My name is Anelle Abad and I am a Dominican-American actress/singer born and raised in the city of Boston. Although I come from a loud family, I used to be very shy but grew into a confident, intuitive, and empathetic individual. Breaking out of my shell in the theatre world taught me the importance of learning about and using everyone’s unique perspective in my performances.

My favorite childhood memories are quality dad-daughter time watching films from all eras. He not only introduced me to the art of filmmaking but also whole-heartedly encouraged the pursuit of an acting career. And although recreating real life situations can be uncomfortable at times, these moments are critical for spreading the necessary awareness of the human experience. Films help provide a medium for these timeless moments and stories which an audience can use to cope with their own. Welcoming others into my vulnerability as an actor helps us all share in what makes us human.

My parents did not know I could sing until I sang “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers for my dad on his 43rd birthday (after he agreed to hold a pillow in front of his face!). Seeing my dad get emotional meant the world to me. His reaction encouraged me to join the choir at 12 years old where I was recognized by the musical theater department chair. Soul music is now my favorite genre to sing. Women like Nina Simone, Alicia Keys, Amy Whinehouse, and Ella Fitzgerald taught me that the greatest singers are not necessarily the loudest, but those who move you.

My goal is to help inspire the next generation by adding more hispanic representation to the entertainment industry. It is important for children, especially young women, to be able to see someone that they can relate to on screen. As a child, seeing Adrienne Bailon as the only hispanic actress on Disney helped me embrace my background and curly hair! As an adult, I saw her become the first Latina featured on an American daytime Emmy-winning show as a TV host. Trailblazers like her, Zoe Saldana, and Michelle Rodriguez have empowered me when I most needed it which is now my responsibility to pay forward. It is important for me to serve as an example for children to recognize, embrace, and share their uniqueness. I want my journey to teach children from all cultures that trusting their talents and embracing the process will lead them to who they are intended to become!