Nora Lum, also known as Awkwafina, was born June 2, 1988 in Stony Brook NY. She started off her career as a teen by attending a performing arts school. Though she was confident in her dreams and aspirations for the future, her confidence in herself was not as concrete. She was described as an energetic and awkward Asian-American tomboy hence the name she created “Awkwafina” Though she had gained publicity through her role in “Crazy Rich Asians” Awkwafina career peaked when she starred in a movie in 2019 called “Farewell” and soon after in 2021 she starred in the marvel movie “Shang-Chi” where she showed the audience the depth of her range in acting. Her outstanding acting in her role in “Farewell” won her the Golden Globe for Best Actress.

Long before the uprising in her acting career, Awkwafina was also a rapper and made some controversial songs. Though they were controversial, it grabbed the attention of millions. This would come in handy a year later when struck by the CoronaVirus.  She used the publicity and the sales of her music to donate and help struggling New York City Chinatown businesses. Awkwafina makes it known that she is here to shatter all stereotypes. She was constantly ridiculed for her low raspy voice and her awkwardness in and out of the acting field, but she continued to be herself and advocated for inclusivity in Hollywood. In the end, she used the criticism of others to empower her. What started off as a name to make fun of herself for being awkward, became a way for Nora, or “Awkwafina” to gain a sense of acceptance and recognition of her accomplishments.