Mayra Verónica Aruca Rodríguez (born in August 20th, 1980) is an American singer, model, actress and television public figure who became popular for her appearances on Spanish-language television. Verónica's role in Univision's Don Francisco Presenta brought her to the attention of FHM magazine's US edition. After appearing in FHM, she was included in its 2004 calendar and went on to do additional magazine work. She has taken part in many Spanish language television shows, as well as appearing in music videos and television commercials. In 2012, Verónica signed an exclusive worldwide co-publishing deal with BMG Chrysalis in the US. In 2013, she signed with Simon Cowell's label Syco Music (Sony Music). Her debut EP, "Mama Mia", was released on August 29th, 2013 on Syco Music by Sony Music Entertainment UK. In 2015 Mayra Veronica signed a major record worldwide deal with Warner Bros. Records. The Cuban-American's career has seen her grace the covers of FHM, Shape & Maxim, along with high-profile national ad campaigns with L'Oréal, Coca-Cola & Nike. Verónica is a spokeswoman for the USO. Early life Mayra Verónica was born in Havana, Cuba, where her father was a member of Cuba's big band, Los Dada. In 1984, she came to the US with her mother, Mayra Rodriguez, leaving behind the rest of her family, including her father, Arturo Aruca, and sister Giselle Guzman. Her father came a year later and reunited with Veronica and her mother, while her sister was unable to meet them until thirteen years later. Mayra grew up with little money and food was sometimes scarce. A gifted student, Verónica made her way through ballet school by befriending other girls (other students from her school who could afford the training), while surviving difficult financial circumstances at home. Her first boyfriend, at the age of 15, was an artist of the same age who often painted her nude or semi-nude. Pageants and modeling Verónica continued school, and after joining a local beauty pageant and becoming Ms. Miami, the photographer who covered the event was captivated by Mayra's photos, and invited her to his studio for free sessions. Thus, Mayra obtained her first modeling book and signed with a local agent in Miami. The agent sent her to an audition for a local TV entertainment news show "Miami Hoy" (at the time Mayra was at Florida International University majoring in psychology and theater). She did not know