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In this conversation with Miami Living, Latyna opens up about her latest role in Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado, how her Latin American roots influence her craft, and why Miami is poised to be a hub for authentic bilingual storytelling. From playing with Barbies with her daughter to representing a major video game franchise at San Diego Comic-Con, Latyna reminds us that meaningful storytelling takes many forms. Let’s start with Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado. What drew you to the character of Sabrina, and how does it feel to be part of such a beloved franchise in a live-action format? Valentina Latyna: What drew me to the role of Sabrina in Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado was the opportunity to be part of a beloved franchise that promotes exploration, friendship, and cultural understanding. As a mom, seeing my own daughter so excited about the film was a fantastic bonus! Beyond that, Sabrina’s great spirit and strong connection to Mother Nature deeply resonated with me. It feels incredibly exciting to be part of bringing such an iconic character and world to life for a new generation in a live-action format. As a Colombian-born artist based in Los Angeles, how have your cultural roots shaped the way you approach both on-screen and voiceover roles? Valentina Latyna: My Colombian background profoundly shapes my artistic journey. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for storytelling, vibrant traditions, and community, drawing from our rich culture’s diverse influences, like African descendants’ music and Bogotá’s French architecture. This foundation constantly inspires me. For example, my personal story about childhood arepas even inspired a scene in Disney’s Encanto. My roots are truly woven into my artistic expression, influencing my nuanced character portrayals and authentic linguistic delivery in both on-screen and voiceover roles. Latyna Studios has become a go-to hub for high-profile voice work. What inspired you to launch your own studio, and how has it allowed you to expand your impact behind the scenes? Valentina Latyna: Latyna Studios became my professional home voiceover studio because I saw a critical need for a dedicated, high-quality space, especially when the pandemic closed traditional studios. Launching it expanded my impact behind the scenes by allowing me to not only perform but also direct projects for major clients like Google, Netflix, and Disney, making it a hub for top-tier audio work. You’ve been a champion for more inclusive casting and representation in voiceover. What changes have you seen in the industry recently, and what changes do you still hope to see? Valentina Latyna: I’ve dedicated myself to championing more inclusive casting and representation in both voiceover and on-camera work, and I’m thrilled to say I’m seeing a tangible and exciting shift in the industry. Ultimately, seeing words like “real Colombia” in an audition breakdown is a sign that the industry is recognizing the power and value of our authentic selves. My greatest hope is that this continues to flourish, creating an industry where every artist, regardless of their background, has an equitable opportunity to lend their authentic voice to compelling stories. You’ll be representing Brawl Stars at San Diego Comic-Con this summer. How does voicing a character like Shelly differ from your past roles? Valentina Latyna: I’m incredibly excited to be representing a major video game at San Diego Comic-Con this summer! Voicing a dynamic character like the one I play in this game is quite different from many of my past roles, and the fan response has been absolutely amazing. My character in this big video game is known for their fierce, confident, and action-oriented personality. In addition to film and voiceover, you’re taking the stage this year in Daughter Knows Best and Enfrascada. What keeps you returning to theater? Valentina Latyna: In addition to my work in film and voiceover, I’m absolutely thrilled to be taking the stage this year in two productions: Daughter Knows Best and Enfrascada. What keeps drawing me back to live theater, even with a busy schedule across other mediums, is multifaceted and deeply personal. There’s an immediate, raw energy and direct connection with a live audience that you simply don’t get anywhere else. You’ve worked on projects with Netflix and even voiced all the female characters in the descriptive audio for Griselda. What does that kind of accessibility work mean to you as a storyteller? Valentina Latyna: For me, storytelling is about connection and universal access. When I voice descriptive audio, I’m literally helping to unlock narratives for an audience that might otherwise be excluded due to visual impairment. I become the eyes for a viewer, translating the crucial visual information – a character’s expression, a costume detail, the setting of a scene, a vital action – into an auditory experience. Miami has long been a cultural bridge for Latinx communities and creatives. How do you see the city’s influence growing in the world of Spanish-language voiceover and entertainment? Valentina Latyna: In essence, Miami’s blend of diverse talent, strategic location, economic advantages, evolving infrastructure, and its direct connection to the rapidly growing and engaged Latinx streaming audience positions it as an increasingly dominant force. We absolutely need to continue pushing for more Latinx involvement, both in front of and behind the camera/mic, to truly reflect the audiences consuming this content. It’s an exciting time, and Miami is right at the heart of it! With your commitment to elevating bilingual talent and diverse Latinx voices, do you see Miami as a potential hub for the kind of inclusive storytelling and production you’re advocating for? Valentina Latyna: Miami is a unique melting pot of Latinx cultures. Unlike other major cities, it truly is a microcosm of Latin America, with vibrant communities from almost every Spanish-speaking country. This means an unparalleled talent pool of native Spanish speakers who bring authentic accents, regional nuances, and deep cultural understanding. When I advocate for uniq ue content in Spanish for established and new voiceovers, like the conference I curate as VOATLANTA, I wish more talents from Miami could be involved and consistently get more representation. When you’re not behind the mic or on stage, what’s your favorite way to unwind? Valentina Latyna: Between auditions, you’ll often find me diving into the vibrant world of slime, experimenting with new recipes, working through activity books, and, of course, playing with Barbies. I am a happy full-time mom! Another way to unwind, where I can truly lose myself for hours, is in my garden, tending to my roses. It’s a peaceful, meditative space where I can disconnect from work demands, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. You can follow along with Valentina’s journey on Instagram @valentinalatyna. Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado is streaming now on Paramount+. “There’s a raw, immediate energy in live theater that you simply don’t get anywhere else — it keeps me coming back no matter how busy my schedule gets.”