She is the daughter of Alicia Morales Ruiz and Ismael Machado. Her paternal grandparents were born in Puerto Rico, as was her mother, who was born in Patillas there. Part of her ancestry is African-Puerto Rican.
Attended and graduated from Lane Tech College Prep High School (Chicago, Illinois) [1986-1990].
Appeared in the music video for the single "Damaged" by TLC.
Eldest of five children.
Performed in various stage productions at the Latino Chicago Theater
Company (Chicago, Illinois).
Became friends with Eva Longoria and Roslyn Sanchez. Justina worked with both actresses when she guest starred in two episodes of Desperate Housewives, in which Eva Longoria starred, and Devious Maids, in which Roslyn Sanchez was a star.