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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