Valencia Yearwood: From Biology to Broadway

Valencia Yearwood’s path to the stage wasn’t a straight line — it was a bold detour. A dancer since childhood, Valencia once planned to become a doctor, studying biology at Syracuse University before realizing her true calling was in the arts. In this episode, Valencia shares how she pivoted from science to performance, what she learned from her early days as an extra on film sets, and how storytelling became her life’s purpose. A Tony-nominated actor, producer, and director, Valencia reflects on discipline, faith, and the power of telling Black stories with truth and intention.