Sesame Street’s “Maria” Sonia Manzano Inducted as Honorary Member of Sigma Gamma Rho

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has inducted actress and writer Sonia Manzano, beloved for her decades as “Maria” on Sesame Street, as an Honorary Member. The sorority announced the induction today, Friday, July 24, 2026, during its 61st Biennial Boule in Tampa, Florida.

Sonia Manzano played Maria on Sesame Street from 1971 until her retirement in 2015, a 44-year run that made her one of the first Latina performers in a regular role on national children’s television. Sesame Workshop has credited her as a pioneer in the representation of Latinos on television, a presence that shaped how generations of children saw themselves on screen.

Manzano’s work extended well beyond the camera. She earned 15 Emmy Awards as a writer for the Sesame Street writing staff, and in 2016 she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Daytime Emmys. Born and raised in the South Bronx to parents from Puerto Rico, she earned her BFA from Carnegie Mellon University.

An accomplished author, Manzano has written the memoir Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx, the novel The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, and children’s books that advance literacy, confidence, and identity for young readers. She later created and executive produced the PBS animated series Alma’s Way, continuing her lifelong work of representation for children.

Manzano was inducted as part of Sigma Gamma Rho’s Honorary Membership Class of 2026, a group of women recognized during the 2026 Boule Honorary Membership Ceremony for achievements spanning sports, entertainment, education, public service, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and global humanitarian work.

The ceremony took place as Sigma Gamma Rho gathered in Tampa, Florida, for its 61st Biennial Boule under International President Marica T. Harris. In announcing the class, Harris said the 2026 honorees “embody the spirit of service, the power of purpose,” carrying forward the sorority’s mission of Greater Service, Greater Progress.

We at Watch The Yard would like to congratulate Sonia Manzano on her induction as an Honorary Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

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