Final answer:
Cofer uses references to Maria and Evita to resonate with a Latina/o audience, establishing common ground and invoking themes of women's empowerment and Latina struggles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cofer uses references to Maria and Evita to identify her audience by appealing to cultural touchstones that resonate with a Latina/o readership. These references are likely intended to create a sense of shared history and experiences and to invoke the struggles and triumphs of Latina women.
By doing so, Cofer not only establishes a common ground with her audience but also reinforces her identity as a writer who speaks from multiple perspectives — as an American and a Mexican —and leverages cultural awareness to engage readers. In particular, Evita's story, which is well-known in Latin American culture, can symbolize women's empowerment and resilience, central themes that align with Cofer's audience's values and experiences.