Disney will introduce its first ever Latina princess in 2016 and the woman behind the voice is FIU alumna Aimee Carrero. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Miami, she earned a degree in international relations in 2008 and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

The 26-year-old actress started her career in 2007 starring in a number of short films. She even made a contribution to the Sh*t Girls Say viral phenomenon in 2012 with Sh*t Miami Girls Say…and guys. Since then, Carrero has gone on to become a household name as a series regular in the ABC Family sitcom Young and Hungry. She’s made guest appearances on shows like The Mentalist, Hannah Montana and Lincoln Heights. Her new role on Disney isn’t her first experience in voice acting. Carrero played Sophia in the 2009 animated film Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.

Carrero’s character Princess Elena will make her debut on a special episode of the Disney preschool hit Sofia the First. The princess will then star in a spinoff series Elena of Avalor on Disney Junior.

According to a statement issued by Disney, “Princess Elena’s journey began long ago when her parents and kingdom were taken from her by the evil sorceress, Shuriki. Elena bravely faced the sorceress to protect her little sister, Princess Isabel, and grandparents but in the process, her magical amulet pulled her inside its enchanted jewel, saving her life but imprisoning her at the same time.  Decades later, Princess Sofia of Enchancia discovers the truth about the amulet she has worn since joining her royal family and sets out to restore Elena to her human form and help her return to the kingdom of Avalor.”

via FIU News