I first stepped on a stage to address an audience when I started as a stand-up comedian. That's right, you read it correctly. I performed my set in front of a group of people, most of whom were my family members, so go figure!
The famous New York Comedy Club was where I discovered I had a knack for making people laugh through my storytelling and jokes. But I did not realize I was developing the skills needed as a public speaker to deliver an important message.
For many, the stage and public speaking are one of the most frightening things in the world, but I found it to be a place where I could connect with people on a human level, no matter the place or stage.
For over a decade, I have traveled and spoken to a variety of audiences across the nation. From Harvard University and juvenile detention centers to landing my first TEDx talk, I am fearless in spreading my message of hope, love, forgiveness, and understanding the power of our voices.
Hollywood
I first discovered acting when I was a student at Hunter College in New York City. My original plan was to study Nutrition or Athletic training because I was an athlete for most of my life; I decided to continue throughout college. But life has a way of redirecting your plans sometimes, and it happened to me when I walked into a chemistry class I had to take for my major. I walked in and walked right out! I knew at that moment that science was not for me.
So I had to figure out what would work for me. I needed to fill one of my electives, and I chose a class called Improv Acting 101. I did not know what to expect from the course as I had no acting experience. The moment I took the class, I fell in love and knew I wanted to continue my education in the Arts. As the saying goes, "and the rest is history" I have been acting for almost 20 years.
My career on screen has landed me on shows such as Law & Order: SVU, Showtime's Dexter, Person of Interest, Elementary, Nurse Jackie, The Following, New Amsterdam, Gossip Girl, The Prodigal Son, and so many others. I am most noted for my role in the movie Freedom Writers, starring Oscar winner Hilary Swank.
“It’s not how hard you can hit; it’s how hard you can get hit, get up and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” -Rocky Balboa
one of my favorite movie quotes
Author
Best known for her riveting performance as “Eva” in the hit movie, Freedom Writers, starring two-time Oscar winner, Hilary Swank, April was living the Hollywood dream. However, behind the glitz and glamour was a woman secretly dealing with a traumatic past.
From growing up in the tough streets of the Bronx during the Crack Epidemic Era to being in an abusive relationship as a teenager, to nearly taking her own life; April’s future looked bleak.
Embracing Me is April’s inspirational story of resilience, forgiveness, and overcoming adversity. This heartfelt yet witty memoir explores April’s story of standing up against life’s many challenges with strength, perseverance, and faith. Journey with April as she takes you on behind-the-scenes to some of the most intimate parts of her life, and learn from the wisdom she obtained along the way.
