“It has always been me and my birthmark against the world.” With these powerful words, Luis Mojica Rodriguez, known as El Pinto de Puerto Rico from the Bronx, begins to describe a journey defined by resilience, courage, and an unshakable belief in turning adversity into strength.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Bronx, Luis’s path has been anything but easy. From powering through cancer to facing the bullying and ostracism of growing up with Congenital Melanocytic Nevi (CMN), a birthmark covering most of his body, he has lived a life that demanded grit, character, and relentless determination. Yet instead of being defined by limitations, Luis transformed his pain into purpose and built a platform that inspires others to embrace their differences with pride.

From Courtrooms to Runways

Before pursuing modeling and acting, Luis worked as a paralegal in New York City for 17 years. The pandemic left him unemployed for the first time, but instead of despair, he saw an opportunity to reinvent himself. Fueled by his lifelong dream of being a model and actor. A dream many told him was impossible because of his birthmark. Luis enrolled at John Casablancas Center for Acting and Modeling.

There, he not only overcame his limp (a result of cancer on his leg at age 17) but also discovered his natural talent for performance. He went on to win an improv acting award at the IMTA, where he stood out among 1,000 competitors. Two agencies quickly signed him, confirming what Luis already knew: his time had come.

“I was told I couldn’t be a model and actor because of my birthmark,” Luis reflects. “So, I became a model and actor because of my birthmark.”

Redefining Beauty and Diversity

Luis quickly turned his difference into his greatest strength. With runway training, he transformed his physical challenges into confidence and power. He lost nearly 50 pounds in two months to prepare for New York Fashion Week, where he dominated the runway with a presence that was both defiant and magnetic.

From magazine covers and billboards to winning runway competitions in multiple states, Luis became a living symbol of empowerment. He proved that birthmarks are beautiful, diversity is powerful, and authenticity is unstoppable.

But his journey has not been without setbacks. On his way to Miami Fashion Week, Luis faced a life-threatening health crisis that required surgery and left him with an ostomy bag. Even while recovering, he never stopped pushing forward. Within months, he was back at NYFW, slaying the runway once again and earning a contract with a major agency.

Soon after, Luis walked one of the biggest runways in the country. The Model Experience in front of more than 5,000 people live, securing his place among the industry’s most unforgettable new faces.

A Rising Star in Acting

In addition to modeling, Luis has been steadily building his acting career. From starring in a music video to landing his first lead role in a motion picture, “A Man’s Worth”, he is proving his versatility and talent extend far beyond the runway.

His natural charisma and resilience have also made him a sought-after mentor. Today, Luis serves as an acting and modeling coach at the very school where he once trained, pouring his experience and inspiration into the next generation of dreamers.

Recognized and Celebrated

Luis’s success has been celebrated widely. He has been featured in over 25 magazines, appeared on billboards across the U.S., and earned multiple runway and hosting awards. His presence is powerful, not only because of his achievements but because of what they represent: proof that adversity can be transformed into triumph.

Proud of his Puerto Rican heritage, Luis was invited to ride on floats at both the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City and the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade, a moment of honor and celebration with his community.

Empowerment as a Mission

Luis doesn’t just model or act he empowers. His vision is to create a movement that inspires others to embrace who they are and turn what was once considered a disadvantage into an advantage.

“People told me I couldn’t,” he says. “They called me stupid, so I became a paralegal on Wall Street. They called me weird, so I became an actor. They called me ugly, so I became a model and won every competition to date. My resolve is like no other.”

Luis calls this mission his “More Empowerment Movement”, a philosophy of resilience and representation for all those who feel “othered” by society.

Achievements

Modeling

• Walked for 5K attendees at the Model Experience in Harlem, NY
• Winner at Magnifique NYFW 2024
• Winner at Magnifique TN Showcase Spring Showcase 2024 (1st Place Judge’s Choice, 2nd Place Theme Wear)
• Winner at Anastasia Magazine NYFW 2025 Top Model (Mr. Congeniality, 2nd Place Best Male Model, Best Host 2025)
• Winner of Mr. Hollywood Dandy at Anastasia Magazine & The Marilyn Monroe Foundation competition in Las Vegas
• Featured in over 25 magazines and editorials
• Appeared on multiple billboards across the U.S.

Acting

• IMTA 2022 Acting Improv Award
• Lead in motion picture “A Man’s Worth” (upcoming)
• Featured in Now I Rise music video by Lourds Lane and Super You Musical

Recognition

• Invited to ride floats at the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade

Looking Ahead

Luis’s goals are as ambitious as his journey is inspiring. He dreams of being featured in Vogue, starring in Marvel, DC, and Star Wars films, acting in a comedy sitcom, writing a book, and visiting children in hospitals to empower them through fashion and storytelling.

Above all, Luis wants to continue paving the way for the next generation of models and actors who were told they couldn’t because they were different. His message is clear: embrace who you are, turn limitations into strengths, and never stop fighting for your dreams.