When Maria Paula Sabogal Guerrero left Colombia to pursue acting in New York City, she carried more than a dream; she carried generations of stories. Now a business owner, actor, writer, and producer, she channels those stories into her work with RAÍCES Productions LLC: a creative studio committed to telling stories that reflect the truth, complexity, and strength of underrepresented communities.
Through performance, media, and filmmaking, Maria Paula merges personal expression with social awareness, offering work that resonates far beyond the screen.
From Bogotá to Brooklyn: A Story Rooted in Resilience
Maria Paula was born in Colombia and raised in a family that, like many, faced its share of challenges. While not without certain privileges, her upbringing was also marked by moments of scarcity and uncertainty. But what endured was an unwavering desire to create. Her journey to the United States began with little more than faith in her purpose and a commitment to growth.
Arriving in New York without knowing a single person, she quickly realized that being alone in a new country required more than ambition; it called for adaptability and courage. That same courage became the foundation of her artistic voice and business vision.
The name RAÍCES means “roots,” a word that reflects both where she comes from and where she’s determined to grow.
Crafting Character and Story
Maria Paula trained at the renowned Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, where she deepened her technique through a method rooted in empathy and personal truth. The experience refined her ability to express not only scripted characters but also lived experiences; her own and those of others who rarely see themselves reflected authentically in media.
As both a performer and a writer, she rejects the narrow lens so often applied to Latina women. Her characters are multidimensional, shaped by nuance rather than stereotypes. Through her scripts and performances, she invites audiences to view women, especially immigrants, as full and self-determined individuals.
A Company With Purpose
Founding RAÍCES Productions LLC wasn’t just a professional milestone but a statement of intention. The company focuses on film, digital content, and brand collaborations that center women of color, survivors of violence, and immigrant creatives. Every project begins with the question: Whose story is missing from the conversation, and how can we tell it with care?
Maria Paula’s work with brands like Hilton, Peloton, and FUD USA has extended this mission into the commercial space. And her collaborations with Latinx-led teams, including Bichota Films and Karol G’s creative crew, have helped amplify voices that often go unheard.
Beyond the Camera
At the heart of Maria Paula’s creative philosophy is the belief that storytelling should honor dignity. She prioritizes ethical hiring, consent-driven production practices, and real community involvement. Through mentorship, workshops, and ongoing partnerships, she continues to build spaces for emerging artists to create with confidence and integrity.
Looking Ahead
As a Latina entrepreneur in a demanding industry, Maria Paula is part of a new generation shaping what independent filmmaking can be. She’s not only creating work that resonates; she’s building infrastructure to support others in doing the same.
Her goals for the future include writing feature-length scripts, collaborating with figures like Sofia Vergara or Guillermo del Toro, and expanding RAÍCES into campaigns and programs that support wellbeing through media.
Her advice for you? Dream boldly. Start with your roots. And don’t be afraid to build something new in unfamiliar soil.
