Napiera Danielle Groves

INSTITUTE SPEAKER / PANELIST

Actor

Napiera Danielle Groves was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended and graduated from the prestigious School for the Creative and Performing Arts where she joined a list of other successful alums: Sarah Jessica Parker, Rocky Carroll, Nick Lachey, Carmen Electra and more. Napiera then continued her education at Howard University in Washington, D.C where she earned a BFA degree in Theater Arts and Communications. She also had the privilege to study at the distinguished British American Drama Academy at Oxford University in Oxford, England. Napiera’s extensive training in theatre, music, and dance quickly paid off, earning her stripes with roles in television, film, and stage. Her beauty, dedication and intelligence propelled her to win the title of MISS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA USA and eventually, a trip to the MISS USA pageant, where to no one’s surprise, she won the MISS CONGENIALITY AWARD. Upon her college graduation, Napiera took on the New York stage as “Amanda” in Michael Greif’s (director of RENT) pop-rock musical, Bright Lights Big City opposite actor, Patrick Wilson, where she received rave reviews all over New York City. The New York Times called her, “a beauty with unmistakable raw talent….a beguiling presence.”

All of which led to her role as haughty heiress, Bonnie McKechnie on the Emmy-award winning, CBS daytime drama, As the World Turns. Napiera has had supporting roles in films such as Sacred with Nas and Isaiah Washington, Warner Brother’s, AIRBORNE with Jack Black and Seth Green, the dark comedy Redrum, and AFI’s Happy Birthday Michael Peck. She’s also been busy with television roles on Fox’s drama Pitch, CBS’s tech drama Wisdom of the Crowd, The Following, the hit drama Elementary, 30 Rock and much, much more. She works extensively in both LA and New York, where she completed a successful stint on Broadway as “Lady of the Lake” in the Tony Award winning musical hit, Spamalot. Napiera is also a talented singer-songwriter. In 2011, she released her first single and music video for the critically acclaimed song, Force. It went on to have thousands of downloads world-wide. “Music is life’s theme song”, Groves says.  “Everyone has their favorite song because everyone has a story to tell. I only hope that my music is someone’s story so I just want to get it out there for people to hear and prayerfully, enjoy!”

In addition, Napiera is now adding “Producer” to her list of career accomplishments as she puts her considerable creative energy into developing content for television, film and new media. As founder and Executive Producer of ONLY 1, Inc. Productions, Groves is committed to creating works that not only entertain but stimulate our audience.  Having produced the pilot for the lifestyle show, Dinner in the Round and the compelling documentary, Countdown 2 History: When the Buckeye Spoke based around 2 women and the historical 2008 Presidential election in swing state Ohio, ONLY 1 is a company that looks to produce projects which exceed the expectations of the person who’s used to the same old, same old.  “We want to tell stories that are real and tangible as well as smart and intriguing; well thought out characters, plots, and images.  We are committed to putting those images out there on a canvas of film, television, and new media for the world to see, process, and get better acquainted with” says, Groves.

Constantly staying busy and never one to rest, multi-faceted Napiera Danielle Groves keeps her feet on the ground and eyes on the prize as she continues to hone her craft(s). It’s no doubt she has always known her destiny. Today… she is living it.

IF SHE CAN SEE IT, SHE CAN BE IT®