UNL’s OASIS Leadership Symposia 2013 hosts keynote speaker Sonia Manzano at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Nebraska Union Auditorium.

Manzano, who plays Maria on “Sesame Street,” is an award-winning actress and one of the first Hispanic characters on national television. Her lecture, organized by the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services, is free and open to the public.

Manzano continues to contribute to enriching diversity on TV, on the stage and in the educational realm. Twice nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series, Manzano has also appeared on stage in several critically acclaimed theater performances.

A best-selling children’s author, she has written “No Dogs Allowed,” which was selected by the General Mills initiative “Spoonfuls of Stories” to encourage childhood literacy. As part of the “Sesame Street” writing team, she has won 15 Emmys and continues to pen scripts for children’s programs as well as for literary ventures.

The OASIS mission is to enhance student success by promoting academic excellence, diversity awareness, and social engagement. For more information on the event, go to http://go.unl.edu/symposia.