Paulina de la Parra: A Rising Star Redefining Latina Representation in the Arts

Paulina de la Parra is a Mexican singer and actress who embodies Latina representation through powerful performances, inspiring others with her determination and devotion to meaningful storytelling in the arts.

Born in Mexico City and currently based in New York City, Paulina is a singer, actress, and voice-over artist who has consistently pushed boundaries, representing the voices and stories of Latina women on stage and screen. From an early age, she showed a deep passion for the arts, diverging from her family’s business-oriented path to pursue creative endeavors like painting, dancing, and singing. At 13, Paulina auditioned for the musical "Vive un Nuevo Musical," landing a lead role with her mother’s encouragement. This experience ignited her career and taught her to chase her dreams fearlessly. Reflecting on this moment, she shares, “I learned to pursue your dreams without knowing how you will do it,” emphasizing resilience and commitment.

Throughout her career, Paulina has graced stages such as the Queens Theatre and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, portraying a variety of complex characters. From Odessa in Quiara Alegría Hudes’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Water by the Spoonful" to Cordelia and the Fool in Shakespeare’s "King Lear," she has proven her versatility. Her performances in 2021 productions like "A Christmas Carol" and "The Little Mermaid" solidified her reputation as a talent capable of captivating audiences across genres.

Paulina’s film and television credits include a McDonald’s national commercial for the El Spicy Menu and the film "8 Minutes 20 Seconds" by Harris Doran, which screened at notable festivals like the HollyShorts Festival and Atlanta Film Festival. She also appeared in the award-winning movie musical "Plus One," which received accolades at the NovaFest Film Festival and Manhattan Film Festival for Best Movie Musical.

Paulina is drawn to projects that highlight empowerment narratives, choosing roles that spark discussions about women and the Latino community. “We come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, and it is this diversity that strengthens us,” she affirms. Her upcoming performance in the "Día de Muertos" production with Village Playback Theatre will celebrate stories of lost loved ones, fostering community through art.

Despite her success, Paulina remains humble, recognizing that creativity comes with responsibility. To her, fame and glamour are not measures of success but rather the impact her work has on others. “If one single person that has seen my work can feel represented, healed, or listened to, that is success to me,” she explains.

The journey from the vibrant art scene of Mexico City to the fast-paced world of New York was no easy transition. Acknowledging the need for professional training, she enrolled in the Musical Theatre Conservatory at the New York Film Academy, where she earned a talent scholarship. She also honed her craft at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting.

As an international artist, Paulina faces the challenges of navigating the U.S. arts landscape with an O-1 visa for extraordinary ability in the arts, exemplifying the tenacity needed to succeed. “The years I have spent here have been the most challenging but also the most fulfilling of my life,” she reflects. Her dedication and confidence in her artistic expression make her a dynamic force in the performing arts, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams.