Following Your Dreams: The Inspiring Story of Melisa Valdez | ¿Quién Tú Eres? Podcast

Melisa Valdez, a professional dancer and Afro-Latina representation advocate, shares her inspiring journey on pursuing her dreams and following her passions. For her, the pivotal moment came when she decided to take a leap of faith and become a professional dancer, despite the need to put college on hold until she finished at a later date. Breaking the news to her mom about pausing college was a daunting task for Melisa, but her mother's unwavering support gave her the courage to pursue her dreams wholeheartedly. With determination and resilience, Melisa juggled various odd jobs while auditioning for freelance dancing gigs, showcasing her ability to balance her passion with practical responsibilities. Her journey wasn't without challenges, as she worked night shifts, took up retail jobs, and even worked in banking to support her dream. However, knowing that her mother believed in her made her unstoppable. As she traveled the world as a dancer, Melisa broadened her horizons, booking diverse performing gigs and providing positive representation for Black and Brown girls in creative spaces nationwide. Now, as an entrepreneur and movement coach, Melisa continues to uplift her community through her work, embodying authenticity and empowerment in every aspect of her career.