The Cheetos Deja tu Huella (“Leave Your Mark”) campaign has been recognizing individuals making a positive impact in the Hispanic community for years. This year, Cheetos launches the fifth edition of the program, seeking the next Deja tu Huella Ambassador. The program highlights individuals leveraging their talents in fields such as art, education, music, STEM, and more, to improve their communities.
The 2024 ambassador, to be announced by a prominent Latin superstar, will receive $25,000 to support their community initiative. The ambassador will also join Cheetos at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week and the Cheetos Community College Tour, gaining further visibility for their platform and impact.
To celebrate the program’s return and search for the next ambassador, Cheetos has reintroduced the limited-time Cheetos Salsa con Queso flavor. This flavor, inspired by classic salsa, combines cheesy, spicy, and savory elements with tangy tomato, earthy chiles, a hint of lime, and rich cheddar cheese. Available nationwide for $5.89, fans can scan the on-pack QR code on the packaging starting June 17 to apply for the ambassador program.
Tina Mahal, senior vice president of marketing at PepsiCo Foods North America, expressed pride in continuing the Deja tu Huella program. She emphasized the importance of supporting talented and determined individuals to make meaningful impacts in their communities.
Since its inception, the Deja tu Huella program has recognized 20 ambassadors who have used funding and support to grow their initiatives. Past ambassadors include:
- Roberto “Bobby” Alvarado: A Las Vegas-based artist and muralist recognized for painting vibrant murals for local Latino-owned businesses.
- Brizzo Torres: A Brooklyn-based singer, actor, and founder of The Good Good Collective, providing underrepresented youth with tuition-free arts education.
- Jay Flores: A STEM advocate and Ninja Warrior who launched an interactive STEM performance live tour, “It’s Not Magic, It’s Science!” with support from Cheetos.
- Valerie Gomez: Founder of Latina Grad Guide, which supports Latinas in higher education through workshops, events, and funding opportunities.
The Deja tu Huella campaign complements PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting the Hispanic community. This includes the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship program, which has provided over $6 million in scholarships, emergency grants, and support to students at Hispanic Serving Institutions.