What began as a strike-line gathering during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, led by Diana Maria Riva and Lisa Vidal, has grown into a nationwide collective of 300+ Latinas and identifying creatives spanning TV, film, theater, and media. United by a shared purpose, LAU creates space to amplify voices, build community, and claim our place in the industry.
As our sisterhood grew, so did our mission. Today, LAU offers mentorship, creative labs, wellness gatherings, and panels—all rooted in the belief that visibility is power and storytelling is a form of activism.
Our impact continues to grow:
- Featured in Vogue, LA Times, Deadline, Remezcla, and more
- Partnered with Justice for Migrant Women
- Led conversations at the United Nations, Capitol Hill, and the White House
- Honored with the Latino Spirit Award in Advocacy & Entertainment
Now, we’re building toward a future that includes a Writers Lab, Directing Initiative, Short Film Lab, Talent Showcase—and eventually, our own production house.
LAU is a Pro-Labor organization recognizing, amplifying, and standing in solidarity with the guilds and unions that make up the entertainment industry.
This is where visibility becomes action. Where creativity meets power.
our story
latinas acting up
What began as a picket-line gathering during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA Union strike, led by actor/activists Diana Maria Riva and Lisa Vidal, has grown into a nationwide collective of 300+ Latinas and identifying creatives spanning TV, film, theater, media, an all areas of arts and entertainment. As our sisterhood grew, so did our mission. Today, LAU offers mentorship, creative labs, wellness gatherings, and panels—all rooted in the belief that visibility is power and storytelling is a form of activism.
Our impact continues to grow:
- Featured in Vogue, LA Times, Deadline, Remezcla, and more
- Partnered with Justice for Migrant Women for National Latina Equal Pay Day
- Led conversations at the United Nations, Capitol Hill, and the White House
- Honored with the Latino Spirit Award in Advocacy & Entertainment
LAU is a Pro-Labor organization recognizing, amplifying, and standing in solidarity with the guilds and unions that make up the entertainment industry.
This is where action raises visibility, where visibility brings representation, and where representation leads to change.
our story
latinas acting up
Mentorship // community // collective power //
Gina Torres
Lisa Vidal
Diana Maria Riva
Angelique Cabral
Constance Marie
Each of these women has carved out space in an industry that wasn’t built for us—and now they’re building something new. Get to know the powerhouse founders, board members, and staff behind LAU.
Founders, Board members, & staff
Jolene Rodriguez
Alex Meneses
Ivette Lopez
An award-winning actress with a career spanning more than two decades, Diana Maria Riva is known for standout roles in Dead to Me, Glamorous, The Gordita Chronicles, What Women Want, and McFarland USA. Her work has earned her an Imagen Award and multiple nominations for excellence in comedy and ensemble performance, solidifying her as a powerful presence on screen.
A proud mother of two and first-generation Dominican from Ohio, Diana co-founded LAU during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike alongside Lisa Vidal—turning a moment on the picket line into a growing national platform for visibility, mentorship, and creative solidarity. Since then, she has continued to champion labor equity and Latina representation across the entertainment industry.
In addition to her work as an artist and activist, Diana has spoken at the United Nations, Capitol Hill, and the California State Capitol, using her voice to advocate for farmworker mental health, workplace safety, and systemic change in the arts.
co-founder
Diana Maria Riva
With a career spanning over 40 years, Lisa Vidal has portrayed dynamic, multidimensional Latina characters in Being Mary Jane, The Baker and the Beauty, ER, Third Watch, and The Division. Her work has earned Imagen and ALMA Awards, solidifying her as a force for authentic Latinx representation in entertainment.
Born and raised in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Lisa began acting at 14 and has built a legacy rooted in artistry and advocacy. In 2023, she co-founded Latinas Acting Up alongside Diana Maria Riva during the SAG-AFTRA strike—transforming a moment of protest into a national platform for visibility, mentorship, and sisterhood.
A breast cancer survivor, mother, and lifelong activist, Lisa continues to use her voice to support health equity, early detection, and social justice—while helping shape a more inclusive future for Latinas in entertainment.
co-founder
Lisa vidal
Lisa vidal
A celebrated actress and producer, Gina Torres has spent over 30 years breaking boundaries in entertainment. She made history as the first Afro-Latina to create, star in, and produce a network series with Pearson, a political spinoff of her fan-favorite role on Suits. Her acclaimed performances span across Firefly, Alias, Angel, and 9-1-1: Lone Star, earning her ALMA, Imagen, and Critic’s Choice Awards.
Born in Manhattan and raised in The Bronx to a Cuban family, Gina’s impact extends far beyond the screen. She’s a passionate advocate for diversity in media, a mentor to emerging Latinx and Afro-Latinx talent, and a committed supporter of causes like No Kid Hungry and Feeding America. From Broadway stages to blockbuster films like The Matrix Reloaded, Torres continues to redefine what power looks like in Hollywood.
board member
gina torres
Angelique Cabral is an actress and producer known for standout roles in Life in Pieces, Enlisted, and most recently, Disney’s Wish, where she voiced Queen Amaya in a history-making animated film that introduced Disney’s first Afro-Latina princess.
Her wide-ranging TV and film credits include Grace and Frankie, With Love, The Neighborhood, Clean Slate, Long Story Short, and For Worse, which premiered at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival. A third-generation Mexican American, Angelique is committed to service and representation. She’s an ambassador for This Is About Humanity, a vocal advocate for migrant justice and voter engagement, and a founding board member of Latinas Acting Up.
Off-screen, she’s a mom of two, a theater fellow, and a passionate force using her platform to uplift and empower Latina creatives.
board member
Angelique Cabral
Angelique Cabral
Best known for her iconic role as Angie Lopez on George Lopez, Constance Marie has spent over two decades bringing depth, humor, and authenticity to screens across comedy, drama, and animation. Her award-winning performances include roles in Switched at Birth, With Love, Undone, and the beloved film Selena, where she portrayed Marcella Quintanilla.
In addition to her extensive television and film work, Constance is a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, reproductive justice, and Latinx representation in media. She serves as spokesperson for the East Los Angeles Women’s Center and is a passionate supporter of PETA, Planned Parenthood, and Equal Pay for Women.
As a founding board member of Latinas Acting Up, she brings her artistry, activism, and lived experience to the movement—amplifying the voices of Latinas and helping carve space for the next generation.
board member
Constance Marie
Constance Marie
Jolene Rodriguez is the CEO of Broken English Productions, overseeing Development, Production, and Post. In 2024, she founded the non-profit Friends of Julie, partnering with Women in Film, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Soho House to launch a short film program for first-time female directors, producing three shorts currently entering the international festival circuit.
She most recently produced the action film Gringo Hunters starring Dean Norris and Julio Macias. Her previous credits include Atypical Pirate, starring Julio Macias, Mira Sorvino, and Joseph Sikora, Righteous Thieves (Lionsgate), 7th & Union (Amazon), and the romantic drama The Absence of Eden, starring Zoe Saldaña, Garrett Hedlund, and Adria Arjona. Prior to Broken English, Jolene was a Development Executive at Sony’s Screen Gems, where she worked on Proud Mary, Slender Man, Black and Blue, and The Intruder.
She was named one of Variety’s 10 Producers to Watch in 2023.
board member
Jolene Rodriguez
Jolene Rodriguez
Alex Meneses is an ALMA Award-nominated actress and producer known for standout roles in Jane the Virgin, Telenovela, Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends, and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Her film credits include Selena, Auto Focus, and The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, alongside an accomplished career spanning television, film, and theater.
Beyond acting, Alex is the founder of Oo La La Productions/L.A.D.S. Entertainment, where she produced the acclaimed documentary Damned To Heaven and executive-produced Australians Hit Hollywood. She has also appeared in numerous stage productions, including Oscar and Felix: A New Look at the Odd Couple at Geffen Playhouse and Hortensia and the Museum of Dreams at Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theater.
In addition to her entertainment career, Alex is deeply committed to philanthropy and advocacy. She has served on the Board of Trustees for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, supports organizations including United Hope for Animals and The Chicago Symphony, and established the Alexandra Meneses Endowed Scholarship to help create opportunities for young women pursuing their futures.
board member
Alex Meneses
Alex Meneses
Ivette Lopez is a communications and operations professional passionate about storytelling, community-building, and creating spaces where creatives feel seen and supported. As Director of Operations at Latinas Acting Up, she oversees programming, partnerships, events, communications, and organizational operations across LAU’s growing national network.
Before joining LAU, Ivette worked at Warner Bros. Discovery, contributing to global internal communications, executive storytelling, and employee engagement initiatives reaching more than 30,000 employees worldwide. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with organizations including Disney, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, ESPN+, and nonprofits focused on expanding opportunities for underrepresented voices in entertainment.
A former journalist turned communications strategist, Ivette holds degrees from California State University, Northridge and USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and remains deeply committed to storytelling that bridges culture, community, and impact.
Director of Operations
Ivette Lopez
Ivette Lopez
Your voice belongs here. Reach out to learn more about membership, collaboration, and how to get involved.
Join the Movement.
Become a Member of LAU.
Your voice belongs here.
Your voice belongs here. Reach out to learn more about membership, collaboration, and how to get involved.
Join the Movement.
Become a Member of LAU.
Your voice belongs here.
