Meet Jenelle Simone Valle

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
How long have you been living on Staten Island?

Jenelle Simone Valle:
I’ve been on Staten Island since 1990.

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
When you think about Staten Island what word comes to mind?

Jenelle Simone Valle:
Staten Island is like its own entity… its own little world. Even though we are a part of “the City” the Island’s dynamics are definitely different. 

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
As a woman that is both Latina and African American, have you ever felt conflicted with in your identity? 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
Of course, but I had two Great Parents that did everything in their power to ease that conflict. My mother is African-American and my father is Puerto Rican, so I’m the bridge between the two cultures. My families on both sides where such strong and loving people, that it was never a situation. On Thanksgiving I would have “Platanos & Collard Greens”- with pun intended! 

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
Has living/growing up on Staten Island contributed to that experience? 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
Well because I came from such a diverse family, I didn’t think anything of it to have friends, boyfriends from other races.  Actually during my Sweet Sixteen (I know I should’ve had a Quineanera, lol) for each candle I celebrated those who accepted me and almost adopted me into their family. For Example: I gave a candle to my best friend and her family The Monahans and stated because of them I claim myself Irish, and for the Modica’s I’m Italian, and so on.   

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
Do you think that the Latino residents of Staten Island face identity issues living here?   

Jenelle Simone Valle:
Not necessarily now, there is a strong Latino community on Staten Island who are still enriched in their culture but not to the point that there are deemed separate from the rest of society. 

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
What does living in Staten Island as a Latina mean to you? 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
I never really thought about that…its not like I wear my Hispanic Heritage like a badge or a uniform… I can walk into a room, have a full conversation with a complete stranger not saying a single Spanglish word, nor with an accent and it’s very apparent that I am of Hispanic decent. 

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
In general what do you think are some of the problems facing Latinos today? 
 
Jenelle Simone Valle:
Well here is where I have a problem… with everything going on today for example, immigration laws, negative stereo types, etc I feel that Latinos as a whole is a lot further along than what we’re given credit for. Sure we could look at the negative but why not glorify the positive. In the next decade or so Spanish will be the number one language in the world. You can also look at almost any major news network at anytime of the day and see an anchor that is more than likely a Latino. It’s apparent that we have been recognized as a major part of the American population to where TV has revamped its marketing strategies to include more Spanish based programming such as, George Lopez Show, Ugly Betty, Mind of Mencia, LatiNation and the list continues to grow. 

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
What has been going on with you? 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
Well at this point I have just been enjoying life. There are so many times when we can get caught up with our career/lifestyle goals and miss the everyday joys of simply living.
I’m learning how to love more and laugh more. It’s important that at least once a day I smile.  
 
StatenIslandLatino.com™:
What are you working on now? 
 
Jenelle Simone Valle:
I just finished my first movie as a supporting role in Puerto Rican Day Parade in conjunction with Sixx Degree Films to be released Fall 2007. This summer I start shooting another film to where I play a Panamanian Gangster in “The City Is Mines” direct by Patrick Pierre and also this summer I will start filming another movie titled “Al Mighty” both to be released in 2008.

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
What has been your greatest accomplishment so far? 
 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
It’s funny I always hated this question… to me a great accomplishment is not a tangible thing. I don’t see materials of monetary value as something that defines that which is great. To me it’s what’s at home that exemplifies a “Great Accomplishment” and for that I thank God for my family. Even the people that were placed in my life as friends I consider- mi familia.  

StatenIslandLatino.com™:
What do you hope to be your greatest accomplishment? 

Jenelle Simone Valle:
To look back at my life and see that I made it without compromising who I am to be successful. My name is Jenelle Simone Valle, Yo Soy Boricua, Yo Soy Morena, Yo Soy Feliz.

For More information on Jenelle Simone Valle check out: www.myspace.com/jenellesimone