As Zegler has experienced firsthand, the attacks on DEI initiatives in this country aren’t going away any time soon. “My only prayer for the future of diversity and inclusion,” she reflected to Allure, “is that we invest in and nurture talent no matter what they look like.”

Zegler recalled the unsettling experience of being forced to prove your heritage to a room full of white executives.Rachel Zegler is still shocked by some of her experiences throughout the West Side Story casting process.

There’s confusion because I don’t have a single ounce of Latin in my name,” the actress, whose mother is Colombian, told Allure.