Meet Yessenia “Yesse” Rodriguez of National

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yessenia “Yesse” Rodriguez.

Hi Yessenia “Yesse” , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my journey in entertainment started early. As a proud Puerto Rican, storytelling, performance, and creative expression have always felt like home. Acting began at 11 years old with the full support of my family, and by 14, modeling became a natural extension of that passion. From the very beginning, the entertainment industry felt like the place where I was meant to be.

During high school, I attended Milwaukee High School of the Arts, where I studied opera, jazz, theater, and performance. At the same time, I trained through Strive Media Institute, gaining hands-on experience in videography, film production, editing, on-camera hosting, and media communications. One of the biggest early highlights of my career was becoming one of four hosts on Gumbo TV, an Emmy-recognized teen television program. That experience gave me my first real taste of being in front of the camera and helped shape my confidence as both a performer and storyteller.

From there, my career continued to grow across film, television, commercial work, theater, modeling, and voiceover. Opportunities included working on projects like Ride Along 2 alongside Kevin Hart and Ice Cube, portraying Jodi Arias in Investigation Discovery’s An American Murder Mystery, and appearing in productions such as The Bridge, Crossover, Chainz 2 Break, Beautifully Insecure, and Lovers Lane. I also collaborated on creative productions and digital skits with Collective Visions Productions, expanding my work in short-form storytelling and socially driven content.

Commercial and branded campaigns with companies like Harris Teeter, Lenovo, Carowinds, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security further allowed me to connect with audiences across both entertainment and corporate spaces.
Beyond acting, I’ve always believed in building platforms that create opportunities for others. That passion led me to create Hoy En Día TV, A bilingual lifestyle show and podcast focused on motivating, inspiring, educating, enlightening and entertaining through meaningful conversations and community impact. It also led me to begin developing Slay the Scene Academy, where I coach and mentor aspiring actors and models to help them build confidence, sharpen their craft, and navigate the entertainment industry with purpose.

At the same time, I’ve built over 17 years of executive leadership experience in healthcare operations, quality improvement, and strategic leadership. I hold a double master’s degree in public administration and healthcare management, and I’ve learned how to balance both the creative and corporate worlds while leading with excellence in both spaces.
For me, success has never been about fitting into one lane—it has been about walking fully in purpose. Whether I’m on set, on stage, behind the mic, coaching talent, or leading in business, my goal has always been the same: to create impact, tell meaningful stories, and help others see that their dreams are possible too.

I truly believe the sky is never the limit because the galaxies are endless.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped who I am today.

One of the biggest struggles has been navigating an industry that often expects people to fit into one box. I’ve always been multi-dimensional—balancing entertainment, executive leadership, entrepreneurship, and community work—so there were times when people didn’t fully understand how all of those worlds could coexist. Learning to embrace that instead of shrinking myself to fit someone else’s expectations was a major turning point.

Like many creatives, I also faced rejection, inconsistency, and moments of self-doubt. Entertainment is not always predictable. There are seasons of constant work and seasons where you have to keep believing in yourself even when opportunities feel quiet. That requires discipline, faith, and resilience.

Another challenge was learning how to protect my vision and my value. As a woman in business and entertainment, I had to learn that saying yes to everything is not the same as growth. Setting boundaries, understanding my worth, and moving with intention became necessary for both personal and professional success.

Balancing corporate leadership with a creative career also came with its own challenges. Leading in healthcare operations while pursuing acting, hosting, and entrepreneurship required sacrifice, structure, and a strong sense of purpose. It taught me how to lead with excellence in every room I enter.

Through it all, I’ve learned that the road does not have to be smooth to be meaningful. Every setback became preparation, every delay became direction, and every challenge strengthened my ability to walk fully in purpose.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Creative Executive, SAG-Eligible Actress, Host, Producer, Model, Acting Coach, and Founder of YR Enterprises. My work lives at the intersection of entertainment, media, leadership, and community impact. I specialize in storytelling—whether that is through film, television, commercial work, hosting, voiceover, live events, or coaching and developing talent.

