In The Community
Danielle Perez
Danielle Perez, the self-described “fat b*tch in a wheelchair,” had a very interesting entry into the comedy world. It all started in 2015 when she went viral for winning a treadmill on the game show “The Price Is Right” and turning an awkward situation into a funny one. Her viral moment got her invited onto “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and she made the most out of the momentum. Today, she’s a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer and one of the few Afro-Latinas in the space.
Photo by Danielle Perez on Instagram
Marcella Arguello
Marcella Arguello is towering over the comedy world at 6’2” and she’s made a name for herself as the self-described “humorous Amazon.” Her comedy shines a light on themes like Latino identity, gender, and race, and she’s known for being witty on the spot - don’t think you can heckle Arguello - her roasts are legendary. Marcella’s comedic timing and punchlines will always get you, you can count on that. As a Latina stand-up comedian, actress, and writer, she’s one of the few Latinas leading the charge in the scene.
Photo by Marcella Arguello on Instagram
Joanna Hausmann
Known for her ranty approach to comedy, Venezuelan-American comedian Joanna Hausmann rose to fame due to her viral sketch comedy videos on YouTube and her time on the Univision show “Flama.” She’s also a talented TV writer who has worked with HBO Max and Disney, an actress and accredited voice actress. Joanna is mostly known for her sketch comedy and for exploring themes like culture, language, politics, and dual identity. Currently, she has a podcast called “Hyphenated” with co-host Jenny Lorenzo, another well-known Latina comedian.
Photo by Osvaldo Ponton on Instagram
Cristela Alonzo
There’s making a mark, and then there's Cristela Alonzo, a Mexican-American trailblazer. She made history as the first Latina woman to create, produce, write, and star in her own sitcom, “Cristela,” on ABC. She also has a Netflix special, “Lower Classy,” where she hilariously explores themes like Latino stereotypes and her mother’s tough-love approach to parenting, among other things. Crisela is multi-faceted as a stand-up comedian, actress, writer, and producer, so it’s exciting to see what she will do next.
Photo by Christopher M. Morales on Instagram
Melissa Villaseñor
Melissa Villaseñor might look familiar to you because she worked on “Saturday Night Live” from 2016 to 2022, where she delivered hilarious impressions. Melissa is another Mexican-American making waves in the comedy scene not only with her wide range of impressions but also with her stand-up comedy, acting skills, and singing. She’s also a talented illustrator, so Melissa is quite a well-rounded artist with a lot of creativity beyond comedy.
Photo by Robyn Von Swank on Instagram
Sasha Merci
Hailing from the Bronx and based in Los Angeles, this second-generation Dominican-American has grown in popularity due to her sketches. She posts mostly on Instagram, and her funny takes and jokes have gone viral several times. Sasha is also a stand-up comedian, writer, actress, and digital creator. She’s a great example of what can happen when you follow your dreams, a message she’s passionate about sharing with her audience.
Photo by Sasha Merci on Instagram
Aida Rodriguez
Aida Rodriguez is a survivor with a sense of humor. She’s known for her poignant comedy and she came into the spotlight in 2014 as a top ten finalist in the NBC show “Last Comic Standing.” Of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, Aida has made a name for herself in the comedy scene through her stand-up comedy. With her debut comedy special “Fighting Words,” she made history as the first Latina to appear in two specials airing in one month on both HBO Max and Showtime. She’s also an actress, writer, producer, podcaster, and now author, with her book “Legitimate Kid,” a collection of essays exploring how to turn pain and difficulty into laughter.
Photo by Aida Rodriguez on Instagram
Jenny Lorenzo
Jenny Lorenzo is part actress, part comedian, and total Cubana. She rose to popularity due to her “Abuela” character on YouTube and hilarious sketches, which she continues making to this day. This character is inspired by her Cuban heritage, and Lorenzo delivers the character with total relatability, which is why it resonates so much with Latino audiences of all nationalities, not just Cuban. Jenny is also an actress, voice actress, writer, and producer. As mentioned earlier, she’s also the co-host of the “Hyphenated” podcast with Joanna Hausmann.
The next time you need a good laugh, be sure to check out the content these talented Latina comedians share with the world. The laughter is guaranteed!
Photo by Nick Rasmussen on Instagram
Michelle Phan (@michellephan)
Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
Sabrina & Corina is the kind of short story collection that opens doors, allowing you to walk into the life of the characters. Exploring themes like friendship, mother and daughter relationships, and more, the stories focus on Latinas of indigenous ancestry living in Denver, Colorado, and how they navigate their land. Each story is unique, full of poignant moments of strength and melancholy.
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
If you enjoy a good haunted house story, you’re going to love this one. The Hacienda combines gothic horror, historical fiction, and a dash of slow-burn romance. Set after the Mexican War of Independence, the story follows Beatriz as she moves into Hacienda San Isidro after marrying Don Rodolfo Solórzano. Beatriz lost everything in the war and she would do anything to find a home again. Instead, she finds herself thrust into a battle with darkness, both inside and outside of the human realm. Atmospheric, beautifully written, and very engaging!
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Adults often keep away from YA fiction, but in doing so they’re missing out on amazing stories. Clap When You Land is a great example of that and it explores themes like grief and love. It follows two sisters; Camino Rios living in the Dominican Republic, and Yahaira Rios, living in New York City. One day, they get the devastating news that their father has died in the Flight 587 plane crash (based on true events), forcing the two girls to face their new reality and bridge the distance between them. It’s written in verse, so the novel is lyrical and beautiful, but most of all, powerful.
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
What the River Knows transports readers to Cairo, Egypt, where Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera is set on discovering the truth behind her parents’ deaths. This is a historical fantasy full of adventure, magic, mystery, and romance. It’s surprising and immersive, so it’s the perfect choice if you just want to disconnect from real life. The writing is captivating and it will take you on quite a ride. Highly recommended for fans of The Mummy (1999)!
West Side Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras
We all need to swoon, kick our feet, and twirl our hair every once in a while. That’s where good romance books come in, and West Side Love Story doesn’t disappoint. It’s a Latino retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in San Antonio, where we follow star-crossed lovers Mariana Capuleta and Angelo Montero. They’re members of feuding families and competing mariachi bands, but the heart wants what it wants. The story is very moving and full of secrets, sacrifices, and betrayals. Will love prevail?
Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo
Family Lore is Elizabeth Acevedo’s adult debut novel and it tells the story of a Dominican-American family through the perspectives of its six women. Each of these women has a unique gift, so the novel explores the challenges they’ve had to face as well as their victories in life. It’s been compared to 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez because it’s a family saga that moves back and forth in time, with a core mystery that keeps readers engaged. It’s also full of magical realism and Latin American culture!
