Walnette Marie Santiago was born in San German, Puerto Rico to Johirah Morato and Waldemar Santiago. She was raised in the Bronx, New York where she began exploring her love for creative arts.At the age of eight, she joined Starlite Dance Studio where she began professionally salsa dancing nationwide. Although she did exceptionally well as a dancer, she decided it was no longer her favorite hobby.In 2008, her family moved to Alpharetta,Georgia seeking a lifestyle change. Doubting the success of what she felt was an unsuited move, she later found her passion for acting. Her first television co-star debut on 'The Vampire Diaries' was followed by her role on FX's 'Atlanta.' She is to appear in Kevin Sorbos 'Let There Be Light' set to release in December 2017.