Most of us in the US carry family immigration stories, spanning numerous generations. Yet, discussions around who belongs often overshadow these insights, leaving immigrant voices and their children’s experiences unheard, which can lead to dehumanization.
Actress Mishel Prada exemplifies this narrative beautifully. Her family’s immigration journey fills her with immense pride, fundamentally shaping who she is. She believes in the transformative power of these stories.
“My [maternal] grandmother was living in the Dominican Republic and faced a dire domestic situation,” Prada reveals to Popsugar. “As I’ve matured, my admiration for her courage in leaving has grown. She left in the middle of the night with three kids back in the ’60s and found the strength to say, ‘No more, I’m taking a stand.'”
Prada’s grandmother fled from Santo Domingo to NYC, armed with little more than her three young children, minimal funds, and a fragile hope for a new life. For years, Prada remained unaware of the real reason for her family’s move; it was a closely guarded family secret.
“My mom always framed it as, ‘Your grandmother came to New York to work in fashion,'” Prada recalls. “In truth, she found work in a clothing factory, spending hours sewing.”
It wasn’t until adulthood that Prada began piecing together these family stories, driven by her desire for connection with her mother, who passed away in 2021. “In the last few years before she passed, I started asking deeper questions,” Prada reveals. “I believe the women in my family never wanted to be seen as victims.”
A particularly moving story emerged: Prada’s grandmother, often a single mother, had to bring her children with her to work. As long as they stayed out of trouble, they were allowed to be there. Prada recalls her mother sharing memories of hiding beneath her mother’s sewing machine.
“Eventually, my grandmother mastered the art of sewing sequins onto designer gowns,” Prada shares. “Each time I prepare for an event, I’m reminded of her effort and artistry, bringing a poetic sense of connection to the garments I wear, knowing they hide immense labor and sacrifice.”
Prada often feels her family’s struggles resonate within her own life. Observing her mother leave an abusive relationship sparked her desire to break generational cycles—even before knowing the full scope of her grandmother’s journey. In her 20s, Prada found herself ensnared in a damaging relationship, yet it was her family’s strength that ultimately propelled her to leave.
During that turbulent time, she became financially dependent on her partner. At the same time, her own mother was grappling with financial instability. One pivotal moment came when her boyfriend couldn’t attend a wedding they’d planned to go to.
“I decided to take my mom instead. She became my plus-one. After the wedding, we discovered our hotel reservation was voided,” Prada remembers. “In that moment, a harsh reality struck; we had no place to go.”
She continues, “We ended up sleeping in our car outside the house we lost to foreclosure, and I thought to myself, *never again.* I realized I had invested too much in someone else. That moment prompted a fierce commitment to reclaim my independence.”
Reflecting on her grandmother’s journey—long before she knew its intricacies—Prada attributes it to her career in acting. From her childhood church performances to school plays, acting became her healing journey after leaving a harmful relationship.
“Acting has offered a realm to cultivate growth, explore our humanity, and narrate our stories in powerful ways that transcend victimhood,” she states.
Even though Prada was only two when her grandmother passed, she feels grateful her mother lived to witness her pursue and achieve her acting dreams. She recalls how her mother never missed a chance to express her pride. Today, Prada carries that love forward, acutely aware of the sacrifices made by her grandmother and mother to secure her present life.
“I also take my mental well-being more seriously now. It’s crucial to recognize that strength can come at a cost. It is perfectly acceptable to be vulnerable; that realization shapes my current journey, exploring what it means to embrace softness and seek help when needed,” she says.
The characters she portrays often draw inspiration from the strength of the women in her family, whether as Emma on “Vida” or Detective Sergeant KD in “The Continental: From the World of John Wick.” She notes, “That character embodies strength-born resilience—a trait I’ve seen time and time again in the women of my family and our communities.”
Regarding the ongoing immigration conversations across the nation, Prada emphasizes that Latine individuals are not a singular narrative. She urges the community to unite more than ever.
“Every individual carries a unique story, each with different motivations for being here. My primary focus is on nurturing one another instead of engaging in conflict,” she comments. “We must channel our energy into fostering inner strength and resilience during these challenging times; that doesn’t mean abandoning advocacy. It serves as a gentle reminder to seek strength from within.”
