BY: JENNA CALDWELL
On Tuesday, April 23, 7:00 p.m, the Latinx & American Student Organization (LASO) and Kennedy Political Union (KPU) will host Actress Jackie Cruz for a conversation on Latinx representation in the entertainment industry in Kerwin 2. Best known for her role as Marisol "Flaca" Gonzalez on the Netflix original series "Orange is the New Black," Cruz will also share her experiences as a Latina starring in high-profile television shows.
Aside from her role as "Flaca," a young, pop-culture extraordinaire and inmate of upstate New York's Litchfield Correctional Institutional, Cruz has made several appearances on the small screen outside her role as the gothic enthusiast we have all come to admire. (Do I secretly wish I could pull off her matching lippy and highlight? Yes. Have I attempted? Maybe.)
Jackie Cruz has also appeared in television series "Blue Bloods," "Unforgettable," "My Own Worst Enemy," "The Shield" and even appeared as herself on the reality series "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami" where she and friend Kourtney Kardashian were filmed locking lips. (Ugh. Could she get any cooler?)
(Yes.) Jackie Cruz is also known as an accomplished singer and songwriter with her latest single Melly 16 now available on all streaming services.
Born in Queens, New York, Cruz grew up between Los Angels, California and in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Raised by a single mother, Cruz became homeless at 16-years-old when she moved out of her mother's apartment and shortly thereafter became the victim of a severe car accident that required her to receive emergency brain surgery. She now shares her experience with homelessness and near-paralyzing car accident with others, her inner strength from her lived experiences serving as an inspiration to others.
The event is open to all students, staff and faculty. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m and a valid AUID is required to enter.
