About Karen Olivo

Olivo is of Puerto Rican and Chinese descent. She was raised in Lakeland, Florida. She attended the Lois Cole Harrison School of the Arts. Karen Olivo is a stage and television actress, who is known for originating the role of Vanessa in the Tony Award–winning musical In the Heights both on and off Broadway. She won her first Tony Award for her performance as Anita (2009-2010) in the revival of West Side Story on Broadway.