Miriam Morales is quickly making a name for herself on the small screen. Her big break came when she landed the recurring role of Ramona “Pidge” Contreras, a feisty inmate who works at the nail salon, on the smash hit Netflix series ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, which has become a critical darling, earning recognition from the Screen Actors Guild Awards for “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series”, a Critics’ Choice Television Award for “Best Comedy Series”, and a Satellite Award for “Best Cast – Television Series”. The series was also nominated for “Best Television Series” at the 2016 Golden Globe Awards. Recently, Miriam was one of twelve women honored by Latinus Magazine & TV at the 2017 Latinas De Éxito for their leadership, initiative, community service, professional growth, endurance, and contributions to New York’s integral development.

Born in East Patchogue and raised in Brentwood, New York, Miriam discovered her passion for performing at an early age. The middle child in a family of three sisters, she spent her childhood performing in church plays and entertained herself by singing and dancing. Morales continued to grace the stage as she entered her teenage years with a role as Katherine from THE TAMING OF THE SHREW in her middle school’s production of SHAKESPEARE’S WOMEN. As her passion for the arts continued to grow, a guidance counselor suggested that she apply for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts to hone her craft. After graduating from the two-year acting conservatory, Morales continued her studies at TVI Actors Studio in Los Angeles before returning to her East Coast roots. Following her return to New York, Morales enrolled at Fordham University at Lincoln Center, where she graduated with degrees in Communications/Media Studies as well as Latin American/Latino Studies. To utilize her degree, she worked in advertising, at a YouTube network, and as a social/digital media strategist as she continued to pursue acting.

Other credits include guest roles on LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT and OWN’s UNFAITHFUL: STORIES OF BETRAYAL. She also starred in the indie drama AN ORNAMENT OF FAITH and showcased her talent in the webseries THE COLORS OF LOVE as well as the short films CECILIA’S BIRTHDAY, CITY LIGHTS, MULTI ETHNIC, and most recently TUPPERWARE PARTY, where she served as producer.

Outside of acting, Morales is a budding philanthropist. Drawing from personal experience within her own family and her role on ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, she supports the idea of helping women transition smoothly back into society after serving time in prison and has set that as a future goal. She also hopes to start a foundation in honor of her cousin Jonathan who was born with a rare developmental disorder called Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome.

When she is not busy acting, Morales enjoys watching movies, reading, and spending time with her friends.