Model Latina Winner Makes Herstory

Season I of Si TV's Model Latina came to an end last night with Jessica Caban chosen as the chica rockin' the most beauty, brains and culture. The 5'5" Bronx-based boricua got her start in the industry at 19, as the runner-up for Jennifer Lopez's model search and was later featured in a fashion spread for YM magazine. In 2002, she was featured in N.Y.-based merengue rappers Proyecto Uno's "Holla" video before hosting BET's Viva Americana for a year. After her parents told her about auditions, Caban made sure she was first in line. I guess the early bird really does get the worm. SiTV.com chatted with the self-described rice and beans lover to find out what's next on her plate.

SITV.COM: What was it like living in L.A. with the rest of the ladies?
JC: It was awesome being able to talk to girls who can relate to being turned down at auditions because you're too short, too chunky, and you don't have light eyes or blond hair. It gave me more incentive.

SITV.COM: Was there less drama than say America's Next Top Model?
JC: I think there was more. Latinas naturally have more sazon. Victoria and Karina would get into it. People have opinions, but Latinas are passionate and take it to another level. At the end of the day, we'd brush it off our shoulders. No one held grudges.

SITV.COM: Who were the most interesting people you met on the show?
JC: I really liked Franco Lacosta, one of the judges. He inspired me with the advice he gave me at each elimination and helped me grow with each challenge. It was cool to see a Latino doing his thing, representing his culture well. And he was gorgeous.

SITV.COM: What was your favorite challenge?
JC: The music video. I won that challenge. I love that it didn't exploit women. It was for Mexican rapper Veze Skante's video about a woman who represents the ideal model to him. Jessy Terrero, who's big-time, directed it.

SITV.COM: So you didn't feel like a piece of meat?
JC: No, everyone was professional—the director, the artist—they came and introduced themselves. I didn't make too much side conversation. I was just there to do my job. If you respect yourself, people respect you.

SITV.COM: How was your final challenge?
JC: I wasn't feeling too well that day, so it was stressful. We had to direct, produce and star in a fashion show. We did everything—met with the designer [Eduardo Lucero], got clothing to the set, put up chairs, got the models ready, dressed them, undressed them, and then dressed ourselves and ran out there. It was crazy. If I were to lose to anyone, I wouldn't mind losing to Darlenis.  She's the type of girl who's thinking about the future. She wants to open a youth center and give back to her community. I still talk to her.

SITV.COM: So what now?
JC: I've been doing a lot of auditions for print ads and commercials, background work for Law & Order, and I'll probably do a show for Si TV. I want to go through doors that ordinarily wouldn't open for me because of my height. Ultimately, I want to start my own production company and provide a platform for young Latino actors.

SITV.COM: Your hair is bananas. How do you keep it so fly?
JC: I learned from my mistakes. I used to have blond highlights and streaks, and use mouse and all this crap. I dyed it back to my original color, let it grow out, and kept trimming it. Even if it's just half an inch, trim you hair! I try not to use a blow dryer. Another secret for all my Latinas: put olive oil in your hair! It works like a moisturizer and washes right out. It's the bomb.

SITV.COM: Well, you definitely taught this Latina a thing or two. Congratulations!