Mina Olivera, a renowned actress and writer, has lived a life that is as vibrant as it is multifaceted. Born in the captivating city of Rio de Janeiro, Mina spent her childhood traversing the globe with her mother, a United Nations human rights officer, and her father, a prolific movie director in Brazil.
As the daughter of a U.N. human rights officer, Mina's early years were filled with the beauty of international diplomacy, the drama of global politics, and the complexity of navigating multiple cultures. Her exposure to four languages - English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French - has allowed her to communicate effortlessly with people from diverse backgrounds.
Mina's father, a celebrated screenwriter, encouraged her to pursue the arts from a young age. He won the Brazilian Oscar for his work, and his influence can be seen in Mina's own passion for creative expression. With a lifelong love for art, Mina has been involved in theater for most of her life, making her stage debut at the tender age of 14.
After graduating with honors from UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television, Mina has gone on to star in, write, and produce numerous critically acclaimed plays and films. Her film SOLTEIRA QUASE SURTANDO (SINGLE ALMOST CRAZY),a comedy produced by MGM, is set to be released in theaters in 2017. Her film DARK AMAZON won her the "Most Promising Actress" award at the Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival, and she recently starred in the film CRY NOW, which is also scheduled for release in 2017.
Mina's unique experiences as a young immigrant in the United States inspired her to write the one-woman show LOL! LATINA ON THE LOOSE. Her hilarious performance, which drew from her real-life adventures, was met with critical acclaim and sold-out crowds at the 300-seat Los Angeles Theater Center. The show toured the country, and Mina received numerous awards, including the Brazilian Press Award in Miami and the Straw Award for best theater performance in 2011.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Mina co-founded NOVICA.com with her mother and husband Roberto. This mission-driven internet company, launched from their Santa Monica basement, has since partnered with National Geographic and expanded to offices around the world. To date, they have sent over $70 million to artisans, providing a profound impact on the lives of over 10,000 artisans and their families.
Throughout her life, Mina has been driven by a passion for art, a love for international culture, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Her remarkable journey is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and determination.
