Sonia Manzano

Sonia is a first-generation American of Latino descent. Born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, she has become an influential and positive role model for millions of children since the 1970's, when she was offered an opportunity to join the ethnically expanding production of SESAME STREET. Sonia's family moved to the South Bronx, where she lived most of her childhood. Her involvement in the arts was inspired by junior high school teachers who recognized her talents and encouraged her to audition for the High School of Performing Arts. She was accepted there and began her career as an actress. A scholarship took her to Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and in her junior year, she came to New York to star in the original production of the off-Broadway show GODSPELL. Within a year Sonia was cast as "Maria" on SESAME STREET. After ten years as an actress, Sonia began writing scripts for the series and has shared fourteen Emmy Awards to date as part of the SESAME STREET writing staff. She most enjoyed assisting the development of the plot-line for the relationship and eventual marriage to "Luis" (Emilio Delgado) and the birth of their TV daughter, "Gabriela" (portrayed for short time by her real-life daughter). She recently had the pleasure of writing for the Peabody Award winning children's series, LITTLE BILL, for Nickelodeon. Sonia also wrote a parenting column for the Sesame Workshop web-site called "TALKING OUTLOUD" which can be visited at www.sesameworkshop.org. She was delighted to return to the New York stage in the critically acclaimed "VAGINA MONOLOGUES" in the summer of 2002 and in the Drama Desk winning play "THE EXONERATED." Sonia has recieved awards from the Association of Hispanic Arts, The Congressional Hispanic Caucus in Washington DC, The National Hispanic Media Coalition, The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families and the Hispanic Heritage Award for Education in 2003. She is proud to be currently featured in the Learning Leaders (volunteers helping students succeed) poster, designed to encourage reading in NYC public schools. Sonia was twice nominated for an Emmy Award as "Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series". She has served on the March Of Dimes Board, and the board of the George Foster Peabody Awards. She is proud to currently serve on the board of Symphony Space, a New York City theatrical institution. Simon & Schuster will be publishing her first picture book "No Dogs Allowed!" in April 2004. Manzano has a licensing company called the Three Amigas. Latest products are tableware from Sakura and a line of girls clothing called Hola Bebe manufactured by the Mayfair Co. Ms. Manzano resides in the Upper West Side with her husband and daughter.