Emmy Award-winning actress and screenwriter Sonia Manzano, best known for her role as Maria on the popular Public Broadcasting System’s program Sesame Street, will serve as the keynote speaker for Augusta University’s seventh annual Diversity and Inclusion Summit.

Her presentation will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center.

In her presentation, Manzano will share how she overcame life’s obstacles with perseverance and courage.

In addition to being an actress, Manzano is a notable author who addresses the Latino community’s diversity challenges in her memoir “Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx” as well as in her young adult novel “The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano.”

Manzano’s work has garnered her numerous accolades including the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award, and Latina magazine named her among their “25 Greatest Latino Role Models Ever.”

To register, visit the Diversity and Inclusion Summit webpage or call 706-721-6890.