Cartagena was born and raised in one of the toughest neighborhoods in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended Catholic school during her formative years and later attended Bodine High School for International Affairs. After graduation, Cartagena enrolled at Pennsylvania State University and she became the first college graduate in her family when she received her Bachelor's of Science degree.

Upon graduation, Cartagena decided to follow her life-long dream of becoming an actor and moved to New York City. She auditioned for and was accepted into the renowned American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in Manhattan. After receiving her degree, she began booking jobs in various plays, including The Pyramid of the Sun, Miguel Pinero's The Sun Always Shines For The Cool and Latin Lives. She also began an association with the Lark Theater, doing readings for various plays in development, as well as starring in the shows Undone and Welcome to Arroyos. She accomplished all of this while working the front desk at Elysium Fitness, where she was discovered by revered agent and manager Joan Scott.

Cartagena has also appeared in the independent films Baby Fat and Sorry Ain't Enough.

--The WB