Born in Bronx, New York, Carmen moved to Puerto Rico after her parents separated. At the age of 17, she joined the U.S. Army and after basic and advanced training, was stationed in Ansbach, Germany. After her active duty enlistment was completed, she began to prepare herself to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming an actress. Although early in her professional career, Carmen won the 2003 ADA Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama by the Valley Theatre League for the play "Soldiers Don't Cry."
