Melissa Navia’s Star Trek Destiny: Piloting the Enterprise as Erica Ortegas in ‘Strange New Worlds’

For actress Melissa Navia, stepping into the cockpit of the iconic USS Enterprise as Lieutenant Erica Ortegas on *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* wasn’t just another role – it was, as she describes it, her destiny. In an exclusive interview, Navia opened up about her incredible journey to becoming a vital part of the Starfleet crew, the profound connection she feels to her character, and the exciting future awaiting fans of the burgeoning series. Her path from a compelling self-tape submission to a celebrated helmsman has been marked by dedication, serendipity, and a deep appreciation for the *Star Trek* universe she now inhabits, solidifying her place as a beloved figure in the franchise.

As the inaugural season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds captivates audiences with its blend of classic Trek optimism and modern storytelling, anticipation for season two is already building to a fever pitch. At the heart of this new chapter in *Star Trek* lore is Melissa Navia, brilliantly portraying Erica Ortegas, the exceptionally skilled and witty helmsman of the USS Enterprise. This pivotal role represents the culmination of a significant personal and professional journey for Navia. Her remarkable trajectory began with a compelling self-tape submitted in October 2020, leading to her now indelible presence within the rich tapestry of Star Trek history. The meticulous casting process sought fresh talent to embody familiar archetypes within the Starfleet command structure, and Navia’s portrayal of Ortegas immediately resonated, securing her place among the new generation of Star Trek icons.

Reflecting on the audition process, Melissa Navia shared her immediate and profound connection to the material presented to her. “What made the audition so wonderful was the writing was excellent. The character was fleshed out,” she recounted to HollywoodLife. This depth in writing was crucial, as Navia noted, “I was one of the few main characters whose name, Erica Ortegas, remained,” signaling the strong foundation and clear vision the creators had for Ortegas from the outset. This initial clarity allowed Navia to grasp the essence of the character instantly, fostering a sense of familiarity even before stepping onto set. She elaborated on this immediate understanding, stating, “Right from the bat, I knew who she was.” This intuitive grasp of Ortegas’s personality was further solidified by a significant personal connection: “She’s Latina, and I am as well. I was really happy to be able to play a character to who I can relate to in that way.” This authentic representation is a hallmark of modern *Star Trek* and a point of pride for Navia, allowing her to bring a genuine and nuanced perspective to Ortegas’s identity and experiences within Starfleet.

Navia paints a vivid and comprehensive picture of Lieutenant Ortegas, highlighting her multifaceted personality and impressive skillset. “She’s just so cool. She’s a highly skilled pilot. She’s a helmsman of the Enterprise as well as a veteran. She’s seen combat. She can handle a gun and also crack a joke,” Navia enthusiastically described, emphasizing the character’s unique blend of competence, experience, and wit that makes Ortegas such a captivating presence on screen. Navia acknowledged the potential for Ortegas to initially be perceived primarily as comic relief, a role that often adds levity to intense situations. However, she was resolute in ensuring the character’s depth extended far beyond simply delivering punchlines. “On one hand, I was just like, well, that’s great. She’s going to be in some ways comic relief, but at the same time, I wanted to make sure that the character wasn’t just comic relief, but was also just like in life, you have tragedy and comedy,” she explained. This nuanced and balanced approach has guided her portrayal, allowing Ortegas to embody the full spectrum of human (and alien) experience within the Starfleet universe. For Navia, this role has been a dream come true, encapsulating everything she could have hoped for in a character: “I could not have asked for a better role to come along.” Her dedication to portraying Ortegas as a fully-realized, complex individual promises a compelling and evolving journey for viewers.

Beyond her personal connection to Erica Ortegas, Melissa Navia also highlighted the pervasive cultural impact of the *Star Trek* franchise itself, a phenomenon she observed with great fascination. She eloquently stated that one of the “many wonderful things” about *Star Trek* is its universal resonance: “anyone you speak to in some way has been touched by it, affected by it, loves it, has seen it.” This observation underscores the franchise’s remarkable ability to transcend generations, cultural barriers, and demographics, cementing its place as an enduring pillar of global popular culture. Navia experienced this phenomenon firsthand during the nerve-wracking period of waiting to hear if she had secured the challenging role of Ortegas. In an attempt to distract herself from the anxiety, she immersed herself in various television shows, both contemporary hits and timeless classics, seeking a temporary escape from the uncertainty.

What she found during this period of distraction was a profound and constant reminder of *Star Trek’s* ubiquitous presence, an almost cosmic confirmation of her potential destiny. “No matter what I watched, there was a *Star Trek* reference. No matter what genre. It didn’t matter. *Star Trek* was everywhere,” Navia recalled, marveling at the sheer scope of its influence across different media and narratives. This widespread acknowledgment of *Star Trek* in popular media served as an unexpected, yet comforting, omen for her impending role, suggesting that she was perhaps meant to join this vast universe. Delving into her own history with the franchise, Navia fondly remembered her formative years: “When I was younger, my *Star Trek* was *The Next Generation*. I used to watch that.” This personal nostalgia and deep-rooted appreciation further deepens her connection to the universe she now inhabits, making her current role as helmsman of the Enterprise even more meaningful. She candidly shared a delightful personal detail from her youth, confessing, “My favorite character… they’re all wonderful, but the guy I had a bit of a crush on was Commander Riker, Jonathan Frakes.”

