Dascha Polanco Speaks Out On

Dascha Polanco Speaks Out On

By Ashley Jimenez

Do you remember the first time you saw an actress you could relate to on the big screen? Whether it’s working with the DREAM Project (Dominican Republic Education and Mentoring Project) or speaking on for Latinas in Hollywood, Dascha Polanco always uses her platform to make an impact.

MORE: Dascha Polanco Felt Pressured to Hide Afro-Latino Features to Land Roles

Netflix recently launched a video series called #FirstTimeISawMe championing the conversation around diversity and representation in entertainment. During the interview, the Orange is the New Black star opens up on once feeling different because she was a young immigrant.

PLUS:  ‘DREAMer of the Year’ Dascha Polanco Talks Giving Back to Her Community

Though the Afro-Latina had a hard time connecting with American entertainment, she remembers seeing the late legend, Selena Quintanilla. “She was a curvaceous woman, it was the first  I saw a woman I could relate to as far as body type,” said the mother of two.  She went on conveying the importance of growth, loving yourself, diversity, and her experience on the hit series OITNB.

Source: Latina