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#RedefineAtoZ: Auli'i Cravalho, the Voice of Moana, Is a Star On the Rise

With a showstopping performance at the Oscars, there's no stopping Auli'i Cravalho, who's debut as Moana put her on the map as someone to watch.
Auli'i Cravalho
Auli'i Cravalho made her film debut as the voice of Moana in Disney's "Moana."Paulo Chun / NBC News

NAME: Auli'i Cravalho

AGE: 16

HOMETOWN: Kohala, Hawai'i

TWITTER: @auliicravalho / INSTAGRAM: @auliicravalho / FACEBOOK: @auliicravalho / SNAPCHAT: aulii.c

How do you introduce yourself?

Hi! I'm Auli'i (OW-LE-EE) :)

What inspires you?

So many things inspire me; my family, my accomplishments, and all the things I hope to accomplish. Every day, I find new things and new people who inspire me in different ways.

What challenges you?

Hahaha, being a teenager. It's a challenge we all go through.

Tell us about the biggest risk you ever took.

Auditioning for "Moana" is the biggest risk I have ever taken. It was the first time I had auditioned on tape, first time I had ever seen a casting agent — a lot of firsts. And that big risk became the blessing and journey of a lifetime.

SEE THE LIST: NBC Asian America Presents: A to Z - The 26 Emerging Voices of 2017

What are you reading/watching/listening to these days?

I'm currently reading "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot DÍaz, and I have recently been listening to a lot of French artists: Stromae, Indila, and Cœur de Pirate.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what job would you want to have?

I wouldn't mind being a full time high school student LOL.

What’s your motto?

Breathe, and be grateful.

I celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month because...

...I am a proud young woman of Pacific heritage! In all that I do, I carry my culture and heritage with me, and this month I'm grateful there is somewhat of a spotlight to show just how proud I am to carry it.

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