Sure , some critics have expressed reservations about Elena , noting that she is not getting her own movie like the other princesses , and that she is on Disney Junior channel , not the more popular Disney Channel . And Disney generated controversy when it debuted `` Sofia the First '' in 2013 . Sofia was initially reported to be the first Latina princess , and then the company walked back on comments by a producer and declared that Sofia was not Latina after all . But I think Disney should be applauded for trying again . The enormous reach of the company will ensure that millions of viewers are exposed to an uplifting Latina character . Consider Elena 's series will be rolled out in 25 languages on Disney Junior channels , in 154 countries around the world . That 's a lot of tiaras . It is welcome news that Disney is finally introducing a princess that looks like thousands of little Hispanic girls . Here 's hoping that someday Elena will be seen not just as a Latina princess , but as a character as American as Mickey Mouse .
Raul Reyes : Disney announced new Latina characters , which is laudable , likely profitable in countries with growing Hispanic population . He said multicultural characters , like Elena , make Disney fans , like Latina fans , feel more fully part of American society .