Andrea Navedo

Andrea Navedo is an American actress, author, and public speaker whose career spans more than three decades across daytime television, primetime drama, and film. Navedo began her career on the daytime soap operas "One Life to Live" and "Guiding Light" before transitioning to primetime with a recurring role in the NBC series "Law & Order" as Detective Ana Cordova, followed by guest appearances on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Damages," and "Blue Bloods." Her film credits include "El Cantante" with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, "Remember Me" with Robert Pattinson, and "Bright" with Will Smith.

Navedo's breakthrough role came as Xiomara Villanueva, the mother of the titular character in the CW series "Jane the Virgin," where she contributed to the show's Golden Globe nominations. Early in her career, Navedo sought to expand the depth of her characters, moving beyond stereotypical roles to more complex storylines. Her portrayal of Xiomara Villanueva has been recognized for advancing Latina representation in Hollywood. Navedo is the recipient of the Imagen Award for Best Supporting TV Actress and the Elizabeth Peña Breakthrough Artist Award. Her television work also includes recurring roles on CBS's "The Good Fight," Amazon's "Leverage," and FX's "Mrs. America," in which she plays Carmen Delgado Votaw, a civil rights activist and presidential appointee to the National Advisory Committee on Women.

Navedo is the author of the memoir "Our Otherness Is Our Strength: Wisdom from the Boogie Down Bronx," published by Broadleaf Books. The book blends personal stories from her Bronx upbringing and acting career with self-help guidance for young Latinx readers facing socioeconomic challenges. Drawing on her experiences with poverty, family dynamics, and industry rejection, Navedo advocates for self-reliance and intentional action, emphasizing resilience derived from cultural identity. The memoir was inspired by her commencement speech at DeWitt Clinton High School, her alma mater.

As a public speaker, Navedo addresses topics such as overcoming adversity, empowering women, inspiring youth, and promoting diversity in the workplace. She has delivered keynotes at corporations, schools, and events focused on youth empowerment and women's advancement. Navedo is also dedicated to charitable work, supporting organizations such as A Place Called Home, a youth and community center in South Central Los Angeles, and the Fresh Air Fund, which provides summer camp experiences for New York City children. Her career reflects a commitment to authenticity, perseverance, and the advancement of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry.