Gina Rodriguez’s Two sisters, Lvelisse and Rebecca

Gina Rodriguez, the youngest of six children, grew up in Belmont Cragin on the northwest side of Chicago. Her parents, Magali and Genaro “Gino” Rodriguez, who are Puerto Rican, raised Gina and her siblings, including her brothers, in a household filled with love despite financial hardships.

During her childhood, Gina found inspiration in her older sisters, Ivelisse and Rebecca, who served as role models. Despite their impoverished background, Ivelisse and Rebecca pursued ambitious dreams that seemed unattainable in their community. Gina reflected on their influence in an interview with Latina magazine, saying, “They both were going after things that felt completely unreachable to us where we grew up, just felt so unattainable. They showed me I can pursue something crazy.”

Throughout their upbringing, Gina’s parents ensured that all their children had opportunities to succeed, even amidst financial struggles, as highlighted in Emmy magazine.

Gina Rodriguez was inspired by her siblings’ aspirations in Hollywood, describing her upbringing as part of a “very powerful household.” As the youngest of three siblings, she felt a strong sense of responsibility to live up to their achievements.

Ivelisse and Rebecca Rodriguez, Gina’s sisters, played pivotal roles in her life. They pursued ambitious goals despite challenging circumstances, serving as inspirations to Gina as she navigated her own path in the entertainment industry.

A unique morning routine had been followed by Gina and her sisters.

In an interview, Gina recounted a moment with her father, Gino, one morning. He said to her, “I can and I will,” emphasizing the power of positive affirmation. Gino encouraged Gina to return to sleep, explaining that he was speaking to her subconscious mind, the part that truly absorbs and internalizes such affirmations.

Every morning, Gino would lead Gina and her sisters in doing jumping jacks. Afterward, he would instruct them to stand before a mirror and repeat affirmations: “Today is going to be great. I can and I will.” These rituals instilled in them a positive mindset and determination from an early age.

Regarding these methods, Ivelisse shared with TIME, After 10 years of saying that, you really believe that.” Gina recounted to TIME how one morning, her father, Gino, said to her, “I can and I will,” urging her to return to sleep as he spoke directly to her “subconscious”—”the one that really listens.

Every morning, Gino would lead Gina and her sisters in doing jumping jacks. Afterward, he would instruct them to stand before a mirror and repeat affirmations: “Today is going to be great. I can and I will.” These daily rituals were part of their upbringing, fostering a positive outlook and self-confidence from an early age.

Reflecting on these practices, Ivelisse emphasized in an interview, “After 10 years of saying that, you really believe that.” Her statement underscores how consistent positive affirmations can profoundly shape one’s mindset and belief system over time.

Gina’s sisters convinced her she was the mailman’s daughter

As a child, Gina didn’t bear a strong physical resemblance to her parents or sisters. Instead, she shared a likeness with their “really sweet” Hawaiian mailman named Tim.

My sisters once joked that he was my real daddy,” she said on The Late Late Show With James Corden.

Gina humorously recalled that her sisters played this “cruel” and “traumatic” prank on her for weeks when she was 8 years old. She also found mention of the incident in her diary.

I see you coming by and think about all the stories you didn’t tell me,” Gina recalled writing.

They learned how to box at a young age

The three children spent most of their after-school time in the boxing club where their father refereed, growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Gina reminisced.

According to TIME, they honed their boxing skills by practicing blocks and throwing hooks while jostling over clothes and attending dance classes.

Gina continues this practice, sharing with Emmy magazine that it helps her stay grounded during challenging times. “When life hits you, you always get up,” she affirmed.

Gina and her sisters weren’t allowed to have boyfriends

Gina married Joe Locicero in 2019, though in her family, dating wasn’t allowed until reaching 18 years old.

“That was the biggest rule,” the sisters told in Interview.

Gina and Rebecca defied the rule, but only Rebecca confessed to being caught. The trio found their dad’s strictness “ridiculous,” yet they understood its purpose. Ivelisse emphasized that the rule was meant to safeguard their futures.

Gina Rodriguez’s two sisters

“[Our father] didn’t want us to make mistakes that a lot of our family, friends, and neighbors had made, which was teenage pregnancies,” she told TIME. “They were right. It was hard to enforce in our house because we’re three girls and not ugly.”

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