Andrea Navedo is a Bronx-born-and-raised Puerto Rican American actress best known for her role as Xiomara, a complex and genuine Latina on the CW’s Golden Globe-nominated television series 'Jane the Virgin.' Navedo received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Jane’s loving and outgoing mother. Navedo is the recipient of the Imagen Award for Best Supporting TV Actress, as well as the Elizabeth Peña Breakthrough Artist Award. She can currently be seen recurring in the ABC series 'A Million Little Things.' Navedo’s most recent film credits include Netflix’s 'Bright' opposite Will Smith and the indie films for Hulu 'Miguel Wants to Fight' & HBO Max’s 'B-Loved' coming Feb.14, 2023.

Andrea Navedo didn’t see many positive portrayals of Latinas in the media growing up. So when she had the chance to play a starring role in Jane the Virgin as a complex, flawed, and genuine Latina single mother, she jumped at it.

Now, she shares bits of her story of growing up in ‘da South Bronx—boogie down, burning”—to inspire young people who grew up like she did and who, after being counted out, still strive to succeed. Her book Our Otherness Is Our Strength: Wisdom from the Boogie Down Bronx is out now. 

In this week's episode, Andrea tells us all about how she defied stereotypes and helped bring a well-rounded Latin character to Hollywood. After surviving the burning Bronx and pushing through stereotypical Latin rules, Andrea landed the role of the beloved Xiomara and changed how Latinos are perceived on American TV forever. Listen to hear an incredible story of strength, resilience, and manifestation.

Keep up with Andrea on her website and her Instagram.

For all Hella Latin@ updates, follow @hellalatinopodcast on Instagram and connect on LinkedIn. More at odalysjasmine.com.

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Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.

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