Carmelina Vargas is a singer/songwriter from birth and the daughter of a merengue musician. She lets her music communicate her soul and reflect her upbringing, which spanned from Barahona, Dominican Republic to New York City.

Carmelina Vargas first appeared on the national music scene in the summer of 2008 with the release of her first single “Mueve Las Caderas,” a rhythmic modern Pop/R&B track infused with a tropical style. ASCAP Latino to highlighted Carmelina’s new album titled “Morena” (Morena Records, June 9, 2009) as one of the most anticipated albums of the coming year. Carmelina penned the entire album and co-produced three of the twelve tracks. “I was heavily involved in all facets of this album and it has been a labor of love, literally,” smiles Carmelina.

“Since I was a little girl I wanted to sing and dance and my family always encouraged me to explore my creativity,” says Carmelina.

As things were heating up for Carmelina, she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in late 2009. After undergoing surgery for a double mastectomy in combination with chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and being true to the fighter and positive spirit that she is, Carmelina returned to her music and her fans as a survivor.

"I never let fear inside my heart and learned that I had already beaten breast cancer through a self-test. My breast cancer diagnosis, surgery and chemotherapy were just stepping stones to my new birth as a stronger, more compassionate spirit. LOVE conquers all,” shares Carmelina.

Using her music as a platform, she promoted breast cancer awareness through performances at numerous events for The American Cancer Society, and at the Latin Trendsetter Awards presented by LatinTrends Magazine. She also hosted her own 1st annual fundraiser at Latin Quarters in mid-town Manhattan, which benefited the Columbia University Medical Center Survivors Squad and The American Cancer Society. Her endeavors received national recognition from Congressman Charles B. Rangel of New York’s 15th District.

Carmelina’s survivor story, professional accomplishments and musical talent have been featured on GlobalGrind.com, New York Socialite Examiner, Corrientelatina.com, Allthingsgirl.net, as well as in the pages of DTM Magazine, El Especial Newspaper and Metro International. Carmelina has also appeared alongside Sesame Street icon “Maria” (Sonia Manzano) at the Children’s Aid Society to raise funds for New York Public Schools after budget cuts.

In 2011, Carmelina is committed to telling her story both on paper and in the recording studio. She is currently writing two books. One book will detail her experience battling early breast cancer, and the other an inspirational book on body-image geared towards teens. Both books will contain a bilingual twist.