is a Broadway and Television actor, well known for originating the role of Vanessa in the Tony Award winning musical In the Heights, both on and off Broadway. She was recently nominated for an Outer Critic’s Circle Award for her critically acclaimed performance in the 2009 Broadway revival of West Side Story as Anita, which opened at the Palace Theatre on March 19, 2009. She also received a Tony nomination for her performance in West Side Story May 5, 2009. Karen also received her second Astaire Award nomination for Best Female Dancer for her work in West Side Story, after previously winning the same award in 2008 for her work in In the Heights.