Raised in Queens, New York

At age 10, moved with family to the Dominican Republic

Returned to USA after her sophomore year in high school

Joined FACES Theater Co., performing improvisational and educational skits for teens

Performed with the New York Youth Theater in productions including "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"

Guested on an episode of "Law & Order" (NBC)

Co-starred in the dance-themed drama "Center Stage"

Featured in the above-average teen comedy "Get Over It"

Had supporting role in the hip-hop themed action drama "Snipes"; screened at Toronto International Film Festival

Co-starred with Britney Spears and Taryn Manning as roadtripping best friends in "Crossroads"

Co-starred in the drama "Drumline"

Cast in the adventure feature "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl"

Played an INS Inspector in "The Terminal" directed by Steven Spielberg

Starred opposite Ashton Kutcher and Bernie Mac in "Guess Who" a comedy loosely inspired by the 1967 film "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"

Starred in the teen comedy "Dirty Deeds" with Lacey Chabert

Cast opposite Orlando Bloom in the indie thriller "Haven" playing a teenage drug addict

Cast in the John Singleton produced "Illegal Tender"

Earned international notice after landing the coveted role of Lt. Uhura, Communications Officer of the Starship Enterprise, in JJ Abrams feature film "Star Trek" (2008)