The Girl Who Redefined Skateboarding: Identity, Rebellion, and Culture with Jenn Soto
In a world where skateboarding was built by voices that rarely looked like hers, Jenn Soto arrived like a disruption: technical, sharp, and driven by a passion that refuses to fit inside anyone’s expectations. From her first falls on the street to becoming one of the leading figures of Nuestra Cultura al Mundo, Jenn doesn’t just skate—she tells stories with every trick. Stories about identity, pride, community, and what it means to open doors for girls who never imagined themselves on a board. In this interview, we dive into her world: her creativity, her roots, her leadership, and the mission that drives her to transform the sport from the inside out.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Jenn, this campaign feels deeply personal. When you first heard about Nuestra Cultura Al Mundo, what did it mean to you to see your story represented as part of this cultural legacy?
It meant everything. Growing up, I didn’t always see people who looked like me in skateboarding spaces, so to be part of something that celebrates our culture on this kind of platform feels full circle. Seeing our stories represented through adidas made me feel seen in a really personal way.
You’ve described skateboarding as more than a sport — as a way to express identity. How has your Puerto Rican heritage shaped your relationship with skateboarding and community?
Being Puerto Rican is such a big part of who I am – it’s in my rhythm, my energy, my way of connecting with people. I think that’s why I’ve always seen skateboarding as something communal, not competitive. It’s about sharing space, hyping each other up, and creating together.
From the streets to the screen, this short film captures your story in such an intimate way. What emotions came up seeing your journey portrayed through Gabriella Lamb’s and Andres Norwood’s creative lenses?
Watching it back I felt proud. Gabriella and Andres captured moments that were real and they told my story in a way that reminded me how far I’ve come and how much my community has carried me here.
You’ve paved the way for so many young women in skateboarding. What moments have reminded you of the power of representation in this space?
I think it’s always important to see someone who looks like you doing things that you like, to remind you that you can also do it. I’m just me and I’m honored to be able to give people a space to feel related to and not alone.
What does “community” mean to you now, compared to when you were just starting out skating?
When I was younger, community meant my crew – whoever I was skating with that day. Now, it’s evolved into something way bigger. It’s about creating safe, inclusive spaces for the next generation, making sure people feel supported and seen.
In a world where authenticity can easily get lost, how do you stay grounded and true to yourself — both on and off the board?
I think it comes down to remembering why I started skating in the first place. It was always about freedom and fun for me. Whenever things feel overwhelming, I go back to that – just me, my board, and that feeling of flow. And I keep my circle tight. The people who’ve known me since day one keep me humble.
Nuestra Cultura Al Mundo celebrates culture as a “living legacy.” How do you keep that legacy alive in your daily life or in how you mentor younger skaters?
For me, it’s about paying it forward. Whether that’s through teaching, showing up to local events, or just being present when someone needs guidance. I try to remind younger skaters that their voice matters – that they don’t have to fit any mold to belong.
You’ve said that skateboarding helped you embrace your identity. Was there a turning point when you realized your story could empower others too?
Yeah, I remember some of my first skate trips with Adidas all around the world. Seeing all the passion, love and support from our supporters first hand and being able to interact, made me excited to interact with them just as much as they felt with us. Those moments made me realize the bigger picture and how important it is to support those who support you. That was when I started realizing this wasn’t just about me – that my story could help someone else see what’s possible. It shifted everything for me.
Puerto Rico plays a big part in this year’s celebration. What does it feel like to see the island — its food, music, and people — woven into this campaign?
It’s beautiful. There’s something so special about seeing the island represented authentically with all its energy – the food, the colors, the music – it feels alive. It makes me emotional honestly, because it’s home.
Working alongside Diego Nájera, you’re both redefining how Latinx skaters are seen. What connects your journeys, and what do you admire about his approach to the craft?
Diego’s someone I’ve always respected – his style, his mindset, the way he moves through the world. What connects us is that shared sense of pride in where we come from. We both approach skateboarding with heart, and that’s what makes this collaboration special.
Skateboarding has this raw, expressive energy. How do you channel creativity through your tricks, your style, and even your mindset?
Skating is like dancing to me – it’s rhythm, flow, and emotion. The way you move says a lot about who you are. I pull inspiration from music, from the streets, from everyday life. I don’t force it – I just let it be an extension of whatever I’m feeling that day.
As Adidas invests in expanding access to skate, what kind of spaces or programs do you dream of building for the next generation?
I think a safe space where everyone of all backgrounds can come together and share the joys of skateboarding. It was that way when I was coming up and that’s the part I’ve always loved about skateboarding. Just laughs, friendships and tricks haha.
There’s a certain poetry in falling, getting up, and trying again — in skate and in life. What’s a lesson the board has taught you that you carry into everything you do?
That failure isn’t the end – it’s part of the process. You fall a hundred times before you land something clean. That applies to life too. It’s about patience, resilience, and finding joy in the grind.
When young girls watch your short film or meet you at a skate event, what’s the message you hope they walk away with?
That they belong here. That they don’t have to change who they are to take up space. I want them to see that being different is their superpower and that their voice, their style, their story all have value.
Looking ahead — how do you envision Nuestra Cultura Al Mundo continuing to evolve? What legacy do you hope to leave behind in this intersection of culture, creativity, and skateboarding?
I hope it keeps growing and reaching more people – not just skaters, but anyone who believes in community and creativity. My dream is that we keep telling our stories on our own terms, so the next generation never questions whether they belong. If I can leave behind a sense of empowerment, connection, and pride – that’s legacy to me.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida García D Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographer: Andres Norwood (@nubawd)
