Biography
Mina Olivera, an acclaimed actress and writer, has always embraced a global perspective. Born in Rio de Janeiro, she frequently accompanied her mother on United Nations assignments, spending her childhood and teenage years in Switzerland and El Salvador.
As the daughter of a U.N. human rights officer, Mina’s early life was marked by beauty, drama, political intrigue, and even death threats. She is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French.
Her father, a renowned Brazilian filmmaker in the 1970s and 1980s, earned the Brazilian Oscar for screenwriting and encouraged Mina’s artistic pursuits from a young age.
Passionate about the arts, Mina has been deeply involved in theater since childhood, making her professional debut at 14. After graduating with honors from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television, she has written, produced, and starred in numerous critically praised plays and films.
Mina wrote and starred in the comedy SOLTEIRA QUASE SURTANDO (SINGLE ALMOST CRAZY), produced by MGM and set for theatrical release in 2017. Her film DARK AMAZON earned her the "Most Promising Actress" award at the Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival. She also appeared in CRY NOW, which was scheduled for release in 2017.
Inspired by her own experience immigrating to America alone at 17, Mina created the one-woman show LOL! LATINA ON THE LOOSE. The performance was celebrated by critics and audiences, playing to sold-out crowds at the 300-seat Los Angeles Theater Center before touring nationally. Her comedic writing earned her the Brazilian Press Award in Miami and the Straw Award for Best Theater Performance in 2011.
Shortly after graduating, Mina co-founded NOVICA.com with her mother and husband Roberto. Starting from their basement in Santa Monica, they grew the mission-driven online company, partnering with National Geographic and establishing offices worldwide. To date, NOVICA has generated over $70 million in sales, positively impacting the lives of more than 10,000 artisans and their families.
