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By her contagious excitement, you would’ve thought she was coming in to interview usVicky Jeudy walked into our studio, bringing the joy and warmth of a thousand suns. Dressed in a summery off-the-shoulder top and distressed jeans, Vicky is like the best friend you haven’t met yet.

Vicky’s on-screen character in Orange Is the New Black may be skeptical and hardened by life (and appropriately so), but the woman behind the role is one of the most open and compassionate people to ever grace HB Studios.

We sat down with Vicky on Hello Live! to discuss how she keeps that melanin-rich glow inside and out.

One of the pillars of her life is fitness, and she carries that lifestyle everywhere she goes (she literally had her gym bag in the corner of the room, ready for a workout after the interview).

Some of her favorite classes include kickboxing and boxing (she’s a certified fitness instructor) and lots of weights. Vicky is currently gearing up for her 5k run for Sean Penn’s J/P Haitian Relief Organization in November. The initiative is close to her heart, not only because she’s of Haitian descent, but also because the organization seeks to empower people by investing in their communities.

When she’s not at the gym, she’s juicing, using her Vitamix blender. Some of her favorite juice recipes include watermelon and mint leaves, or a celery, apple, lemon, and pineapple combination.

Another part of the actress’ holistic practices is emotional and spiritual wellness, which is at the core of her heart. Vicky spoke openly about her mother, who she lost six years ago, and how she’s managed to transform her pain into inspiration.

In December 2015, Vicky started the “You Are Not Forgotten” project to help those mourning the loss of their loved ones over the holidays. Vicky gathered 10 fans together for a special dinner honoring the deceased. She asked attendees to write letters to their friends and relatives that have passed away as a form of therapy. The night was filled with tears, laughter, but it was also filled with relief.

We asked Vicky how she is able to be so giving in the face of incredible loss. Her answer? God.

“I’m a believer of God,” she told us. “It’s praying, it’s talking to Him. God to me is Eli, that’s his nickname for me. Whatever I’m going through, I ask Eli … I wasn’t always like this, but I found God for myself. I think it’s a personal relationship and a personal journey.”

Vicky takes the light of her spiritual support with her to fuel her career and charity work.

“I think it’s okay to shine your light,” she told HelloBeautiful. “I think all of us have a purpose on our planet, and there is no point in dimming your light.”

Vicky, we can’t wait to see where you shine your light next.

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For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.