Cast Biographies

Abel Ortega (Victor)

Abel is a talented Junior at High Point High School. He currently lives in Adelphi, MD, and his family is originally from El Salvador. Abel’s interests include rap music, football, playing piano and acting. His friends would describe him as a kind, caring, funny person who likes putting smiles on others’ faces. Although his future plans are uncertain, he is interested in pursuing a career as a police officer.

In Victor and Erika, Abel plays the role of Victor. Abel brings a lot of his own unique style and personality to this role, making the character come to life. The Victor and Erika project relates a lot to Abel’s life experiences, and the situations portrayed in the episodes represent many of the problems that people face on a daily basis. He thinks that the Victor and Erika project is an opportunity to show how resilient Latinos are and that they can overcome adversity.

Gabriella Campos-Lacayo (Erika)

Gabriela is a dazzling Sophomore at High Point High School. She currently lives in Langley Park, MD, and her family is from Nicaragua, El Salvador and Japan. Gabriela likes to enjoy life, and spends her time going to movies, parties and visiting with friends. She intends to graduate from high school a year early and pursue a career as a physical therapist. Gabriela is passionate about helping others in need, and as a physical therapist, she can help others to have a higher quality of life. 

In Victor and Erika, Gabriela plays the role of Erika. In this role, Gabriela contributes to developing this protagonist’s character, while at the same time showing her own personality through this character. The Victor and Erika project means a lot to Gabriela because it helps to tell the stories of her generation. She feels that it is easy for older generations to discount troubles that young people have, and this project helps to raise awareness about these struggles.

Walter Gonzalez (Ricardo)

Walter is a charismatic Junior at High Point High School. He currently lives in Beltsville, MD, and his family is originally from Honduras. Walter likes to hang out with his friends, watch shows that interest him, and watch and play soccer. He plans on graduating from high school and trying out for professional soccer teams. Walter strongly believes in achieving peace in the world, and sympathizes with communities that must endure conflict. 

In Victor and Erika, Walter plays the role of Ricardo. In this role, Walter works to portray the different sides of his complex character. To Walter, the Victor and Erika project is a way to have fun acting with friends around him. 

Kathryn Garcia (Raquel)

Kathryn is a brilliant Senior at High Point High School. She currently lives in Langley Park, MD, and her family is originally from El Salvador. Kathryn likes acting, challenging herself, and socializing. After she graduates from high school, she wants to study to become a lawyer. Kathryn is passionate about helping people and social justice. 

In Victor and Erika, Kathryn plays the role of Erika’s sister, Raquel. In this role, Kathryn supports Erika through difficult times. Her character shows how important family is to young people. Kathryn thinks that the Victor and Erika project can help other youth who find themselves in similar situations to see that they have strengths, too. She also thinks that the situations in the episodes represent realities that teens and their families face. 

Jennifer Noemy Garcia (Nicole)

Jennifer is a scintillating Sophomore at High Point High School. She has been living in Langley Park, MD for about ten years, and her family is originally from Guatemala. Jennifer’s interests include dance, music, cooking and fashion. In her free time, she likes to visit with friends.  Jennifer is passionate about the arts, women’s rights, and ending hunger in the world. Jennifer plans on graduating from high school, studying criminal justice, and one day becoming an FBI agent or joining the United States Air Force.  

In Victor and Erika, Jennifer plays the role of Victor’s best friend, Nicole. Jennifer is enthusiastic about the Victor and Erika project because she thinks that it portrays situations that could happen to her and her friends. She also looks forward to participating in the creation and filming of the episodes because it provides an opportunity for her to spend time with people with whom she wouldn’t normally interact. 

Edgardo Gonzalez (Fabio)

Edgardo is a charming Junior at High Point High School. He currently lives in Beltsville, MD, and his family is originally from Honduras. Edgardo is primarily interested in playing soccer, and it is on his mind all the time and he plays frequently. After graduating from high school, he plans on trying out for the Honduran national soccer team or double major in architecture and business.

In Victor and Erika, Edgardo plays the role of Fabio. In this role, Edgardo shares a different side of himself with the audience.

Roselía Garcia (Jessica)

Roselía is a radiant Sophomore at High Point High School. She currently lives in Langley Park, MD, and her family is originally from El Salvador. Roselía’s interests include playing softball, hanging out with friends, being active, and going on adventures to relax. She loves photography and helping others. She cares a lot about her loved ones, and she is passionate about always being herself and learning new things. After graduating from high school, Roselía plans on going to college and pursuing a career where she could help people, mentor children, and travel the world.  Regardless of the path she chooses, she wants to be successful, be a lifelong learner and advocate for people in need.

In Victor and Erika, Roselía plays the role of Erika’s friend, Jessica. In this role, she demonstrates her commitment to her friends as she supports Erika by always being there for her. The Victor and Erika project means a lot to Roselía. Acting is a new experience to her, and she values the collaboration among the group and the input that she provides to the development of the scenarios. Roselía is excited about the impact that this project can have for her friends and her community. 

Anthony J. Palma (Lorenzo)

Anthony is a clever Junior at High Point High School. Anthony is from Langley Park, MD, and his family is from El Salvador. Anthony likes to watch movies and play sports, particularly football and basketball. He plans on graduating from high school and either playing professional sports or pursuing a career in law enforcement. Anthony is passionate about sports. 

In Victor and Erika, Anthony plays the role of Lorenzo. To Anthony, the Victor and Erika project gives good messages to teens and being involved in the process of developing and acting the episodes is a new, interesting experience for him. 

Leticia Monroy (Veronica)

Leticia is a captivating Sophomore at High Point High School. She currently lives in Beltsville, MD, and her family is originally from Guatemala. Leticia’s interests include helping people and making others happy through fashion and makeup artistry. She likes to go out with friends and do makeovers. Leticia plans to graduate high school and pursue a career in social work, real estate, or working with children. Leticia is passionate about achieving her life goals, her friends and her family.

In Victor and Erika, Leticia plays the role of Erika’s best friend, Veronica. In this role, she shows the power of friendship as they navigate difficult times together. This project means a lot to Leticia because she wants to improve her generation and help youth to become better. She wants to pave the path for her siblings to grow up in a better world.