Name: Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman

Age: 19

Occupation: Actor, Singer, Producer, Dancer

Reason I look up to her: Bringing diversity to a previously white dominated scene, standing up for her heritage and her incredible fashion

A triple threat with impeccable taste and eloquence, Zendaya is probably the best young woman in the public eye to be a role model for her younger audience. When asked why she went back to Disney after having success in fashion and music after leaving her break out show 'Shake it up', she answered, "I have little kids who look up to me, I think of that as a responsibility." Whether she means in particular for children of colour, or just a general responsibility that many Disney stars disregarded as soon as they made fame in the general sense I don't know but either way an impressive awareness from someone who is only 19 years old. 

Not only has she created incredible entertainment, she is also outspoken about her heritage and the racism she experiences. When rocking dreads at an Oscars red carpet event, Giuliana Rancic racially stereotyped her, saying she probably smells of 'weed' or 'patchouli oil'. Of course Zendaya didn't take kindly to the racism and spoke out immediately saying:

Her awareness of the role she plays in celebrity culture is incredible and she is a wonderful inspiration to so many young girls.

Check out her debut single released in 2013, Replay below: