Please introduce yourself. What do you do? Why? What do you want people to know about you?
I’m a Broadway and TV Actor , most recently seen in Netflix’s hit comedy Survival of the Thickest, where I played the role of India.
And while I absolutely love acting and will be doing it til the day I die, my eyes have turned towards TV writing and producing. I just wrote this pilot, called Oh, Victoria! , which is technically a Historical Comedy Fantasy, if that genre even exists.
It’s set in 19th Century England and the two main characters are a Black insta-baddie and a Queer Latinx teen. It sounds absurd and that’s kinda the whole point. But it’s gonna hit you in the feels because these two GO THROUGH IT.
Photo: jordantiberio
What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry?
Like of course we’re all unique, right? But my strength lies in my complete and unabashed nerdiness for History. Give me domestic history, Black history, Women’s history, Queer history; I love it all.
I write how I speak, and how I speak has been informed by my Caribbean upbringing, my years of traveling, surrounding myself with people who are completely different from me, and my curiosity about the world.
So I feel like my narrative voice is unique but I can always find a way to connect. I’m really good at finding that one thing that we both have in common.
Describe THAT moment when you realized you’re doing what you were born to do.
When I was in Donna Summer the Musical on Broadway, we got to perform at the TONY Awards. And during our rehearsal, in the orchestra pit ,were my former teachers from the American Theatre Wing Springboard Program watching me.
Our eyes met in the middle of the dance number and shared a moment that said “We made it, didn’t we?”. I still get chills when I think about it.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to go through and how did you grow through it?
I hate to bring it up, but these past 3 years have been.and exercise in faith. From being very sick for over a year, losing some incredible people, to self doubt.
Things were feeling untenable at one point. But I’m really grateful that I had my husband and my family to help me through it. Since 2020, I’ve done a lot of work on myself. I’ve got my health again, I’ve gotten into writing, and I’ve gained some serious confidence.
Who are the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could elevate your career or business? Why these specific individuals?
Issa Rae is the Showrunner/Producer/Writer of my dreams. I’ve been following her since her youtube series “Awkward Black Girl”, and her journey is what keeps me going. I’m trying to be like ISSA!
I would cry if I got styled by Law Roach. Because…he’s iconic.
And if Shonda Rhimes was ever looking for a goddaughter to bless her expertise with, she can always call me.