Get To Know Jackie Cruz

This season, we invited our credit readers to interview our storytellers. Today, you'll hear from Jackie Cruz who narrated the previous episode about the Mirabal Sisters. If you haven't listened to last week's episode, now is a good time to go back and check it out! Cruz reveals what it was like growing up in the Dominican Republic, her experience surviving a car accident, and more! About Cruz: Actor, musician, activist and feminist Jackie Cruz currently stars as “Marisol ‘Flaca’ Gonzales" on Netflix's critically-acclaimed series, “Orange Is the New Black.” The original series created by Jenji Kohan that became an awards magnet, will soon release the 7th and final season this year. A three-time SAG Award winner, Jackie Cruz was named one of the "Top Latino Powerhouses under 40" by The Hollywood Reporter in 2013. Cruz was also included on Latina Magazine’s 30 Under 30 List in 2015. Born in New York City, Cruz spent her childhood between New York, Los Angeles, the Dominican Republic and Miami. She often says that she carries a little piece of each city with her. Raised by her mother and aunts, Jackie’s first love was always music. Landing a principal title in “Orange is the New Black,” was a launching pad for her career. Cruz draws strength from a near fatal car accident that almost left her paralyzed. She overcame brain surgery, a coma and a collapsed lung, but remained unwavered in her determination to not let anything stand in the way of her dream to become a musician.Through her voice and remarkably strong social media presence, Jackie continues paving the way for Latina women in entertainment. Cruz strongly promotes the inclusion of all women. She works hard to break down gender driven barriers through her own production company, Unspoken Film. Jackie’s mission is to create and produce work under her production company that speak to inclusivity topics and Latina representation. Jackie has discovered the importance of inclusion and uses her platform to send a message that more Latinas need recognition and opportunities in Hollywood. Now recognized as a popular singer and songwriter, her music career continues to evolve. She has new music releasing mid-March and hopes that through her music and film work will continue to create better pathways within the entertainment industry for people of Hispanic background.Jackie currently resides in both Los Angeles and New York City. Credits: This episode of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is produced by Elena Favilli, Joy Fowlkes, and Meg Murnane. Sound design and original theme music by Elettra Bargiacchi. Mattia Marcelli was the sound mixer. Special thanks to Clio McClure for coordinating our credit readers and interviewers.