Francia Raisa has been outspoken about giving back to the Latinx community for a long time. As a Los Angeles native and proud Mexican-American, Raisa understands the importance of bringing people together through food.
Raisa has recently partnered with Modelo to promote their Spiked Aguas Frescas, which are malt beverages that pay homage to the traditional Mexican street drink. The drinks are offered in vibrant flavors like Piña (pineapple), Pepino y Limón (cucumber and lime), Sandía (watermelon), and Flor de Jamaica (hibiscus). Raisa loves the Pepino y Limon, but recommends drinking the Piña flavor with a spicy rim of Tajin. She described the pairing as “dangerously delicious”, which enticed me greatly.
The biggest aspect of the campaign was the contest. The winner was Salvador Gutierrez, the owner of Las Aguas 805 in Oxnard, California. Raisa had the opportunity to surprise Gutierrez with a new, custom street cart and he received prize money to continue his business.
This partnership works in conjunction with Inclusive Action for the City. This is an LA-based organization that works to eliminate the inequalities associated with the racial wealth gap as well as advocating for the street vending community by creating a system making sure vendors have the proper permits to stay in business. Within its partnership with Raisa, Modelo will be donating $5,000 to IAC to further support the street vendors in Los Angeles.
Throughout my conversation with Francia Raisa, she expressed her love for supporting food vendors in her community and shared how she had wanted to take part in a collaboration like this for years.
The minute I heard about it and what they were doing…I was like, that is the best idea,” said Raisa. “we finally got to do it and it was super, super special. You know, I love giving back to my community.
“It is such a brilliant idea to have that Modelo created,” said Raisa.
“…And the fact that they’re giving back to our community and also honoring our street vendors, which come on, let’s be honest, like they kept us afloat during the pandemic. It’s beautiful and special,” said Raisa.
She also spoke how she found a need to reflect on her career, after the sudden cancellation of Hulu’s How I Met Your Father.
“I’ve just been really focusing on myself” said Raisa. “The cancellation of How I Met Your Father was like a shock, but, I’m really excited about this next chapter… ” said Raisa.
“You know, my goal was to be a series regular once. It’s been three times. So now I’m like, now what? It’s okay to go through that. It’s okay.” said Raisa.
For more information on Modelo Spiked Aguas Frescas and other Casa Modelo products, visit www.modelousa.com.
