Sonia Manzano is the creator and an executive producer of Alma’s Way. Born in the South Bronx, Manzano is a first-generation American of Puerto Rican descent who has impacted the lives of millions since the early 1970s as the actress who defined the role of “Maria” on the acclaimed television series, Sesame Street. Twice nominated for an Emmy® Award as the best performer in a children’s seres, she has won 15 Emmys for her television writing. She is also the author of the picture books No Dogs Allowed, A Box Full of Kittens, and Miracle on 133rd Street, published by Simon & Schuster. Sonia’s first young adult novel, The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, and a memoir, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx, were released by Scholastic. In May 2016, she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Emmy® Award by teh National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in recognition of her pioneering role in the representation of Latinos on television and for portraying “Maria” for 44 years on Sesame Street. Sonia lives in New York City with her husband, Richard.

Featured in: KEYNOTE - Icons in Conversation: Sonia Manzano x Misty Copeland