Dascha Polanco donned an emerald green jumpsuit on the set of Despierta America, Miami.

Some of us know her as Dascha, others of us know her as Dayanara. Whatever you know Dascha Polanco as, today she is simply known as our ultimate Beauty Crush.0 Dascha Polanco's Mission Impossible Premiere Jay Godfrey White Cut Out Gown and 2nd Day Official JacketDascha-Polanco--Joy-NY-Premiere-houghton

Dascha Polanco is a Dominican American actress, most infamously known for her role as Dayanara Diaz on the comedy-drama (and highly addictive show) Orange Is The New Black. She’s also been an extremely vocal actress on her role for female empowerment in Hollywood, the importance of family support (considering she’s also a mother of three) positive body image and voicing her thoughts on prominent Latino issues in her community._2--Dascha-Polanco's-Courvoisier-Cognac’s-Exceptional-Journey-Campaign-Celebration-Jay-Godfrey-Red-Halter-Dress-and-Jimmy-Choo-

dascha polanco 2015+Glamour+Women+Year+Awards+Arrivals+c8-pJb5WBFXx

Polanco was born in the Dominican Republic (shoutout to my Dominicans!) and moved to the United States at a young age, being raised in both Brooklyn and Miami by her parents.0  Dascha Polanco's Fun Fearless Latina Awards Jay Godfrey Purple Ombré GownHey-girl-hey-OITNB-Dascha-Polanco-flashed-a-stunning-smile-in-an-aqua-green-dress-at-the-Zac-Posen-SS16-Presentation.

Afraid of pursuing a career in acting at first , Dascha instead pursued a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hunter College, thinking she would want to eventually become a nurse. Though she began working as a hospital admin shortly after graduation, her passion for the arts never subsided, and consequentially, she mustered up the courage to enroll in the acting studio BIH Studios, where she was then scouted and signed to a talent agency. Talk about a fairytale story!

fashion-bomb-daily-Talking-Style-Curves-and-Confidence-with-Orange-is-The-New-Blacks-Dascha-Polanco

dascha-polanco-elle-annual-women-television-celebration

Even though she played a few minor roles here and there, she’s best known for her role as “Daya” on Orange Is The New Black, which has since opened up the opportunity for her to perform, such as the independent film Gimme Shelter, the comedy films The Cobbler and Joy (alongside many A-list celebrities), and the future film, The Perfect Match.

Dascha-Polanco-2013-Angel-BallThe 2015 Billboard Latin Music Awards Featuring Dascha Polanco, Ne-Yo, J Lo, and more! Polanco is currently partnered with the NFL for their Women’s Apparel line alongside other big name celebrities. She’s the only Latina to be featured in the campaign, and is definitely opening doors for other women of color to be seen! Go girl!dascha-polanco-in-latina-magazine-june-july-2015-2

Dascha-Polanco-refinery29-29-room-nyfw-nycOITNB  star Dascha Polanco was spied out and about in NYC.

Dascha Polanco can teach us a lot of things (and make all of us curvy girls proud in how she loves her body) but one thing that’s evident is that pursuing your dreams are always worth it. She may just be getting her start, but we can only imagine what’s to come for this beautiful and rising star. She’s our Beauty Crush, is she yours?

You can check out her sweet interview with Claire here in case you just can’t get enough!

Posted in: Uncategorized