I’ve interviewed hundreds of people over the years, and never has a conversation resonated so strongly with me. I felt an instant connection with Salma Hayek, and knew right away that she is one of the most passionate and unforgettable young women I’ve ever met. She is a woman set on defining herself.

She left college to pursue her destiny—to become an actress. Salma proceeded to become one of Mexico’s biggest soap opera stars at age 22.

In 1991, she decided to leave Mexico to edge her way into the Los Angeles film world. With all of her fans laughing at her, she boarded a plane with more courage than her two suitcases could hold, and a year later, overcame dyslexia to learn English and landed her first movie role (in Mi Vida Loca).

A breakout part in 1995’s Desperado landed Salma on Hollywood’s map, and in 2002, she produced and received an Oscar nomination for Frida, the movie that skeptics said would never get made.

She’s 36 now, and she carries the wisdom of each year in her soul. She’s a woman who has paid attention to her life. Her candor, her honesty, her boldness, her fire—all made me want to be more truthful with myself.