Francia Raisa

Francia Raisa is a bilingual, first-generation American actress of Mexican and Honduran descent known for her work in television and film. Raisa began her acting career at age 17, first gaining attention with her role as Leti in the cheerleading film "Bring It On: All or Nothing." She went on to appear in "The Cutting Edge 3: Chasing the Dream" and secured the role of Adrian Lee in the series "The Secret Life of the American Teenager."

Raisa's breakout role as Adrian Lee on ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" brought her significant recognition. Created by Brenda Hampton of "7th Heaven," the program achieved record ratings for the network and maintained a strong following throughout its run. Raisa received the Gracie Allen Award for Outstanding Female Rising Star in a Drama Series or Special for her performance and earned nominations from the Teen Choice Awards, IMAGEN Awards, and ALMA Awards. She was also featured on the cover of Backstage magazine as one of Young Hollywood's top Latinos in American TV and film.

Raisa continued to expand her television career with roles in the Freeform series "Grown-ish," executive produced by Kenya Barris, and the television film "Life-Size 2" opposite Tyra Banks. She later joined the cast of the Hulu series "How I Met Your Father," a spinoff of "How I Met Your Mother." For her role as Valentina in "How I Met Your Father," Raisa received the Impact Award for Performance in a Sitcom from the National Hispanic Media Coalition, recognizing her contributions to Latino representation in mainstream media.

In addition to her acting achievements, Raisa made international headlines when she donated a kidney to singer and actress Selena Gomez, who has lupus. Raisa has since spoken publicly about her own health journey, including her diagnoses of SIBO and endometritis, and advocates for improved reproductive healthcare for women. She is active in raising awareness for organizations focused on combating sex trafficking, addressing familial separation at the border, and promoting women's health and wellness. Raisa's career reflects a commitment to representation, advocacy, and storytelling within the entertainment industry.