We recently connected with Paula Sabogal Guerrero and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Paula, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far is my one-woman show, “I’M LATINA,” which also is going to be the first production under my company, RAÍCES Productions.

This project is meaningful because it represents both my personal journey and my purpose as an artist. I wrote it from a place of truth, reflecting on identity, resilience, and what it means to be a Latina woman carving out space in an industry where our voices are often underrepresented. It not just about performing it, it is also about honoring the women in my family and community who have felt silenced, and transforming their stories into art.

The circumstances made it even more powerful. I was a recent graduate from the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, living alone in New York City, and building a company from the ground up while still learning how to navigate a new country and culture. It was an enormous challenge, but also the first time I felt fully in control of my narrative—as a writer, actor, and producer.

“I’M LATINA” is not just a show to me—it’s a declaration that dreams are possible, that art can heal, and that storytelling has the power to connect people across borders.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is María Paula Sabogal Guerrero. I’m a Colombian actress, writer, and director, and the founder of RAÍCES Productions, a theatre and film company based in New York City.

Since I was little, I loved being on stage, acting in plays, singing, dancing, and writing stories. Those early passions became the foundation of my artistic journey. My culture and my country have deeply shaped me, and I carry immense pride in my roots and the way they continue to influence who I am today.

My professional path began in Bogotá, where storytelling became my way to give voice to those who often go unheard. That passion brought me to the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, where I trained intensively and began building my career as both an artist and producer.

Through RAÍCES, I create projects that focus on representation, healing, and community impact. Our work amplifies the voices of women, immigrants, and marginalized communities by telling stories of resilience and identity. My one-woman show I’M LATINA is a clear example—it blends personal narrative with broader cultural themes to inspire audiences and spark dialogue.

What sets me apart is that I write, act, and produce with the mission of using art as a tool for connection, empathy, and social change. For collaborators, that means not only high-quality creative work but also a partnership rooted in purpose and authenticity.

I’m most proud of having founded Raíces Productions early in my career and of the opportunities I’ve had to work both with international and prestige brands. But above all, I’m proud of creating a platform where others can feel seen, represented, and inspired.

What I’d like m followers to know is this: Raíces is more than a company—it’s a movement. It’s about being rooted in story and growing through culture. Whether you come to see a play, collaborate on a film, or simply connect with our message, my goal is that you leave feeling part of something bigger: a community where art heals, transforms, and uplifts.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first landed at LaGuardia, I thought I had everything figured out. I had a place to stay lined up or at least I thought I did.

Turns out, I’d been scammed. I was robbed and I was in a city I didn’t know, completely on my own, with nowhere to go. I stayed with a friend in Jersey City for a few days, it was also very uncomfortable and then all the way out to deep Brooklyn with all my stuff, spending way too much on taxis and my Colombian cards weren’t even working.

The basement I ended up in was awful—there were rats, it felt unsafe, and I started having anxiety episodes. Honestly, I thought about going back home more than once. And this was all happening during my very first week at the Strasberg Institute. Those first two weeks were pure chaos. New York hated me so much and then you got the metro that was super confusing.

Then I got sick, I had an insurance that partially covered my treatment and thankfully I managed to get another insurance eventually and I got a therapist. At that moment I was thinking is it really worth it? I left my comfort zone just to come here to suffer, though little by very little by very I started to settle in, I moved again, had terrible roommates but eventually it got better. Looking back now, I realize that if I survived that start—alone, broke, and scared—I can survive pretty much anything.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely. When I first started my journey, especially moving to New York, I wish I had known more about the artist support networks and resources available to immigrants. At the beginning, I was figuring everything out on my own, and it felt very isolating.

I also wish I had known earlier about the Latin community. I didn’t realize how powerful it is to plug into local theatre groups, cultural organizations, or even just peer networks of other artists trying to make it. Once I started connecting with people, I saw how much knowledge and support was out there, and it made such a difference.

If I could go back, I’d tell myself: don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t try to do it all alone, and know that there are resources and people who want to see you succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.raicesproductionscom.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paula_swarrior?igsh=azl0NnE3dmxlaXZo&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/paula_raicesproductions?igsh=cjl0eDYzaWNjanhl&utm_source=qr