Reppin 5.1: Karen Olivo

Karen Olivo

I sign off every episode of Reppin with “Stand Up and Represent.” My next guest truly LIVES this mantra.

Karen Olivo is a powerhouse talent. They’re an American stage and television actor, theater educator, and singer.

In 2008 Karen originated the role of Vanessa in In The Heights on Broadway. The following year, they won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress In A Musical for their performance as Anita in a revival of West Side Story. They are the first and only actor to win a Tony award for a performance in West Side Story. From 2016 to 2017, Olivo portrayed the role of Angelica Schuler  in the Chicago production of Hamilton 2019, Olivo originated the lead role of Satine in the stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge on Broadway and was nominated for the 2020 Tony Award For Best Actress in a Musical.

With this incredible, illustrious career, Karen risked it ALL when they publicly spoke out against a very powerful and influential producer. We’ve all encountered bullies and difficult bosses-but would YOU have the courage, truth —and readiness to do what Karen did? Learn more about this talented, remarkable person and where they draw their strength from. Find out how they’re fighting to ensure civility, kindness and community is present today and for those who follow.

Karen’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenolivo

Karen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenolivo76/?hl=en

Reppin 2.11: Aarti Sequeria

Aarti Sequeira

Aarti Sequeira is a popular mainstay on Food Network after winning season six of Food Network Star with her trademark combination of an infectious giggle and a unique food signature: American favorites with an Indian soul. She steps out of the kitchen to hang out on Reppin. She talks about her upbringing and how those experiences have helped her move through the world. She reveals her first choice for a career, hardships she faced and her path to being one of the most popular and beloved food personalities.

Aarti’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/aartipaarti

Aarti’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aartipaartipics/?hl=en

Reppin 2.8: Osric Chau

Osric Chau

Osric Chau is a Canadian actor and martial artist who starred as Kevin Tran on the CW’s mega hit Supernatural! Some of his other credits include Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, Blood and Water, Demon X, Arrow and The Flash. Osric shares some personal stories about self identity and discovery, you’ll find out what risks he’s taken, if they have paid off, what he’s learned and what he’s doing be the change he wants to see. This is an incredibly insightful conversation with this amazing talent.

Osric’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/OsricChau

Reppin 1.11: Adam Jacobs

Adam Jacobs

Adam Jacobs is a talented actor well known on stage and beyond. He originated the lead role of Aladdin on Broadway shouldering Disney’s spectacular production. He’s also played Marius in Les Miserables, Sky in Mamma Mia and Simba in the Lion King. Adam, being mixed Filipino-Jewish ethnicity, shares how he struggled to find his place, until he found the stage and himself by becoming others. What was perceived as his weakness ultimately, became his strength.

Adam’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdamJacobsNYC

Adam’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamjacobsnyc/

Reppin 1.10: Mitra Memari

Mitra Memari

Meet Mitra Memari- she’s one of the very few POC who is also a woman and a partner at major US, award-winning architecture and interior design firm. Born in Iran, Mitra shares stories of her childhood where she experienced trauma, how she coped and how those obstacles shaped her. She details how she broke into a male dominated field, found her voice and how she evolved into being one of the leaders. This episode of Reppin is about being an immigrant, a woman, what it means to be a leader, it’s about shattering barriers—it’s about being a bad ass.

Reppin 1.9: Zabryna Guevara

Zabryna Guevara

Currently, she’s on ABC’s hit show Emergence as Dr. Abby Frasier, some of her other credits include Gotham, Twilight Zone, Tell Me A Story, The Get Down to New Amsterdam! The talented and lovely Zabryna Guevara comes to hang out! She gets personal and details how she went from “disappearing” in crowds to finding her voice and strength then evolving into a successful actress on some of the most popular television shows. She shares intimate stories about growing up in New York City, challenges she’s overcome and how much family means to her. Get to know this talented actress and amazing woman on this episode of Reppin.

Zabryna’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZabrynaGuevara

Zabryna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zabrynaguevara/?hl=en

Reppin 1.5: Tiffany Persons

Tiffany Persons

Representation in Hollywood is seeing some dramatic changes in the last several years and our next guest is someone who is working to ensuring that we continue that movement. Tiffany Persons is a prominent casting director in Hollywood with clients like Apple, Google to Nike. She’s also the Founder and Executive Director of a highly respected non profit organization called Shine On in Sierra Leone-an organization that provides educational programs, food to wellness for children. Tiffany shares some of her experiences as a casting director, how some of her personal experiences has shaped her and her work. See how she’s using her personal experiences and platform to transform children’s lives. You’ll be blown away by her work, dedication and heart.

Shine On: http://shineonsierraleone.org/