I am here today to tell you why Gina Rodriguez is someone to watch - not just for her talent, but for her voice.
It is only in recent years that Rodriguez has found her top spot in the world of Hollywood, after smaller roles in Law & Order, Army Wives, and Go Get It!, etc. and numerous successes in the world of New York theater at Columbia and NYU. It wasn't until her all-star role in Filly Brown, that I, myself, and much of the rest of the world got to know Rodriguez. She of course has now had great success, with both Filly Brown and the CW's Jane the Virgin; however that is not what I am looking at today.
Yes, I love Filly Brown (possibly rapping the songs as I watch it), and yes I think Gina Rodriguez is a fabulous actress. But what really strikes me is her persona in the world, and activist stance.
She has found great fame, and is enjoying it I am sure, but also has her passions that she supports and the confidence she radiates into the world. Her social media, is a trail of comments to fans, either emboldening them or sincerely thanking them for their support, and her own encouraging tweets for her own life
I can't think of how many times I have re-tweeted or written down something from Gina Rodriguez, because of how amazing of a job she does trying to influence others in an incredible manner. "If you focus on wanting to bring joy, hopefully joy will come” from Rodriguez's Crest launch event and Sarah Ferguson's article that can be found here.
Or, during her Golden Globe acceptance speech ( Rodriguez is the SECOND Latina to ever win Best Actress) Rodriguez was visibly shaken with gratitude as she had the whole audience tearing up at her passionate speech. She prides the success of Jane the Virgin on the audience of young Latinos finally being able to see themselves in these characters, as successful, everyday individuals - describing it as " a culture that wants to see themselves as heroes... to see themselves in a beautiful light." And referenced her popular maxim from her father "I can and I will," something I know fans such as myself have taken to their own lives.
Recently, Rodriguez dealt with online bullies targeting her for her spanish and her People en Espanol cover story.Commentators were criticizing Rodriguez, saying she was not Latino enough, for various reasons.
Growing up, I was always dealing with "not being Latino enough" and I would try and try to compensate for this, until there got to be a point where I realized it did not matter. I was me, and that was more than enough. Rodriguez is full Puerto Rican and getting attacked under that reasoning, THAT MAKES NO SENSE. Who decides what is enough?! You do. Rodriguez commented on this issue with the Huffington Post saying "What do you mean I’m not enough? No, I am enough. I am fully enough. And you’re enough. And the girl that’s half and half is enough. And the girl that only speaks Spanish is enough."
Gina Rodriguez has transferred her influence as an actress, to also be an active supporter of the Hispanic/Latino community as a member of the board of directors for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and supporter of the Adelante Movement, the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI).
Rodriguez is someone I admire. Her passion and drive has made her an example for all women, for all Latinos, for all people. She inspires, with every speech, interview, and tweet. I can only wait to see what other extraordinary things Rodriguez has in store.
In continuing with Rodriguez's spirited advice, her motivation and determination can be surmised in "When you dream and follow your dreams, you only give others the allowance to do it themselves" - Rodriguez.
