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Follow the Leader
America Ferrera made history when she became the first Latina actress to win an Emmy Award for lead actress in a comedy TV series. Throughout her life, she’s fought for diversity. Follow her career from teen star to role model.
1. The Beginning
Born in Los Angeles to parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Honduras, Ferrera starts acting in school plays at the age of 7. She waits tables and babysits to pay for acting lessons. Her first film is 2002’s Gotta Kick It Up!
2. Getting Noticed
In 2006, she lands the lead role of Betty in the TV show Ugly Betty. She wins numerous awards for the role and is praised for helping to break down stereotypes and for being a role model for Latinas.
3. Facing Setbacks
Despite her fame, Ferrera continues to face discrimination throughout her career. “It became very clear that the industry looked at me and saw a brown person, and there was a box for that,” she has said.
4. Amplifying Her Message
In 2016 Ferrera founds Harness, an organization that works for diversity in entertainment. In 2020, she helps launch She Se Puede, a group for Latina voters. She’s also an investor in a National Women’s Soccer League team and works to bring sports to underserved youth communities.
1. Be True to Yourself: “The most important thing you wear is your personality.”
2. Find Your Role: “Figure out what you have to contribute to the world.”
3. Embrace Your Identity: “I am what the world looks like. You are what the world looks like.”