NBC News: #Latino20: Karen Olivo — the toast of Broadway
Tony-winning UC alumna recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month
Karen Olvio courtesy NBC News/Getty Images
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) NBC News' #Latino20 recognizes Latinx leaders who are using their voice, talent and passion to empower their communities and promote diversity — from celebrities to CEOS and scientists to scholars. University of Cincinnati alumna Karen Olivo makes the list as "the toast of Broadway."
Currently starring in the musical stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, "Moulin Rouge!," Olivo studied musical theatre at UC's College-Conservatory of Music. The New York Times describes her role in "Moulin Rouge the Musical" as “dazzling” in “a performance that sends her into the constellation of great musical actresses.”
Earlier in her career, Olivo originated the role of Vanessa in "In the Heights" on Broadway and won a Tony Award for her performance in "West Side Story."
From NBC News: "Olivo’s achievements are especially remarkable given that Latinos comprise less than 3% of active members of the Actors Equity union. In playing a cabaret singer in turn-of-the-20th-century Paris, Olivo is showing audiences that Latinx actors can shine in any role." Read more.
Related Stories
Drone-delivered groceries descending into Cincinnati
June 25, 2026
Walmart is bringing drone delivery to Cincinnati, as reported by 700WLW. Host Scott Sloan spoke with Michael Jones, associate professor of economics at the University of Cincinnati's Lindner College of Business, for a look at what it means for Cincinnati shoppers.
CCM welcomes Hiram Diaz as Visiting Artist of Euphonium
June 25, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Hiram Diaz as CCM's Visiting Artist of Euphonium for 2026-27. A CCM alumnus (BM Euphonium Performance, 2007), Diaz's visiting appointment begins this fall.
CCM welcomes Ben Nicholson as Assistant Professor of Immersive Media and Live Events
June 24, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Benjamin Nicholson as CCM's new Assistant Professor of Immersive Media and Visuals for Live Events. A CCM alumnus (MFA Lighting Design & Technology, 2025), Nicholson's faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2026, and he will work with college leadership to develop classes, content and programming in Live and Immersive Media at CCM. Nicholson's position is a joint appointment shared by CCM's Divisions of Media Production and Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration, and he will teach classes for both areas of the college.