Dania Ramirez has been captivating audiences with her empathetic characters for years. Her latest role as Captian Nikki Batista in FOX’s “Alert: Missing Persons Unit” is no different. 

Now in its second season, Ramirez and her castmates Scott Caan, Ryan Broussard, and Adeola Role can explore their characters more deeply. This means taking on new challenges and dynamics with her character for Ramirez.

She tells Latinidad Collective, “It’s a very interesting season. You know, I feel like season one was very action-driven and very drama-driven, and that was fantastic — you know who we are, where we’ve been. And now we are ready to just hit the ground running and we go; it’s really it’s really a fun, fresh start.”

“Alert: MPU” marks a notable shift in both the show and Ramirez’s character

“So the MPU, and the people at the MPU, you become […] my family and I need to protect them. Make sure that we’re staying morally sane and on our moral compass. But we also want to have more fun,” the Dominican actress remarks.

Audiences will experience a rollercoaster of emotions as they witness the complexities of the MP unit’s work and personal lives unfold on screen. Ramirez’s performance as Nikki adds depth and authenticity to the series with each episode.

“You know, what’s great about doing a — an opportunity to do a show is that you really get to explore the character and the different phases that they can go through,” Ramirez explains.

Ramirez explains that Nikki can connect with her colleagues on a deeper level. She is also excited to show a more nurturing side of the character.

She continues, “And we all, as human beings, we grow, and I love the fact that I got to share the depth of being a mother and the pain that you felt like to really lose a child in season one.”

“And now I get to show that nurturing side and that motivation and inspiration to really continue to help people find […] their loved ones. And I get to still have that. But now I show and I get to feel what it really feels like to show friendship between me and my colleagues,” the “Sweet Tooth” actress emphasizes.

Through Nikki, Ramirez can show a strong Latina leader on primetime TV

Ramirez’s portrayal of Nikki as a qualified, capable, and resilient Latina leader is a significant milestone in on-screen representation. Nikki stands out as a beacon of empowerment and authenticity. Especially in a landscape where Latina and Latine characters are often relegated to stereotypical roles. 

Her presence on screen reflects the diversity of real-life communities. It inspires young Latinas to see themselves represented in positions of authority and leadership.

“I love it because I feel like as a Latina woman, that’s one of our main, you know, characteristic. We are in charge now. We’re just being seen as that and being recognized that we’re hard workers,” she tells Latinidad Collective.

Ramirez continues, “And now we get to show what hard work gets you, you know, and finally see the fruits of it and how it really does pay off.”

The actress hopes that she can show Latinas and Latine femmes they can be true bosses in their daily life

The diverse representation must be balanced. Latino and Latine characters are often underrepresented across TV and film. By portraying Nikki with nuance and depth, Ramirez challenges stereotypes and showcases Latina women’s resilience and strength.

“I think that’s important because, you know, the whole point is this is what I do. It’s not who I am, and through this medium, I get to express how I really feel about being in a position of power and being able to really inspire the masses,” the actress professes.

Ramirez hopes that young girls watching the show can see what’s possible for them. She hopes that they know they can be nurturing and loving bosses. She hopes to reinforce that you don’t have to have a “horrible personality and characteristics” to be a leader.