After studying dance, she was given a small role in Lean on Me. After being away from acting she made an appearance in Law & Order. She was later featured in films Girl 6 and Personals. In 2002, Cotto had her first starring role in the feature film Empire playing John Leguizamo's girlfriend Carmen. She starred in the television series Kingpin until its cancellation in 2004. She was featured in Cinemax's short film entitled Stories of Lost Souls alongside James Gandolfini. Her other film credits include Splinter, Broken Circle, Rockaway and Illegal Tender.