Growing up, I rarely saw Afro-Latinas in TV shows, movies, or commercials. I remember believing Celia Cruz was the only Afro-Latina. As a result, learning about Afro-Latiniadid came later in life. In short, the representation of Latinas highlights European and Spaniard features. Yet, one in four Latinos in the U.S. identifies as Afro-Latino according to the Pew Research Center. In spite, there was still a lack of diversity within the mainstream media. This counted out Afro-Latinas in the Caribbean and Latin American countries. Although Afro-Latinas were seldom, today Afro-Latinas are at the forefront. Today, Afro-Latinas celebrate their Blackness, speak out, and continuously motivate us to dream bigger. Ahead you’ll learn about Afro-Latina leaders within media, film, beauty, and more paving the way for us all.

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Natasha Sonia Alford

TheGrio VP & Senior Correspondent, CNN Political Analyst & Afro-LatinX Revolution Documentary Filmmaker 

Natasha S. Alford is an award-winning journalist, digital host, and millennial media executive. The Afro-Boricua visionary continues to uncover racial discrimination, policing, economic inequality in Puerto Ricans, and Black identity complexities within our communities. Her latest film project Afro-LatinX Revolution highlights further explains Afro-Boricua influence, Puerto Rico’s history, and more. Watch the documentary via YouTube.

Dash Harris

NEGRO Docu-series about Latinx Identity Creator, Afro-Latino Travel Co-Founder & Caña Negra Radio Host

“Some may have a Black grandmother, but some may just be using that popular saying (y tu abuela, donde esta) to deflect, derail, and decontextualize actual real conversations around Anti-Blackness,” says Dash Harris. As a proud Black Panamanian woman, she continues her soul work to highlighting Afro-Latinx existence and dismantle anti-blackness in the Latinx community. Her NEGRO documentary series explores colonization, racism, and the African Diaspora in Latin America and the Caribbean. Beyond film, the multi-passionate trailblazer runs digital platform AfroLatino Travel, providing virtual tourism services, facilitates Anti-Blackness workshops, and produces a podcast Radio Caña Negra. Dash’s work is creating change and healing ancestral spiritual wounds with each project.

Julissa Calderon

Actress on Netflix’s Gentefied, Writer, Producer & Director

Well-known for her BuzzFeed ‘Pero Like’ videos to her role as Yessika in Gentefied, Julissa is a true testament to manifesting and following your dreams no matter what. In 2020, the Dominican actress hosted Univision’s’ Premios Juventud, landed partnerships with widely popular brands like Zelle, McDonald’s HACER, and more. Recently, Julissa announced her Manifest That Sh*t journal, launching Feb.8th to help you practice gratitude and manifest your wildest dreams.

Chelsea Tavares

All American Actress & Singer

Known as Patience on CW’s All American, actress Chelsea Tavares celebrates being Cape Verdean. Like the 29-year-old TV star, those identified as Cape Verdean are of mixed ethnicity or Portuguese and West African. Cape Verde gained her independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975, breaking free of colonialism and fascism. Chelsea’s influential role on All American represents LGBTQ+ folks and showcases the beauty around natural hair. Along with her on-screen accomplishments, the Cape Verdean actress welcomed a baby boy into the world on February 1st, 2021.

Mabel & Shaira Frías

Founders of Luna Magic 

Dominican sisters, Mabel and Shaira Frías are the Afro-Latinas behind the Caribbean-inspired makeup brand Luna Magic. The brand features eyeshadows, lipsticks, and even false lashes inspired by their cultura, musica, and more. Together the Frías sisters encourage and inspire future beauty entrepreneurs with their Walmart partnership and ABC’s Shark Tank debut. While pitching to shark judges, the Dominican sisters joined forces with real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran for expansion. 

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Carolina Contreras

Founder and CEO of Miss Rizos Salon

Born in the Dominican Republic, Carolina has devoted her career to inspiring women to celebrate their natural hair. “I can’t help but feel this intense responsibility for leaving the world better than how I found it, and I hope that while you’re here to learn about curly hair, entrepreneurship, and all the random things,” says Miss Rizos. Above all, Carolina’s motivating journey has led her to open Miss Rizos salon to learn about their natural texture and embody self-love.

Bianca Kea 

Founder of Yo Soy AfroLatina

Yo Soy AfroLatina founder Bianca Kea coins her Black and Mexican heritage as “a fusion of two really dope cultures.” As a result of growing up in Detroit, the Afro-Mexicana rarely saw Afro-Latinos in the Midwest. Today, Bianca’s shop features T-shirts, sweaters, totes, and more with quotes such as ‘Not Your Nena, Shawty, Mami, Baby, Princesa’ $35 and ‘Mija, I’m Busy,” $25. Her mission is to empower Black women within the Latin community with each product.

Ada Rojas

Founder of Vecina Couture

When it comes to affirming their Afro-Latina heritage, Ada Rojas uses her influence and entrepreneurial journey to help others find joy in their own journey. The Dominican jefa shares hair and beauty tips, business tactics, and spiritual practices with real vulnerability to help others dream bigger. Inspired by her Venicas, #BataGang, and late grandma, Ada is currently working on Vecina Couture’s next collection of casual luxury robes.

Janel Martinez

Journalist & Founder of ‘Ain’t I Latina”

As a Honduran-American with Garifuna ancestry, Janel Martinez launched ‘Ain’t I Latina” to showcase Afro-Latinidad stories. Being a pioneer within the Latinx community, the New York native sheds light on cultural differences within the multidimensional Black and Latinx experience. The online platform covers social identities, career insights, and Afro-diaspora history.

Sherly Tavarez

CEO & Founder of Hause of Curls

Growing up, Sherly Tavarez recalls hearing the phrase ‘Pelo Malo,’ when others referred to her curly locks. Realizing Eurocentric beauty standards needed to be dismantled, Sherly launched Hause of Curls. What started as an apparel line quickly became a movement. The lifestyle brand hosts events and offers products that make curly girls feel seen, heard, and confident.

Dr. Mariel Buquè

Mental health expert & Psychologist 

The New York-based clinical psychologist Mariel Buquè, Ph.D., helps BIPOC communities to heal through holistic practices. “I’m here to help you heal from emotional wounds and transition into a liberated version of yourself,” explains Dr. Buquè. The Afro-Dominican’s work focuses on delivering healing and anti-racism lessons to liberate minds and oppressive systems as necessary qualities of our overall wellness.