vidagirl.com

I’m driving down famed Sunset Avenue on a bright, sunny afternoon in Los Angeles when I come across a massive billboard of TNT’s gigantic hit show “The Closer,” looming over the cars, pedestrians and tourists below. It features all the major players in their obligatory cop suits and sporting some very serious faces. It’s somewhat ironic as I just happen to be on my way to meet one of that show’s stars, Gina Ravera, and I wonder if I should be concerned, given those stern faces looking back at me.

A few minutes later, I’m meeting a gorgeous woman. Only she’s not wearing a solemn suit, she’s wearing a huge, bright smile and immediately I feel a rush of relief. Turns out, Gina Ravera is nothing like her character on “The Closer.” As a matter of fact, if that character existed in real life, Gina wouldn’t even hang out with her, she laughs. After spending a couple of memorable afternoons with the exquisite actress, you see her point.

Born in the Bay Area but “adopted by New York,” the actress who is still known for her unforgettable role in “Soul Food” as that sexy young dancer who lured a husband away from his wife (she still receives disapproving glares), continues to shine in her acting roles, currently playing Detective Daniels on the highly successful cable hit “The Closer.”

As we sit down for an afternoon barbeque on the show’s set, listening to quips from her fellow cast mate Raymond Cruz, everyone is in high spirits, and why not? “The Closer” has just received its highest ratings ever. And although the actual set is strangely dark and heavy, the relaxed, easy going mood of those involved with the show quickly rubs off on you. It’s “the little engine that could,” laughs Gina. No one expected it to do this well.

Looks like doing well has become a theme with Gina. She’ll also be returning to the mega hit “ER” this fall and has just filmed an upcoming movie starring alongside Denzel Washington and Forest Whittaker titled “The Great Debaters.” And, along with her success, she’s now focused on her most important role as the founder of her non-profit organization, Project Reina.

Created to boost HIV/AIDS awareness in the Latina and African American female communities, Gina formed Project Reina to “create a pipeline in terms of information,” she states. “Reina is about teaching young girls to cherish and adore themselves enough to ask ‘Are you HIV positive? When are we gonna get that test’? Even if he gets mad, who cares? Baby, you’re cute but not that cute!”

Driven by the shocking, ever increasing number of HIV and AIDS cases in the young African American and Latin female population in the U.S., the talented actress took it upon herself to make a move after hearing statistics that floored her. “How important are these lives to everyone else if we’re not rally saying something? We really need to come together. There’s more strength in us coming together as hermanas than going this road separately.”

And it’s not just about what’s going on today, it’s about taking care of the young girls who are our young ladies of tomorrow. It’s about looking out for today’s generation of future leaders within our communities. “We will look to each other for guidance and love and Reina is about bridging,” says Gina. “I want to create a pipeline in terms of information. It’s not just about HIV and AIDS…It’s a pro-wellness campaign.”