Stephanie Beatriz Empowers Students to Use Their Voices at Cal State Fullerton
An Inspiring Visit to Campus
On a vibrant Thursday, actress Stephanie Beatriz, renowned for her captivating roles in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and Disney’s enchanting film “Encanto,” stepped onto the stage at Cal State Fullerton. She addressed students during the final installment of the Associated Students’ Beyond the Conversation event, delivering a powerful message about the importance of finding and using one’s voice.
The Impact of Identity in Art
In a heartfelt talk, Beatriz explored how her multifaceted identity has influenced the characters she embodies. With a blend of determination and humor, she emphasized that characters grounded in authenticity resonate deeply with audiences. “Art is such a powerful way to get ideas into people’s heads that perhaps they hadn’t thought of before,” Beatriz passionately declared. “It’s an incredible way to make people feel empathetic towards individuals who might differ from them immensely.”
Stephanie Beatriz speaks at Beyond the Conversation on April 10, motivating students about the power of their voices. (Sergio Gonzalez / Daily Titan)
A Journey from Argentina to Disney
Originally from Argentina, Beatriz immigrated to the United States at the young age of two. As a child, watching animated Disney movies ignited her passion for the arts. She astutely noted the significance of having a Latina protagonist, such as her character Mirabel, in a company historically dominated by Eurocentric narratives. “When you’re a kid watching Belle and Ariel, you think, ‘Maybe someday I could be Princess Aurora,’” she reminisced. “But you also realize you don’t look like them, and it feels unachievable. Now, suddenly, it is for you, and it’s for all of us!”
Personal Touch in Animation
Beatriz’s personal touch influenced Mirabel’s character in surprising ways. For example, while recording lines in the studio, she unconsciously swung her arm, a gesture that was lovingly animated into the final film. “The trippiest thing is going to Disneyland and watching the girl portraying Mirabel,” Beatriz joked, “because sometimes she’ll do things, and I think, ‘I know how to do that better than you!’”
Finding her Artistic Path
The pivotal moment in Beatriz’s career came during her middle school years when the internet began to boom, opening up opportunities for artistic expression. She pursued her passion at Stephens College, focusing on underrepresented voices in the arts. “I thought about what I found interesting, rather than what I was told was supposed to be interesting,” she noted. This mindset fueled her exploration of artists and plays that often went unnoticed.
Transforming Roles Through Authenticity
Beatriz also shared her experience portraying Rosa Diaz on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Interestingly, she originally auditioned for a character who was a redheaded Irish girl. However, the showrunners appreciated her unique take and even reshaped the character to better fit Beatriz’s identity. She intentionally infused elements of her own life into Rosa, including her queer identity, which was carefully integrated into the series narrative.
When the moment came for Rosa to come out, Beatriz opened up about the emotional challenges of sharing this part of her life with her family. “My parents knew I was bisexual, but it was a topic we never acknowledged directly,” she explained. When her father finally reached out, he used lines from the show to express his support, reflecting the power of storytelling in facilitating genuine communication.
Encouraging Students to Speak Up
To aspiring artists and students in attendance, Beatriz offered simple yet profound advice: “Speak up. It doesn’t have to be as big as you think it does. It doesn’t have to be as heavy as you believe it is. You could just start.”
Beatriz discusses how television influenced her childhood journey. (Sergio Gonzalez / Daily Titan)
The Legacy of Beatriz’s Message
Stephanie Beatriz’s visit to Cal State Fullerton served not just as an event but as a motivational catalyst for students, encouraging them to embrace their identities and make their voices heard. In a world where representation matters, her journey from a young girl watching Disney films to owning her narrative in Hollywood is a testament to the transformative power of self-expression and authenticity.
Take inspiration from Beatriz’s story and remember: your voice can spark change!
