The Spanish and Latino Student Association will host guest speaker Jackie Cruz on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Michael Schwartz Center auditorium.

Cruz is an actress and musician who guest stars as Flaca Gonzales on the Netflix series “Orange Is The New Black.”

“The purpose of her coming is to show Kent State Latinos and Hispanics – and really all of the student body – that there are Hispanics out there who are doing great things for themselves,” said Kelsey Leyva, the public relations specialist for SALSA. “If you keep pushing and following your dreams of what you inspire to be then it can all come fruition one day.”

Cruz will be speaking about her music and acting careers, including her successes and struggles as a Latina woman in the entertainment business, and how she has gotten to where she is today, Leyla said.

The lecture is free of charge and open to the general public, and Cruz will be available to answer questions from the audience.

Prior to the lecture, there will be a meet and greet exclusively for SALSA members.

Contact Arbrion Chambliss at [email protected].