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How Zendaya went from child actress to movie star and philanthropist

At 21-years-old, Zendaya is bossed up way beyond her age. And if you really think about it, she’s only been on the scene since 2011 but has covered a lot of ground in just six years. So how did she do it?

Starting out on the Disney Channel, she’s evolved into a music artist, movie star, philanthropic ambassador, and role model that any young woman can look up to. But above all else, Zendaya understands the game at a very young age and is on the way to being one of the nicest businesswoman in entertainment.

Everything she does is strategic and contributes back to her overall brand, which with over 44 million IG followers is massive. She’s used her platform as a child actress to propel her into a blockbuster movie career starring in films like the new Spiderman: Homecoming and building her way up to work with producers like Timbaland.

Zendaya has taken her career into her own hands and is paving her own path. Not only is she super career-driven but she’s blocking out any potential distractions and for her 21st birthday last week, she had the most focused answer for not drinking:

“This industry is way too nuts for me to not be in control of myself and my decisions, so I just don’t want to introduce drinking! Plus, I don’t want drinking to become a vice. Why try something if you don’t need it?!”

Realistically Zendaya doesn’t even need the Disney Channel anymore. Her last gig with the network as star of KC Undercover also came with a producer credit as she agreed to the job only if she could have creative control of her character’s personality.

With more movie roles and singles, her next moves may be something we won’t even expect. Still she’s one of the most humble stars her age.

Zendaya is heavily involved with the non-profit Convoy of Hope since Hurricane Sandy hit New York and has helped them in the past raise funds to provide food and shelter for children in developing nations after natural disasters. In a statement she said,

“My generation has the opportunity to change the world. With Convoy of Hope, I’ve raised my voice and I’m using it to give hope to people around the world.”

Zendaya will usually spend her birthdays helping Convoy with campaigns, specifically to help their women’s empowerment initiative. She even released one of her songs to help benefit these children in the program, called “All of Me.”

No matter if she’s making blockbusters, music, or helping children, not many people are making moves like Zendaya right now.

Peep the video above to see her story so far.