Yaya DaCosta

An actress and model, Yaya DaCosta began her acting career at age 11 when her mentor, acting coach Ann Ratray, sent her to her first audition. She continued to nurture her passion for performance by joining The Signature Theater Company and received commendation for her role in their production of "The First Breeze of Summer." After graduating from Brown University with a BA in Africana Studies and International Relations, she gained widespread recognition by securing second place in the reality television show "America's Next Top Model." During the show's trip to Japan, DaCosta's fluency in Portuguese helped her form a significant connection with a local police officer, which notably benefited the show.

Following "America's Next Top Model," DaCosta transitioned from modeling to acting. She starred opposite notable actors such as Antonio Banderas in "Take the Lead," Danny Glover in "Honeydripper," Woody Harrelson in "The Messenger," and Charles Dutton in "Racing for Time," which earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination. She also had a recurring role in the TV series "All My Children."

DaCosta stars as April Sexton in "Chicago Med" and has appeared in other TV shows including "Ugly Betty," "House," "The Simpsons," and "Chicago Fire." Off screen, she is committed to human rights and works with international organizations like "charity: water" and Women for Women International. Additionally, DaCosta volunteers in Harlem, teaching Spanish and French to Montessori school students, advocating for global citizenship. Her extensive experience in entertainment and activism make her a compelling speaker on topics such as diversity, women's issues, and global citizenship.