Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Pedraza
Hi Gabriella, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, surrounded by a rich cultural heritage that has always been a part of my identity. Life took a big turn when I was 16, and my mother moved us to the mainland U.S., where everything felt different—language, culture, and expectations. At first, it was challenging to find my place, but I embraced those feelings of discomfort by stepping outside my comfort zone, observing people, and going to places I normally wouldn’t. That adaptability and curiosity would shape much of my personal and professional growth.
Initially, I began my college journey at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where I studied Broadcasting and Journalism with a focus on Political Science. But during my time there, I realized my heart wasn’t fully in it—I craved the creativity, storytelling, and emotion that the music and entertainment industries bring. That realization led me to make a bold shift and transfer to Full Sail University to pursue my Bachelor’s in Media Communications. It was here that my journey as a creative truly began, and I could finally immerse myself in my passions.
My professional growth accelerated when I started working with Rawlens Productions with my close collaborators, the Carballido brothers, in the beginning of 2024. Daniel, a professional filmmaker, and Diego, a marketing specialist, songwriter, and creative, brought complementary skills that allowed us to blend cinematic filmmaking with marketing strategy. Through Rawlens, I’ve worked with numerous brands and businesses to create compelling, results-driven video campaigns that merge artistry with business goals.
One defining experience that shaped my confidence and presence was participating in the Miss Mundo Latina USA pageant as the representative of Miss Oviedo. Competing in pageants was more than just an external presentation—it taught me discipline, enhanced my stage presence, and taught me the importance of carrying myself with pride. It pushed me to embrace my individuality and represent my cultural roots while gaining valuable experience in public speaking and leadership.
In addition to working Rawlens and campaigning as Miss Oviedo, I led my own artistic ventures, including directing and producing a music video for my debut single Mujer Del Sol, which honors Puerto Rican resilience and women’s empowerment. The release of the song sparked a larger campaign focused on creating a community where Latin women could share their stories of overcoming obstacles and being proud of where they come from. This movement isn’t just a project for me—it’s a mission to uplift and inspire others while staying true to my roots.
My creative growth has also come through networking and opportunities, such as working for Immigration Records at the 25th Latin Grammys, working at the UNSIN Music Festival 2024, and collaborating with The Latin Music Hub. All of these experiences have shown me the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance. I’ve faced burnout, financial challenges, and moments of self-doubt, but each obstacle has fueled my determination and drive.
Today, I’m continuing to evolve as a creative, balancing my music career as GABA with my work in video production, creative directing and brand storytelling. My journey has been shaped by the people who believed in me, my family’s support, and the lessons I’ve learned through hard work and creativity. This is only the beginning, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges I’ve faced have shaped me into the creative and professional I am today. One of the biggest struggles came when my family and I relocated from Puerto Rico to the mainland U.S. when I was 16. Everything changed—the language, the culture, and the way I interacted with people. It was hard to adjust and find my place, but I learned to embrace discomfort, and that mindset has helped me through every challenge since.
Balancing work, school, and my creative projects often left me exhausted and on the brink of burnout. There were moments of self-doubt when I questioned if I could handle everything or if I was good enough to achieve my goals, especially when I faced betrayal from a team member or hit creative roadblocks.
I also faced minor health issues after an accident that made it difficult to work long shifts while maintaining the energy I needed for school and personal projects. At times, I felt overwhelmed and struggled with imposter syndrome, but I leaned on my mentors, professors at Full Sail University, and collaborators to regain my focus.
One of the most emotional challenges was creating and releasing my debut single, Mujer Del Sol. It was deeply personal, tied to my roots and the resilience of Latin women. There were moments when I was physically and emotionally drained from the demands of production, tight deadlines, and my perfectionism. But seeing the song come to life—and the community it inspired—made every sleepless night worth it.
Despite the obstacles, these struggles have pushed me to be more resilient, resourceful, and driven. They’ve taught me the value of collaboration, asking for help, and staying true to my passions, even when things get tough. The road hasn’t been easy, but I believe that every setback has prepared me for what’s to come.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a creative producer, artist, and storyteller who specializes in blending cinematic visuals with authentic storytelling across music, video production, branding, and media campaigns. My experience spans music video production, brand strategy, and content creation, but at the core of it all, I tell stories—whether through music, visuals, or community-driven campaigns.
My debut single, Mujer Del Sol, is not only a song but the foundation of a movement celebrating the strength and resilience of Latin women. This project has been deeply personal and one of my proudest achievements, as it honors my Puerto Rican roots and the stories of women who, like me, have faced challenges and overcome them. Creating a music video and a community around this message has been a dream come true.
I’ve also had the privilege of working with Immigration Records in events for major platforms like UNSIN and being in their Public Relations team for the 25th Latin Grammys, where I helped bridge connections between creatives and industry leaders. Working behind the scenes as a producer and event coordinator, I’ve combined my organizational skills with my creative vision to bring projects to life.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to merge artistry with strategy. I see creativity not just as an art form but as a tool to achieve business results and connect emotionally with audiences. My background in media communications, combined with my emerging production experience, allows me to bring structure and purpose to creative projects. I also take pride in creating content that resonates deeply.
I’m most proud of the journey that led me to where I am today. From working with incredible collaborators to creating a music project that means so much to me, every project I’ve taken on has contributed to my growth. But beyond my personal success, what makes me most proud is knowing that my work—especially with Mujer Del Sol—is inspiring others, particularly women, to share their stories and believe in their dreams.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe that taking risks is essential for growth, especially in creative industries where innovation often comes from stepping into the unknown. For me, risk-taking is about trusting my vision even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. It’s about embracing uncertainty, knowing that even if I fail, there’s a lesson waiting on the other side. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken bold risks—both personally and professionally.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was deciding to change my career path. I was initially studying Broadcasting and Journalism with a focus on Political Science at UCF. It felt like the “safe” and practical path, but deep down, I knew I wanted to pursue something more creative. Making the decision to leave UCF and transfer to Full Sail University to study Media Communications was risky, especially because it meant starting over in a completely different environment and diving into an industry where success is far from guaranteed. But I followed my passion, and that decision set the foundation for everything I’ve achieved so far.
Another major risk was producing my debut music project, Mujer Del Sol. The project wasn’t just about creating a song—it was about telling my story, embracing my Puerto Rican heritage, and representing the strength of Latin women. I invested time, energy, and emotion into making sure the song and music video were authentic and meaningful. It was a risk because I put my vulnerability on display, opening myself up to public opinion and potential criticism. But the risk paid off, as the project became the catalyst for a larger movement that I’m incredibly proud of today.
For me, risk-taking is about balancing intuition with preparation. I’m not impulsive, but I trust that if I’ve done the work and the passion is there, it’s worth taking the leap. I’ve learned that even when things don’t go as planned, every risk brings me closer to becoming the person and professional I’m meant to be. Without risk, there’s no reward!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgabapr?igsh=MWpsdWlrM2RvaDNtdA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18WajA4SMD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@itsgabapr?si=AKcKCgpi_0mmHQ0F
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7acBtvhoRJhv1QNLdzWoZ3?si=1FYth_IpQvym-xgdfjEAgw
Image Credits
Photgraphers:
Daniel Carballido
Shane Valentine (Mujer Del Sol Cover)
Miss Mundo Latina USA
Graphic Designer (Cover of Mujer Del Sol):
Paula Lobo