The story takes an almost surreal and utterly delightful turn as Navia revealed a recent, full-circle moment that underscored the magic of her new reality. “We just got to work with him a couple of weeks ago. That’s not a spoiler at all. He’s directing one of our episodes for season 2. It’s just wild,” she exclaimed, her voice still tinged with disbelief and excitement. The opportunity to collaborate professionally with an actor who personified her childhood hero, Commander Riker, is a profound testament to the enduring legacy of *Star Trek* and the magical convergence of past fandom with present-day reality. The irony and synchronicity are certainly not lost on Navia, especially given the enthusiastic fan reception to her own character, Erica Ortegas. “People are now saying that Ortegas, my character, is like the Riker of the *Strange New Worlds* cast. My mind is blown,” she admitted, clearly delighted by the comparison. This unexpected parallel between her character’s on-screen persona and her childhood crush further solidifies the feeling that this role was truly meant for her, weaving personal history into the very fabric of the show and its burgeoning mythology.

Navia also shared a charming realization that often accompanies joining a globally recognized and beloved franchise like *Star Trek*. “As soon as you book a show like *Star Trek*, you suddenly discover all these things about your family and friends,” she observed, noting how the show revealed unexpected connections. It was through this experience that she uncovered a hidden community of fellow enthusiasts in her immediate circle: “I have a lot of Trekkies in my life I didn’t realize were Trekkies.” This discovery of latent fandom among her loved ones only reinforced her belief in the role’s serendipitous nature, making her feel even more connected to the vast *Star Trek* family. “In a lot of ways, this feels like it was a role that was meant to happen. I’m just so fortunate and glad to be able to bring this character to life,” Navia concluded, her enthusiasm palpable. It’s clear that portraying Erica Ortegas is not just a job, but a genuine passion, allowing her to connect with audiences and the rich *Star Trek* lore on a profoundly personal and exhilarating level.

With the first season of *Strange New Worlds* resonating strongly with both critics and long-time fans, the excitement surrounding Erica Ortegas and her burgeoning role within the Enterprise crew is palpable. Melissa Navia assured viewers that there is a wealth of compelling Ortegas content on the horizon, promising deeper dives into her character’s intricacies and backstory. “The wonderful thing about my character is you’re going to see everything in layers,” Melissa teased, hinting at a more profound exploration of the helmsman beyond her established wit, piloting skill, and veteran status. This layered approach is meticulously designed to surprise and engage the audience, revealing previously unseen facets of Ortegas’s personality, motivations, and perhaps even vulnerabilities. “You’re going to see things in Ortegas that you completely didn’t expect, and I cannot wait to see everyone’s reaction when that comes out,” Navia added, clearly thrilled by the upcoming revelations and the opportunity to expand her character’s arc in unexpected and impactful ways. This commitment to robust character development is a cornerstone of *Strange New Worlds*, ensuring that even supporting roles are given ample room to grow and surprise, enriching the overall narrative.

The immense confidence in *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* was unequivocally evident when the series received an early renewal for its second season, a rare and highly encouraging decision made even before the first season had officially premiered to the public. This pre-emptive greenlight speaks volumes about the perceived quality of the show, the strength of its creative vision, and the network’s unwavering belief in its long-term potential within the competitive streaming landscape. For the cast and crew, this early renewal brought a significant and welcome sense of relief and validation, allowing them to fully commit to their roles with renewed enthusiasm. Melissa Navia candidly admitted that knowing a second season was secured felt like “definitely a weight off your shoulders.” This assurance allowed the entire production team to fully immerse themselves in the creative process without the looming uncertainty of cancellation, fostering an environment of stability and focus. Indeed, they wasted no time in capitalizing on this momentum, as Navia confirmed that “The cast and crew aren’t wasting any time. They’re already hard at work on the second season.” This rapid transition into production ensures that fans won’t have to wait long for more thrilling adventures aboard the Enterprise, reinforcing the steady commitment to delivering high-quality, continuous *Star Trek* content.

Beyond the exhilarating narratives and compelling characters, Melissa Navia deeply understands the profound impact *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* can have on its dedicated fanbase, particularly as a crucial source of solace, inspiration, and aspirational hope amidst the complexities and challenges of the modern world. She reflected thoughtfully on this essential role, acknowledging the pervasive difficulties society faces daily. “There’s just a lot of dark things happening in our world every single day that, especially those of us with platforms we really need to be aware of and we need to speak on,” Navia stated, underscoring the responsibility that comes with public visibility and influence. However, she also recognized the equally essential and inherent human need for respite, escape, and a vision of optimism. “But there’s just so much happening that is just so dark and so real and so part of our everyday lives,” she continued, articulating the constant bombardment of negative news and personal struggles. It’s precisely in this context that *Star Trek* truly shines, offering a much-needed escape and a consistent, hopeful vision of a better, more united future for humanity.

Navia beautifully articulated the cherished role *Strange New Worlds* plays in providing comfort and joy for its audience, serving as a beacon of positivity. “It’s wonderful to be able to be a part of this thing that people can be like, ‘I had a bad week and can’t wait to watch a new episode of *Strange New Worlds*,’” she conveyed, highlighting the show’s profound power as a weekly balm for weary souls. This ability to offer a positive and thought-provoking diversion from daily struggles and global anxieties is, for Navia, one of the most rewarding and impactful aspects of her work. She took immense pride in the feedback from devoted fans, noting the ultimate compliment: “People are watching episodes multiple times, which is the best compliment you can get. It means you’ve done something right.” This dedication from viewers, revisiting episodes to uncover new details, appreciate subtle performances, or simply relive the uplifting experience, deeply validates the efforts of the entire production team. Ultimately, Navia sees this phenomenon as the very essence of storytelling: “It’s why we tell stories so that people can keep enjoying them over and over in new ways.” This philosophy encapsulates the timeless spirit of *Star Trek*, offering enduring tales of exploration, discovery, empathy, and the boundless potential of the human and alien condition. New episodes of *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* continue to drop Thursdays exclusively on Paramount+, inviting audiences to join Melissa Navia and the brave Enterprise crew on their ongoing, captivating journey into the unknown.