Gina Rodriguez

I love telling stories that allow people to be less afraid to tell theirs. ”

I was a salsa dancer for the majority of my life, from, like, 7 to 17, and did the World Salsa Congresses. I realized that I wanted to continue obviously to be a performer. But in my household, being an actor and jumping into acting is not really accepted. ”

I grew up in Chicago, so hip-hop has always been a part of my life. ”

I do not devalue the role of a maid or nanny, or the stereotypical roles that some members of our family have actually done to feed our families in real life. ”

I dream big, baby. I want to do thrillers, I want to do smart David Lynch-type mysteries. ”

I grew up dancing salsa - you know, a traditional Puerto Rican dance. ”

I've specifically decided to say no to projects that weren't advancing Latinos, that weren't showing us in a positive light, roles that were gratuitous and spreading untruths. ”

I don't want the Latino community to think I think the reason Latino films are not doing well is because of us. It is not fully our responsibility. ”

I try to keep in mind that it's a long journey. It's not a race. It's about staying focused, continuing to do good work, make my family and community proud; that's all I really want to do... and pay my bills. ”

Acting is how I'll be able to change how Latinos are viewed in media and change how little girls see and talk about themselves. ”