Convention speaker rubs elbows with Elmo

How many people can list Big Bird as a close friend and can talk trash with Oscar the Grouch?

Sonia Manzano can.

You probably know Manzano as “Maria” on Sesame Street, but you’ll meet the real woman behind the character when she takes the stage during the 2008 Kiwanis International Convention in Orlando, Florida. The convention runs June 26-28.

Manzano became one of the first Hispanic characters on national television more than 30 years ago when she joined the Sesame Street cast. Today, when she’s not hanging with Elmo or fixing toasters as she sings, she adds activist, advocate, and author to her tool belt. And she’s not only a household name in the United States. Sesame Street—which has received more than 100 Emmy nominations—has been televised in 120 countries, and more than 30 international versions have been produced.

Kiwanis International staff members and host committee members are knee deep in planning to make this convention the best it can be. But you’ll have to wait to find out more. Check back often for updates.