Q.What inspired you to pursue a career in acting?
A.Ever since I was a little girl, acting has been something that truly moves me. I was and still is something that made me incredibly happy. I couldn’t even sit still to watch TV; I had to stand right in front of the screen because I wanted to jump inside and be part of that world. That dream, that excitement I felt as a child, still lives in me today. I still feel the same magic when I watch a good movie, like my heart wants to be there, telling stories, living a thousand lives. Through the art of acting, I discovered that I can help many people. A film can teach, soothe, and set an example. It can be like a friend who earns your trust.
Acting has always been a part of me, since I can remember.
Q.How has your Colombian heritage influenced your work as an actress?
A.My Colombian heritage is at the heart of everything I do. I’m from Cali, a place full of rhythm, color, resilience, and joy and I carry that spirit with me into every character. Being Colombian has taught me to feel deeply, to connect with people, and to tell stories that come from the soul. I truly believe in the idea that “if you paint your land, you’ll become universal.” When I embrace my roots and bring my culture into my work, it somehow speaks to everyone, no matter where they’re from. And coming to the U.S. gave me the perfect complement to give the best of myself as an actress. Here, I’ve found tools, training, and opportunities that have helped me grow, while staying true to who I am. It’s like bringing together two worlds to tell stories that are honest, rich, and full of heart.
Q.What was the biggest challenge you faced when moving to the U.S. to study acting?
A.I came to the U.S. when I was 18 with a lot of fears and doubts, but I still decided to pack my bags, thanks to the support of my parents. I came without speaking the language perfectly, without knowing what would happen to me, without knowing anyone. It was terrifying, but my dream pushed me forward. The hardest part was definitely being away from my family. It was the first time I was completely alone and far from home. And of course, the language barrier was tough. But somehow, that fear turned into strength, and my dreams got me through it.
Q.Can you share a meaningful project that helped shape your artistic journey?
A.Many of the projects I’ve worked on have had a very important place in my life. One of the most meaningful was Crystal Meth, directed by Gica Pucca, a project that really opened my eyes. It showed me that we, as actos, have also the capability of creating what we dream of. That I don’t have to wait for someone in the industry to “discover” me or decide to work with me. I realized that if I have the drive and the idea, I can make it happen.
We made this project with friends and had so much fun and learned lots in the process. We ended up getting nine awards in film festivals all over the world. That experience gave me the confidence to do Wheel of Grief, a project I created with Carolina Liz and Laura Dominguez. We wrote it, produced it, and filmed it all on our own.
To me, that’s what being an artist is about, not waiting for the opportunity to come, but creating it with the people around you, with heart, courage, and creativity.
Q.How do you choose the stories you want to be part of?
A.I choose stories when I feel a genuine connection. Sometimes it’s with the character, sometimes with the director’s vision, or even a single moment in the script that resonates deeply with me. When I read a script and something inside me says, “I want to explore this person,” or “I want to live in this world,” that’s how I know it’s right. I’m especially drawn to roles that challenge me emotionally, teach me something new, or have the power to leave a positive mark on me and especially on the audience, who is giving their valuable time to watch the film.
Q.What has your experience been like as a Latina performer in the U.S. film industry?
A.It’s been a long journey, definitely a two sided coin. On one hand, it’s been beautiful to bring my culture into my work and see how much people appreciate it here. I’m proud to represent where I come from. But on the other hand, it hasn’t always been easy. English is my second language, and this isn’t the culture I was born into, so sometimes I get boxed into certain kinds of roles, roles that are only “Latina,” or that feel very limited in terms of what I’m allowed to express.
And that can be frustrating, especially because I’ve trained to be able to portrait all kinds of characters. But I believe that little by little, those stereotypes will start to fade, and I’ll be able to take on any role I set my heart on.
Q.How do you stay connected to your roots while working abroad?
A.I stay connected to my roots through my family, through music, and by constantly reminding myself who I am and where I come from. There’s always a song in Spanish playing in the morning while I’m getting ready, one that takes me back to my life before I moved here. Or whenever I talk to my parents every day and those calls always bring me back to myself. Or whenever I want a certain food from my country and I look for it like crazy in LA.
I don’t try to forget where I come from; I do the opposite. I carry it with me, always.
Q.What role does theater play in your creative expression compared to film?
A.Theater has been part of my life since I was six or seven years old. It’s how I first fell in love with acting. It lives in my heart. There’s nothing more beautiful than working on a play: that first table read, meeting the cast for the first time, the process of building a character from scratch, the nerves.
And then, that moment right before going on stage, knowing it’s live, that anything could happen. It moves something deep in my soul. Theater reminds me why I chose this path. It’s raw, real, and full of heart. It’s a feeling I’ll always chase.
Q.Are there any roles or genres you dream of exploring in the future?
A.Yes! I would love to do sitcoms. It’s one of my biggest dreams. I truly love comedy; making people laugh and bringing joy through storytelling is something that excites me so much. But I also dream of exploring different genres like drama and period pieces. I want to keep challenging myself and discovering new sides of who I am as an actress. I’m excited to keep growing and telling stories in all kinds of worlds.
Q.What message do you hope to share through your work as an artist?
A.I hope to share the message that you can do anything you truly set your heart and mind to. Even if you’re scared, even if you have a million doubts, just go for it, because if it’s your dream, it will be worth it. I also want to remind people how important it is to do what you love. Life is too short not to follow your passion. I hope that through my work, others feel inspired to take risks, believe in themselves, and know that they’re not alone on the journey.
