Michaela Jae Rodriguez

Michaela Jae Rodriguez is no stranger to the Root 100 list. She first captured our hearts for her breakout role on the hit show Pose. She went on to be nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama series in 2021. But in 2022, Rodriguez became the first transgender woman to win a Golden Globe award. She received the coveted title of Best Actress in a Drama Series for her rich and multilayered performance on Pose. Ever one to shoutout her community, Rodriguez posted on her Instagram that the moment will “open the door for more young talented individuals. They will see that it is more than possible.” There is clearly much more in store for this incredibly talented afro-Latina actress, and we cannot wait to see what she does next!