Meet Jana Mosquera | Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jana Mosquera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jana, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For me acting is being aware of feelings, letting our souls express without fear. Previously, when I had lost faith in my dreams and was depressed, I used to try to repress my feelings. I could not understand that we cannot avoid pain or excitement, that these feelings make us human, and that life would be so boring without emotional changes. Actors teach people many things: that both good and bad feelings are a part of life, how amazing love can be, how moving it can be to share a smile, how astonishing it can be to meet eyes with a stranger, how painful it can be to hate, and how transformative it can be to feel sadness or loneliness. Actors teach us that we are not the only ones who feel these emotions, and thus bring happiness and relief to an audience, comforted by a shared experience. We become a part of peoples’ lives as we become the reflection of many, and the inspiration of others. I consider this an enormous and important responsibility; and this is the impetus that led me to become an actress.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being an Afro Latina actress is a unique experience. “Afro Colombian” actors, a group which I proudly identify with, represent a very small portion of the workforce. These actors are seldom seen and nearly always play brief supporting parts. For that, I cherish the opportunities I have had playing roles that portray my culture. Throughout my career I have had the chance to work with fellow artists from the diaspora, and directors that have encouraged me to enrich the characters with my personal background story. For example, in the series ‘Eugima’s Village’, the director, JayTee Thompson, inspired me to give a voice to Afro Latinx women through the character I played.

Finding opportunities to showcase my talent has been difficult, but I have been lucky and blessed to count with the help of my management agency Armonika, with my manager in the lead, Monica Forero, she has always believed in my talent and encouraged me to use my voice, and she has opened doors for me that I had found closed working by myself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I consider East LA a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. A mostly Latino community, it has beautiful parks decorated with traditional themes, big markets, tasty food and a rich and vibrant culture.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It might sound cliché, but I must thank my family for who I am today and for all my achievements. My family has been by my side throughout my artist journey and have supported me though all the highs and lows. In fact, my parents were the first ones who encouraged me to take acting classes along with financially and emotionally helping me move to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams. My parents have always pushed me to be the best version of myself and believed in me before anyone else did. I feel beyond blessed for their presence in my life and my success will always be dedicated to them.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10219249/

Instagram: janamosquera_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-mosquera/es