When Megan Piphus stepped into the role of Gabrielle, she wasn’t just adding her voice to Sesame Street; she was making history. As the first Black woman puppeteer on the beloved children’s show, Megan didn’t just break barriers; she opened doors for countless Black children to see themselves reflected in a world that often leaves them out of the frame.

But Megan Piphus is more than a trailblazer. She’s a mother, musician, Emmy-winning producer, and a woman of deep purpose. Raised in the church by two pastor parents, Megan grew up steeped in service, creativity, and community. Her work is not just entertainment, it’s ministry, empowerment, and education all in one.

Finding Her Voice Through Puppetry

Megan’s journey began at a Christian puppetry and ventriloquism conference she attended as a child. What began as playful exploration turned into a passion. She taught herself ventriloquism using VHS tapes from the library and began performing at her school and church. What she didn’t know at the time was that this “unconventional” calling would one day lead her to Sesame Street.

In 2020, amidst a global pandemic and racial reckoning, Sesame Workshop chose Megan to portray Gabrielle, a kind, confident Black girl Muppet created to address racial justice. Megan’s first performance as Gabrielle was for CNN’s Town Hall on Racism following the murder of George Floyd. From that moment, it was clear Megan’s voice was one our children needed to hear.

“When I found out I was the first Black woman puppeteer on Sesame Street, I broke down in tears, not for myself, but because I knew I had opened a door.”

— Megan Piphus

Music With a Mission: Cinderella Sweep

Megan is now using her platform to uplift and affirm young Black girls through music. Her latest children’s album, Cinderella Sweep, isn’t just catchy—it’s culturally affirming, emotionally uplifting, and powerfully relevant. Created in partnership with Saving Our Daughters, a nonprofit co-founded by Keke Palmer, the album features over 50 girls across the U.S. who sing, speak affirmations, and participate in the songs.

“I wanted to make sure we had songs where girls could naturally say, ‘I have magic in my skin.’”

— Megan Piphus

The album includes fun and affirming tracks like ABCs of Me, which introduces kids to a wide variety of careers through a catchy and educational format. The music blends hip-hop, funk, and pop genres that resonate with Black families while embedding messages of strength, self-worth, and pride.

Parents can find Cinderella Sweep on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. It’s the kind of album that makes you want to dance with your kids and then hug them even tighter.

Purpose and Parenting Go Hand in Hand

Megan’s mission is personal. As a mother herself, she’s deeply aware of what children internalize from the media they consume.

“Parenthood made me work harder, not just to tell my kids to follow their dreams, but to show them how.”

— Megan Piphus

Much of her creative work happens right alongside her children through play, storytelling, and imagination. Whether it’s building characters together or writing songs inspired by their pretend games, Megan reminds parents that purpose doesn’t have to come at the expense of parenting—it can grow from it.

She also stresses the importance of listening to your child’s interests and nurturing creativity early, particularly through unstructured play. For younger children, play is practice for expression, storytelling, and confidence.

Representation Is Emotional Oxygen

Megan Piphus isn’t just raising her voice—she’s teaching our kids how to raise theirs. Her work embodies what so many Black parents are striving to give their children: visibility, confidence, creativity, and joy.

From church stages to Sesame Street, Megan’s story shows that it’s never too early and never too unconventional to follow your calling. And in doing so, she’s giving Black children everywhere permission to dream big, speak boldly, and see themselves as the heroes of their own stories.