“Don’t try so hard to fit in, and certainly don’t try so hard to be different. Just try hard to be you.”
Zendaya is an actress, best known for her earlier work on the Disney Channel as well as her recent role in the show Euphoria and in the movies Greatest Showman and both Marvel’s Spider-Man films. She is an ambassador for Convoy of Hope, an organization that provides humanitarian services to impoverished populations across the world. Zendaya was also recently made a Lancôme spokesmodel after being the face of CoverGirl. Across her interviews and platforms, she has championed diversity, and she continually makes an effort to support brands that do the same.
Nationality: American
Industry: Film
Q: It’s really powerful to see a woman of color [in such a prominent position]. Even without a political message, seeing ourselves onscreen is so important. What you did with K.C. Undercover, the fact that you came from a position of power [as producer], was huge…What gave you that confidence? – Glamour
A: “I didn’t feel like there was any other choice. I was like, “If I’m going to do this, this is how it has to be.” There needs to be a black family on the Disney Channel. A lot of people who aren’t people of color can’t quite understand what it’s like to grow up and not see yourself in mainstream media. And you know, there is so much work left to be done. I’ve talked about this before, but can I honestly say I would be in the position I’m in if I weren’t a lighter-skinned black woman? No.”