Most people know me for my versatility and my ability to lead in multiple spaces with purpose. I have worked across film, television, theater, modeling, commercial campaigns, and branded content while also building platforms that create opportunities for others. As the creator and host of Hoy En Día TV, my bilingual lifestyle show and podcast, I focus on meaningful conversations that motivate, inspire, educate, and empower audiences while giving entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders a platform to share their stories.

Slay the Scene Academy is a training platform created to coach aspiring actors and models, helping them build confidence, strengthen their craft, and gain a deeper understanding of the business side of the entertainment industry. Through mentorship, hands-on guidance, and real industry insight, the academy is designed to empower emerging talent to grow with purpose, professionalism, and confidence. Mentorship and helping others succeed is a major part of my mission and the foundation behind the academy.

What I am most proud of is being able to build a career rooted in authenticity without limiting myself to one lane. I have spent over 29 years in entertainment while also leading in executive healthcare operations for over 17 years. I’m proud of proving that you do not have to choose between creativity and leadership—you can excel in both.

What sets me apart is that I lead with both strategy and heart. I understand the business side of success just as much as the creative side. I bring professionalism, discipline, and purpose into every room I enter, whether I’m on set, on stage, behind the mic, or coaching someone toward their next breakthrough.

At the core of everything I do is the belief that storytelling has the power to transform lives, and I use every platform I have to create impact, inspire confidence, and help others see what is possible for themselves. Above all, I give God the glory for every opportunity, every lesson, and every door that has opened along the way. My faith has been my foundation, and I believe purpose, perseverance, and success are all guided by His grace.

Any big plans?
My plans for the future are centered around growth, legacy, and creating lasting impact across entertainment, media, and leadership. I want to continue expanding my career in film, television, hosting, and producing while taking on more roles that challenge me creatively and allow me to tell meaningful, culturally impactful stories.

A major focus for me is continuing to grow Slay the Scene Academy, creating a strong platform for aspiring actors and models to receive real mentorship, professional training, and industry guidance. I want the academy to become a space where talent is not only developed, but where confidence, discipline, and purpose are built as well.

I am also looking forward to expanding Hoy En Día TV and taking it to the next level through larger partnerships, sponsorships, media opportunities, and broader community impact. My goal is to continue using that platform to inspire, educate, and create powerful conversations that matter.

On the business side, I plan to continue building YR Enterprises as a creative and media powerhouse that supports entertainment, talent development, production, and brand partnerships. I am also working on larger projects in film and television production, including purpose-driven storytelling that creates both representation and real conversations.

More than anything, I am focused on building legacy—not just success. I want my work to open doors for others, create opportunities, and leave a meaningful impact that goes beyond titles and accomplishments.

Above all, I trust God’s timing in every season. I believe the best is still ahead, and I’m excited for the next level of growth, purpose, and possibility.

Pricing:

• • Acting & Modeling Coaching Sessions – Customized pricing based on session length, goals, and level of coaching support needed. • Slay the Scene Academy Training Programs – Pricing varies by program level, from Level 100 through Level 900, based on curriculum, certification options, mentorship, and training structure
• • Brand Collaborations / Commercial Work / Speaking Engagements – Pricing based on project scope, usage rights, deliverables, and overall campaign needs
• • Workshop Intensives & Masterclasses – Custom pricing based on group size, location, event structure, and training need
• • Hosting / Emcee Services – Pricing varies based on event type, duration, travel requirements, and production expectations
• • Podcast Sponsorship & Media Packages – Custom sponsorship opportunities available based on brand goals, visibility, and promotional deliverables

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yesserodriguez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yesserod1/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Seny.Rodriguez
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yessenia-yesse-rodriguez-mpa-mha-3483a6a2
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/yesserod1
• Soundcloud: https://rss.com/podcasts/hoyendiatv
• Other: http://www.imdb.me/yesserodriguez