Actress, author, immigration advocate Diane Guerrero to speak at UTRGV

Diane Guerrero, best known for her role as Maritza Ramos in the popular Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black,” will bring her message of immigration activism to UTRGV on Feb.1 at the TSC Arts Center, as part of the university’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

The actress and author also has appeared on shows like “Jane the Virgin,” and “Superior Donuts.”

In 2014, she wrote a revealing op-ed article for the Los Angeles Times that detailed her experience as the daughter of two undocumented Columbian immigrants who both were deported when she was 14 years old. In 2016, she wrote a memoir titled “In the Country We Love: My Family Divided,” chronicling the experience. Since then, she has advocated publicly for immigration reform.

Cindy Mata, director of student activities at UTRGV Student Involvement, said the Distinguished Speaker Series is an important way to bring new ideas to the university.

“The Distinguished Speaker Series provides an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to listen to renowned world-class speakers at our university,” she said. “Through the speakers, students can learn and obtain different perspectives on a variety of topics, be motivated by the stories and lessons learned and see how they, too, can make a difference.”