Born on October 29, 1972, in Omaha, Nebraska, she rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with roles in teen films like "Bring It On." She studied at UCLA, initially pursuing a career in law, before transitioning to acting. Her breakthrough in "Bring It On" established her as a leading actress. She has since appeared in films such as "Bad Boys II," "Deliver Us from Eva," and "Think Like a Man." An advocate for women's health and racial equality, she is also a successful author and entrepreneur.