Biography
Yessenia "Yesse" Rodriguez has always aimed to pursue success and chase her dreams while staying grounded, humble, and true to herself as a person, model, and actress. From a young age, this bilingual Latina recognized her destiny for success, embracing new experiences and adapting to change. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Yesse moved with her mother to Milwaukee, Wisconsin at age two, where she spent her childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.
At 11, Rodriguez appeared as an extra on a children’s TV show airing locally in Milwaukee. By 14, she began modeling in Milwaukee and became a student and ambassador for Strive Media Institute, a nonprofit supporting students interested in television, film, and cinematography. Strive produced a teen newscast called Gumbo Television, broadcast nationally. Through Strive, Yesse became one of the four main faces of Gumbo Television and traveled to São Paulo, Brazil to film a documentary on child poverty and homelessness. After high school, she pursued further modeling opportunities, becoming a model and brand ambassador for Aras Promotions, while continuing to advance her education.
In 2008, Rodriguez took a bold step, relocating from Milwaukee to North Carolina in search of a lifestyle change to enhance her personal and career growth, particularly in modeling and acting. Today, Yessenia is more driven than ever, balancing her modeling and acting pursuits. She champions her "Beauty & Brains" brand and earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Healthcare Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. She believes education and beauty go hand in hand: "When you feel good about who you are and love how you look, while having the brains to support your looks, you are a winner!" Rodriguez is also planning to pursue a doctorate degree soon.
Yesse was featured as a model in the 2014 Women's Empowerment Fashion Show expo for Leon Bramer Couture and has been coached by Model International Coach Alva Page. In 2014, BlackOpps Entertainment selected her as one of five brand ambassador models for Crush Model Magazine, where she also landed the cover of the Masquerade edition in November. She has worked with talented photographers including Rick Crank, Damien Prout, Erika King, Dean Photography, and Kevin Lampkin.
In 2014, Yesse filmed a featured "hot girl" role as Cherry Red in Ride Along 2 alongside Kevin Hart and Ice Cube. She also appeared as a hospital doctor in The Longest Ride and had a featured role in But Deliver Us from Evil with Pooch Hall and Latavia Roberson. Additionally, she played Attorney Kalima Riley in the Daughters of Hustle film series, working with director Vince A. Stitt, Reggie Adams, and author/director MD Morris. Yessenia has appeared in numerous local and national films, commercials, and fashion shows, consistently pushing herself while remaining humble and authentic.
Rodriguez continues to grow her acting and modeling career while uplifting others. Through her "Beauty & Brains" brand, she encourages young girls and admirers to pursue education and stay true to themselves as a foundation for happiness and success. Her philosophy: "The sky is never the limit because the galaxy is endless." Yesse currently has several exciting projects underway, including local and national fashion shows, commercials, and feature and short films. Follow Yessenia "Yesse" Rodriguez on Facebook (Yesse Rodriguez - Public Figure) and Instagram (@yesserodriguez1) to stay updated on her journey.
"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." – Norman Vincent Peale.
