Yanelba is a Dominican American Actor born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. At the age of seven she moved to the United States with her parents and siblings. Yanelba discovered her passion for acting by chance during her sophomore year of high school, when someone suggested that she audition for her school’s Drama Club.
The audition consisted of concentrating on a point on a wall and saying, “Get out of my face.” The drama teacher was so impressed by her facial expression and tone that he cast her on the spot. As part of the Drama Club’s Spring Showcases, Yanelba performed many scenes and monologues. Her friends and the audience members enjoyed her dramatic performances and referred to her as “The Screamer.”
At the age of seventeen, Yanelba was accepted to the State University of New York at Buffalo. She obtained a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science which she now calls, “the safe, comfortable AND smart route.” After graduation, she immediately started working as a project manager in the IT Division of a high profile investment bank. Although Yanelba worked with great people and learned a lot at her job, she eventually realized that she would never be able to fill the void in her heart unless she started to focus her time and energy into what she really enjoys and loves: acting. In 2010, she made the decision to follow her dream; Yanelba resigned from her full-time position, applied to a part-time position and registered for a 3-month acting workshop. She officially started her acting career in August 2010.
Some of Yanelba’s credits include:
- TV: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2012)
- TV: I Dated a Psycho (2014)
- Film: Jersey Shore Massacre (2014)
- Play: Un Chicle en la Relacion (2012)
- College Tour: Yo Soy Latina! (2012)