El Pinto De Puerto Rico from the Bronx—model, actor, empowerment leader, and survivor—Luis Mojica Rodriguez is a living testament to resilience, representation, and self-belief. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Bronx, New York, Luis has transformed a lifetime of adversity into a global platform of empowerment, proving that what once set him apart is now what makes him unforgettable.
Born With CMN: A Life Defined by Courage
Luis was born with Congenital Melanocytic Nevi (CMN), a rare condition that causes large birthmarks across the body. Growing up, these visible differences made him a target of bullying and exclusion, forcing him to develop strength far beyond his years.
At just 17 years old, Luis faced one of his greatest challenges—cancer, which developed within his birthmarks on his left leg. He survived the battle but lived with a limp for over 20 years, learning early that resilience is not optional when survival is at stake.
From Paralegal to Purpose: Reinvention During the Pandemic
For 17 years, Luis worked as a respected paralegal in New York City, building a stable career across Wall Street and the Bronx. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he became unemployed for the first time—and instead of fear, he chose transformation.
“I was told I couldn’t be a model or actor because of my birthmark.
That only made me work harder.”
Determined to pursue his passion, Luis took a leap of faith and enrolled at the John Casablancas Center for Actors and Models, a decision that would redefine his future.
Breaking Barriers in Modeling and Runway Fashion
Through intensive runway training, Luis not only learned to walk with confidence—he overcame his limp entirely. His dedication paid off quickly.
At IMTA, competing against more than 1,000 performers, he won an Acting Improv Award and secured two agency contracts.
Preparing for New York Fashion Week, Luis lost nearly 50 pounds in two months, stepping onto the runway with power and purpose. Since then, he has:
- Walked in front of 5,000+ attendees
- Appeared on multiple national billboards
- Been published in over 30 magazines and editorials
- Featured in covers across the U.S.
His runway victories span multiple states, including New York, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Nevada.
Award-Winning Success and Industry Recognition
Luis’s achievements include:
- Mr. Hollywood Dandy (Summer & Winter 2025 – Las Vegas)
- Best Host 2025 – Anastasia Magazine NYFW
- Mr. Congeniality
- Exceptional Inspiring Role Model of 2025
- Winner at Magnifique NYFW and Magnifique Tennessee Showcase
Even while recovering from a life-threatening medical emergency that required an ostomy bag and multiple surgeries, Luis returned to the runway and continued to win—proving his commitment is unbreakable.
Expanding Into Acting, Film, and Coaching
Beyond fashion, Luis has built a powerful presence in entertainment:
- Lead role in the motion picture “A Man’s Worth” (Coming Soon)
- Roles in Echoes of Asgard (TV series)
- Featured in music videos including Now I Rise by Lourds Lane
- Commercial work for national brands
- Acting and modeling coach at John Casablancas Center
His journey has come full circle—now mentoring others who once stood where he stood.
Representation, Culture, and Community Impact
A proud Boricua, Luis was honored to ride on floats at the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade, representing resilience, culture, and pride.
He was also featured in the international children’s book:
“Didi, the Wolf and the Starry Tattoo”
A story that teaches children to embrace visible differences and see uniqueness as strength.
The More Empowerment Movement
Luis Mojica Rodriguez identifies as an Empowerment Model—using fashion, acting, and storytelling to inspire change. His mission is to:
- Empower those who feel “othered”
- Educate society against bullying and discrimination
- Redefine beauty standards through diversity
- Pave the way for future generations born different
“People called me ugly, so I became a model.
People called me weird, so I became an actor.
People told me I couldn’t—so I did.”
A Message That Transcends Fashion
Luis understands he cannot change the world alone—but he can change lives.
His story stands as proof that birthmarks are beautiful, diversity is powerful, and limitations exist only if you accept them.
Luis Mojica Rodriguez
El Pinto De Puerto Rico from the Bronx
Empowerment Model | Actor | Coach | Advocate for Diversity