I was very willing to take on controversial roles that people didn't really want to look at.

Own it. Just take it and say, 'Yes I will be great, I am going to be great.' Great doesn't mean being a movie star, great doesn't mean having millions of dollars. Great means being able to be confident, strong, and a solid human being that has dignity and integrity. That is great.

You know, you may not be born in Puerto Rico, but Puerto Rican is definitely born in you.

I don't call myself Latin, I call myself Puerto Rican.

Women of color: if you're over 40 and you get fat, you will work. But if you're hot and over 40 and a woman of color, they don't know what to do with you.

I didn't appreciate Brooklyn until I left it.

I am a positive person. I never think of the glass as half empty. I just keep pushing forward.