For Selenis Leyva, breaking the Latina mold means widening the kinds of roles Latino performers can play—and making Latino stories central rather than exceptional. In a March 6, 2023, People Chica interview published around Creed III, she connected that goal to her role as Laura Chavez, a strong woman whose influence is central to her son’s path into boxing.
What drew Selenis Leyva to Creed III?
Leyva said the strength of the script and the opportunity to join the Creed franchise attracted her. She was especially drawn to Laura Chavez as a strong woman in a boxing world where women are rarely highlighted.
“I loved this strong woman that they were inviting me to portray,” she told People Chica. Laura is not simply present as a mother: Leyva described her as a major reason her son enters boxing and succeeds. The part let Leyva represent Latinas as well as women in boxing, a combination she called “a wonderful opportunity.”
What does “breaking the Latina mold” mean to Leyva?
It means expanding role range, not rejecting any one kind of character. Leyva has said that early in her career she did not see herself represented on television or in film. In a 2018 Teen Vogue roundtable, she clarified that her objection was not to playing a maid or a prostitute; it was to being treated as though those were the only roles she could play. “I have a problem if that’s all you think I can play,” she said.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
That distinction matters: an actor can take a particular part without wanting that part to define the limits of what audiences and casting decision-makers imagine for her. For Leyva, the broader issue is whether Latino performers are offered varied characters and whether Latino stories occupy the foreground.
Why does she want Latino stories in leading roles?
Leyva said Latino presence in films is often treated as rare, and she hopes that one day it will no longer feel unusual. She wants Latino performers to be “the stars of the films and television shows” audiences watch, rather than appearing only in secondary storylines.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Her aim is not just to see more people represented in a single project. In a 2020 Backstage interview, she argued that diversity reaches beyond adding one person of another race: she included age, body, and disability in the discussion, criticized token representation, and stressed the importance of seeing women over 50 and 60. Those are Leyva’s views, not an industry-wide measurement.
How does Leyva see her career contributing?
Leyva describes change as real but unfinished. She has spoken of being encouraged that, as an Afro-Latina and a woman beyond her twenties, she can continue to be cast and have a voice. She wants to keep working while opening doors for performers who come after her.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Her comments do not establish a quantified trend in Hollywood. They describe a personal perspective on progress and the work she believes remains: more Latino stories in the foreground, more lead roles, and more room for performers whose race, age, or other characteristics have too often narrowed the parts imagined for them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is Selenis Leyva?
Leyva is an actress and activist of Dominican and Cuban descent. Disney’s official biography lists credits including Gloria Mendoza in Orange Is the New Black and Gabi in Diary of a Future President, as well as stage and film work. That biography is an older career snapshot, not a current filmography.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
