Debbie Allen is a legendary choreographer, actress, director, producer and one of the most powerful executives in Hollywood. Her many awards include three Emmys, a Golden Globe, five NAACP Image Awards, an Astaire Award for Best Dancer and the prestigious Olivier Theater Awards.

She holds four honorary doctoral degrees, was appointed by President George W. Bush as a cultural ambassador, has been an artist in residence at the Kennedy Center for more than 15 years and has choreographed the televised Academy Awards ceremony 10 years.

And she accomplished all of this while overcoming her industry’s sexism, racism and now ageism.

We catch up with this force of nature and discover her secrets to success, as well as her greatest source of pride — mentoring young people at her non-profit Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

Spend some time getting to know this national treasure.