Emily Tosta

words by VANESSA SALLES photos by ROWAN DALY

A fan-favorite on Freeform’s Party of Five, Emily Tosta shines as the passionate, tell-it-how-itis Lucia Acosta. The series, which follows the Acosta siblings as they struggle to stay together in the wake of their parents’ deportation, tugs at your heartstrings while simultaneously inspiring you to help make these heartbreaking realities a thing of the past. “Throughout the series, you can expect a whirlwind of emotions, life lessons, laughs and tears,” Emily shares. “Though the circumstances are less than ideal, I love the voice that Lucia starts developing for herself. She is not afraid to speak her mind and she starts growing into who she is and learning to embrace her identity.”

With the Acosta’s struggles being one of truth for many families in this country, audiences have flocked to the show to find solace in the fact that their stories are now being represented. “The reaction to the show has been incredible so far,” Emily says. “We’ve gotten messages from people that are either going through a similar experience or know someone who is. They have told us that they are so happy to finally feel represented and to feel like there is hope. We have also gotten messages from people who weren’t aware of truths like these, and are so glad that the show has opened their eyes and brought perspective.”

With a personal connection to the immigrant struggle, Emily describes her Party of Five role as one of the most significant projects she’s been involved with. “It means the world to be able to be part of taking the right steps towards representation and diversity onscreen,” she says. “I am lucky to be apart of a project that is so culturally diverse, in both cast and crew. Being so honest about my immigration journey has definitely been difficult and continues to be because you never know how things can be perceived or the repercussions that could come from being so honest about my status. However, that won’t stop me, because at the end of the day, I want to show people that if I am able to do what I love and be in the position that I am, they can do it too… no matter what your ethnicity, skin color or background is.” Like her onscreen persona, the actress has found that there is power in numbers and there is power in channeling your anger and frustration at the political climate and turning it into something productive and meaningful. “That’s exactly what Lucia is trying to figure out,” she explains. “She had so much anger towards the things that were happening to her family and other families, and she was trying to find an outlet in which to release that. What she discovered was that with frustration or negative emotions, things won’t get resolved. Instead, she found a way to fight for justice through activism.”

“I am a strong believer in the strength of unity,” Emily adds. “Find likeminded people and get to work. Start those important conversations, always stay educated, use your platforms/voices to stand up for what you believe in, find ways to volunteer in your community or with your favorite organizations. Anything and everything is important and it’s always a step in the right direction.”

Recalling her time on set, the rising starlet has nothing but happy memories. “There are so many memorable moments that took place,” she gushes. “I am so blessed to work with people who have become my real family, both on and off screen. Niko, Brandon, Elle and I’s relationship consists of constant new memories, laughs, handshakes, advice and a very strong board

game rivalry! There’s never a dull moment with us.” Working alongside such a talented cast and crew, Emily credits the safe space as a reason why they’re always on their A game. “On set, I’ve learned the importance of communication amongst everyone,” she notes. “The creators of the show have done such an incredible job at letting us feel free to express ourselves. It’s been so important to work with people that I feel comfortable voicing my opinions with.”

Moving to Los Angeles at the age of 15, Emily’s big break has been years in the making. “My experience in Hollywood when I first got here is very different to my experience now,” she explains. “Coming to Los Angeles at that age brought with it a lot of negative comments from casting directors or people in the industry about my body, accent, the way that I looked. It took me quite some time to learn to block all of that out and to believe/love/have faith in myself. At the end of the day, it made me stronger and now I am excited and so blessed to represent my culture on screen.”

As for what’s up next, the actress has got a lot on her bucket list. “I’d really love to travel some more,” she says. “I also want to dive deeper into the film industry and just continue to use my voice/platform to help make the world a better place. That’s what matters to me.” Her special message to fans? “Thank you for being so supportive and incredible throughout my journey. Stay strong, be kind, chase your dreams, have faith and work hard. Anything is possible. Trust me.”