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

Hi Claudia, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Perú, specifically, Arequipa known as “La Cuidad Blanca.” I was raised by my Grandparents and my Tia Lulú because my parents were divorced when I was 5 months old, and my mother worked non-stop ever since. Before, I couldn’t understand why the other kids always had their parents picking them up from school or be at school plays, and I had my Tias and or my grandfather. Today, I understand why and I am so grateful for how my life commenced. My Grandparents built two businesses, and since I was always with them as opposed to playing with other kids I listened in on the negotiating and dealmaking decisions while sitting in a corner with my Coca-Cola and Charadas (Peruvian version of Oreo cookies) listening and observing. That experience is what has helped me today. I go back in time to those meetings and listen to what my grandparents had to say, and now in my alone time, I have those meetings with “them” and hear what they have to say about a decision I need to make. I hear my Grandparents’ voices daily. Though they have passed on, they are my best friends.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is that I am me. We are all unique individuals.

I am most proud of and excited about being part of stories that, as a Latina, I feel heard, understood, and not underrepresented or misrepresented. I am proud of having had the unbelievable support of Latin America and its autism community, which propelled “Tyson’s Run” into the Top 10 (#8) most watched English language films globally on Netflix, even before its streaming debut in the USA. The promotion of the film gave me the opportunity to share my autistic aunt’s (Tia Lulu) story, which fueled major interest in the film which in turn resulted in such success.

It was not and is still not easy. I got to where I am today professionally by believing. I’ve learned when something really belongs to you, the universe really does conspire to make it happen. If it’s not for you it won’t be, as my abuelita (grandmother) used to say, “If we are ever so lucky to be in tune with life, life will speak to you. Just listen.”

I would like the world, or anybody out there, who has taken the time to read this interview, to know that I am truly thankful for them having done so. And that I am elated for this opportunity. “Vamos con Todo siempre porque nuestros sueños se lo merecen!”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Malibu Brentwood Country Mart
The Grove
Rodeo Drive
Barry’s Boot Camp
Soul Cycle
Hiking Runyan Canyon
If we could get into any of the movie studios without a pass
Disneyland
Universal Studios
Hollywood Bowl
Pantages Theatre
Erewhon
In-n-Out
Alfred’s
Eataly
Blue Bottle
Polo Lounge
Jalisco Taqueria
Mario’s Peruvian Restaurant
My mom’s house!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Grandparents – Mi Abuelito/Papá for being the most generous and kindest soul while still having the courage and grit to make his dreams come true. And Mi Abuelita – for never taking “no” for an answer.

Tia Lulu – for erasing my D grade and converting it to a C grade before my mom came home from work, lol.
And for her being my best friend, saving me from a fire, and playing volleyball at midnight with me, when I couldn’t sleep because of boyfriend drama, and for being my second mom, all while being on the autism spectrum.

Homer Hickam – The epitome of believing in oneself. The author of “Rocket Boys” aka “October Sky.” When I saw the movie, based on his book, I not only cried, I also felt unbelievably inspired, and thought, “To infinity and Beyond” it is. No matter from where one comes.

The children, in my native country, who live on Lake Titicaca, and travel to school each day in little, plastic wash tubs, paddling only with their arms, for two hours each way, across the lake and back.

Harry Abraham-Castillo (former head of programming at Telemundo) who gave me my first opportunity.

Instagram: clsudiajzevallos

Facebook: Claudia Zevallos

Other: Claudia Zevallos @threads Claudia Zevallos IMDB

Image Credits
Still Photo 4 – Michael Jai White, Tony Plana, Claudia Zevallos, Evan Ross Still Photo (“Day of Days”) of 3 – Kim Bass (writer-director, Tom Skerritt, Claudia Zevallos Still Photo – Press Junket (“A Snowy Day in Oakland”) Claudia Zevallos and poster

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