 De Sousa also starred as Gabriella Jimenez in BET's "Reed Between the Lines" (2011).Born in New York City, De Sousa is of Panamanian descent.Born and raised in New York City by Panamanian parents, Melissa De Sousa attended the renowned High School of Performing Arts as a ballet major, and began her career as a principle dancer with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Company before transitioning into acting.