Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarissa Molina
Hi Clarissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in the Dominican Republic, and moved to the United States when I was only 15 years old, settling in New York. Like a lot of people, I had big dreams, but I knew that getting where I wanted to be would require hard work and dedication. One of my very first jobs was at McDonald’s. I worked there as a teenager, and it was a humbling experience that taught me a lot about discipline, responsibility, and the importance of giving 100% in everything you do.
Working at McDonald’s I used to save part of my paycheck towards beauty pageants. In 2015, I was crowned as Miss Dominican Republic following by my participation in Miss Universe and landing 6th place. That was a huge milestone for me because it opened doors in the entertainment industry.
I later went on to become part of Nuestra Belleza Latina, where I won the title, and that led to the start of a big chapter in my life. One of the biggest turning points in my career came when I joined the Univisión team, where I started working as an entertainment host on El Gordo y La Flaca. The exposure and experience I have gained throughout my years there has been incredible, and has helped me connect with so many amazing people in the industry.
Looking back, I can honestly say that my journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. It has been a path filled with learning, growth, and persistence. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I never forget the lessons I learned along the way. Today, I’m thankful for the platform I have, and I’m able to use it to inspire others, especially young Latinas, to chase their dreams no matter where they start.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think when people look at someone’s success, they often don’t see the struggles and setbacks that happen behind the scenes. I’ve faced many challenges along the way, but I always tried to stay focused on my goals and never let the obstacles stop me.
There were also moments of doubt and rejection. I remember applying for many opportunities in TV and media early on and hearing “no” more times than I can count. Being told that I wasn’t “ready” or “not quite the right fit” for something is hurtful, especially when you’ve put in so much effort.
And of course, there’s the challenge of balancing my public and private life. Being in the spotlight means dealing with criticism and judgment from others. There were times when it was hard to ignore negative comments or the pressure to be perfect. But over time, I learned not to let that affect me, and to focus instead on the positive impact I can have.
The important thing is to always believe in yourself and keep your faith and hopes high.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is really a combination of different passions—TV hosting, acting, and using my platform to inspire others. I started in pageantry, and through that, I found my love for entertainment. Since then, I’ve focused on building a career where I can connect with people, share stories, and create positive change.
In addition to hosting, I’ve also ventured into acting and had the extraordinary blessing of appearing in several films as the main role, and it’s been amazing to bring different characters to life. I really enjoy the storytelling aspect of acting—it’s a different kind of challenge, but it allows me to stretch my creative muscles in ways that hosting doesn’t.
I think what sets me apart is my authenticity. There are so many incredible people in entertainment, but I try to stay true to who I am. I also think my story—coming from a humble beginning and working my way up through perseverance and hard work—resonates with people. I’ve been through the struggles, and I know what it takes to keep going, even when things get tough.
I’m most proud of the impact I’ve been able to make, especially when it comes to empowering young Latinas. I’ve received messages from women who’ve told me I inspired them to chase their own dreams, or that they see themselves in me. That’s what makes all the hard work worth it.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Always always always believe in yourself and in your potential! People may question your dreams, or you may even question yourself. But if you don’t believe in your own potential, no one else will. Remember, your journey is uniquely yours. No one else has walked the same path, so don’t compare yourself to others. Embrace your own timeline, trust the process, and keep working toward your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://clarissamolina.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissamolina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarissaMolinaC
- Twitter: https://x.com/clarymolinard
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@clarissamolinaALL
Image Credits
Credits: Gicarlos Ureña
Courtesy: MS Communications
