April Hernandez Castillo

Best known for her compelling role as "Eva" in the movie "Freedom Writers," April Hernandez Castillo has established a significant presence in both film and television. Beyond her work in "Freedom Writers," she has shown her versatility as an actress with appearances in popular television series including "Law & Order: SVU," "The Following," "Person of Interest," "Elementary," "Dexter," "New Amsterdam," "Prodigal Son," and "Gossip Girl." Her performance in "Dexter" earned her a nomination for a SAG Award for Best Ensemble Cast.

Raised in the Bronx during the challenging times of the Crack Epidemic Era, Hernandez Castillo faced numerous personal adversities from a young age, including a turbulent relationship that involved physical, emotional, and verbal abuse during her teenage years. These experiences deeply influenced her future endeavors and her commitment to speaking on topics such as resilience, overcoming adversity, and moving beyond trauma. Her engagements have taken her to prestigious platforms where she shares her insights and encourages others to confront and grow from their challenges.

Hernandez Castillo is also an accomplished author, having penned the memoir "Embracing Me," which details her journey from a tumultuous past to empowerment. This narrative not only highlights her survival of intimate partner violence but also her struggles with severe postpartum depression, underscoring her advocacy for transparency about the difficulties of motherhood. Living in NYC with her husband and their two daughters, she co-owns LionChaser Media, Inc., a production company. Her personal and professional life embodies a commitment to fostering understanding and healing, making her story and insights particularly resonant with diverse audiences.