We were lucky to catch up with Gaby Roy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gaby, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I ever made was in myself. I have spent so many crucial years investing my time, energy, and finances into others. When you start to invest in yourself, others do the same. It all begins with you.

As I was working as a Special Education teacher, I almost turned down a huge artistic opportunity because I didn’t have enough money or time. This artistic opportunity ended up jumpstarting my film career.

You can have it all. Just remember that we spend a lot of time investing into external entities – work, people, social media, etc.

Invest. In. You.

The payback will be everything and more.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Gaby Roy. I am an Actress, Special Education Teacher, and an emerging Filmmaker.

What I am most proud of in this world is how I make people feel. Seeing the joy my students experience when teaching them a complex idea and they comprehend it. Seeing audience members cry, laugh, and smile when watching me morph into different characters. Watching my students feel empowered when I teach them coping mechanisms or self-advocacy. Observing my crew on film sets feel inspired and supported by my vision and work ethic. In a world where everyone is trying to numb the pain away by doom-scrolling and disassociating, I take pride in making people feel something – whether it be present, valued or simply alive, It’s easy to run away from our feelings. It takes bravery to face them and experience them.

I had the pleasure of studying the art of acting for 10+ years at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and The American Dance and Drama Studio. My work ranges from lead roles on stage at Queens Theater in the Park, to both in front of and behind the camera work for various short films and independent projects. I continued onto Film and Media studies at Baruch College, then went on to receive my MSed in Teaching Children with Disabilities in Urban Contexts. I am a passionate Special Education Teacher currently working for the DOE, and also enjoy teaching my students Acting at the New York Edge After School program. My mission is to create films that explore the themes of classism, social injustice, mental health, and artistic expression.

I offer a unique perspective as both a Special Education teacher in the New York City school system and an independent film Actress and producer. My deep understanding of education and advocacy informs my approach to storytelling, blending compassion with a drive to challenge norms, and elevate underrepresented voices.

My biggest inspirations in this world are my mother, Marisol Perez, my favorite artist, Frida Kahlo, and my favorite humans aka my students. All of these incredible individuals have taught me to use my artistic expression to create and teach. All in the hopes of making the world a better place through activism, spreading joy, and uplifting others. Each individual have inspired and taught me to learn my voice, value my voice, use my voice for the greater good, and show others how to do the same.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of my best friends named Desiree Gibbon was murdered at 26 years old. At the time I was so lost, heartbroken, angry and depressed. Realizing I had the privilege to live and my best friend did not because the opportunity was robbed of her, it made me stop and reflect on what exactly I was doing with my life. I was unhappy prior to her death because I was not living my truth or following my dreams. I was a travel agent for a company that was about to crumble. I realized I had to stop and look within. I journaled to get closer to my inner core and remembered my passion was always acting and working with children. Shortly after, I found a journal entry from when I was 10 years old titled “When I Grow Up”. I had written “I love making art but I also love working with kids. I guess I’ll wait and see”.

All my life, it was so hard for me to choose a major or career because I didn’t have the confidence or self-esteem to follow both my dreams of teaching and acting/filmmaking. I also felt like I couldn’t do both of my passions and that I had to choose. At this point in time, I would remember the days my deceased friend and I would share our dreams of following the same passion together. At this moment, I knew I had to do both. Not just for me – but for us. This led to me being accepted into a very competitive teaching fellowship program where I received my Master’s Degree and became a Special Education teacher. It also inspired me to go back into acting where I then became the Producer, Lead Actress, Music Supervisor, and Costume Designer for an Independent Television Pilot. We went on and had a bicoastal premiere – which was only the beginning, Fast forward to now, I am so happy that I pivoted and followed my true passion and dream of both teaching and filmmaking. I do this for Desiree. I do this for 10 year old me. I do this for my students to show them they can do whatever their heart desires, and to never settle.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that “love is conditional”. I have spent majority of my life feeling unworthy, and I was constantly seeking the approval of others. When you are taught that love is earned, you spend all of your time trying to earn it – usually in the worst ways from the worst people. As an artist, it is crucial to know that love is not conditional.

Love is unconditional. No matter what you create artistically, it is worthy. No matter how many mistakes you make in this world, you are worthy.

Love should be unconditional. But what people don’t warn you about it that it has to start within you.

So to all artists – please love yourself first. Love your work. The rest will follow.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @gabyroyrogers
• Other: Instagram for the TV Pilot I produced and starred in: @sexlessinthecity.tv