The Inspiring Success Story of Latina Writer, Producer, and Director Evette Vargas
Evette Vargas is one of the few talented writers, producers, and directors of Latin descent that have made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry through their exceptional work. Her journey toward success, however, was not always a walk in the park. Like many people of color, she also worked tirelessly to establish herself as a serious and respectable industry talent. Over time, her success became an inspiration to Latinas like her who aspire to make a name for themselves in the industry.
The award-winning writer, producer, and director is a first-generation Puerto Rican born in the Bronx. Vargas and her family then relocated to New Jersey to live in their first house. It was during her stay in suburbia that she encountered challenges in cultural assimilation. She was not white enough for her white friends, nor was she Latina enough for her Latin friends. Throughout this struggle, Vargas found refuge in art. She found a way to channel all her frustrations and struggles into her drawings, paintings, writing, and dancing. It was these art forms that helped her get past one of the toughest times of her life.
Fresh out of high school, Vargas went on to study fashion and design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She spent a semester in Paris and eventually became a fashion designer for Calvin Klein and Donna Karen. At that season in her life, she felt a longing to write. She understood, however, that she had to wait for the perfect timing. While waiting for her big break to happen, Vargas directed music videos and commercials on the side. She also worked as an advertising art director before her thesis won the best of NYU. As a result, Vargas started to get noticed, and it paved the way for her to reach Los Angeles.
Hollywood became Vargas’s playground as she worked endlessly to develop her skills further. She found her way in the digital departments of Hollywood giants such as Disney, Sony, and Universal Studios. Some years later, she founded a digital production company together with her husband. They started to bring in some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Madonna, Snoop Dog, and the Wu-Tang Clan. After some time, she decided to pursue further studies and opted to take a Master of Fine Arts Major in Screenwriting and Television Show Running at UCLA.
Part of her tremendous accomplishments includes executive producing, writing, and directing her digital series, Dark Prophet, starring Henry Rollins. The project became a contender for two Emmy awards.
Her many years in the entertainment industry have opened her eyes to the need for inclusion and equality within the system. Pushing for these advocacies became her inspiration to become an activist. As part of her advocacy, she established The Writers Room 5050 Foundation, Inc., an organization that mentors and supports colored and talented storytellers. As a mentor, Vargas poured out all that she knew about the industry and screenwriting to anyone interested in pursuing their dream seriously. For the past ten years, she managed to mentor five writers. Over time, The Writers Room 5050 Foundation, Inc. was able to help in facilitating the hiring of eight writers.
Evette Vargas has braved many challenging storms in her personal life and career. Throughout these challenges, she remained brave and steadfast, relying on her creativity and skills to get the job done. Her success story is one worth telling and hearing about, most especially for people who are in pursuit of their lifelong dreams.
Learn more about The Writers Room 5050 Foundation, Inc. by visiting its website. Follow Evette Vargas on Instagram for updates on her latest projects.
