You may recognize Geffri Maya from her appearances in Private Practice, East of La Brea, Snowfall – but its her leading role in the TV show All American: Homecoming that officially put her on the map.

The spinoff of the hit CW show puts Maya front and center in her role as Simone, a young athlete who is getting back on the court as she begins college at a fictional HBCU school Bringston University. The story is personal for Maya. She started off acting on Broadway as a child, later transitioning to television as a teenager. After high school, she decided to further her education at Clark Atlanta University – an HBCU in Atlanta, Georgia – where she graduated with a B.A. in Mass Communications. Since returning to Los Angeles, the actress is back in full force. The show presents an opportunity for Maya to portray authentic Black experiences, a cause she is passionate about in her work.

For her first major Awards season, we got ready with her for Sunday night’s Critics Choice Awards to which she wore a dress from CFDA member Bibhu Mohapatra.

Tell us about your look. What inspired tonight’s outfit?

My stylist, Mickey Freeman, and I speak a lot about authenticity when getting dressed. And a lot of that authenticity comes from where you are and who you are in the moment of choosing a look. For the Critics Choice Awards, I knew I wanted to be bold and sophisticated so when Mickey showed me the piece from Bibhu Mohapatra, It was an undeniable decision!

Why was Bibhu Mohapatra the right designer for you to wear? 

Bibhu Mohapatra was the right designer for me to wear because outside of his beautiful designs, I’m so attracted to his consistency with versatility! No dress looks the same — it’s inspiring and exciting to pull from a designer who is constantly creating and executing effortlessly.

How would you describe your personal style? 

I would describe my personal style as evolving! Some days I prefer to be more laid back while other days I intend on turning heads in a room. I’ve always been into vintage apparel and piecing it with contemporary (or select name brand) pieces. I’ve never really been one to follow trends but I do love the things that catch my attention— which is constantly elevating in fashion! I never want to look the same when getting dressed but I do want to be consistent with always choosing styles that genuinely make me feel confident.

Do you have any getting ready rituals? How do you prep before the big night?

This is my first time being involved in award season as a guest so truthfully it was a bit nerve-racking for me. I’m really big on creating tranquil spaces prior to ANY big event where I’m sharing lots of energy with people. Before getting dressed, I must have like a mini spa moment. Facial, body scrub, candles, music— the whole nine! It genuinely calms me down when I’m able to just love on myself. Then, once my team arrives, we eat some good food, check in and just listen to music that allows our energy to synchronize as we get into the works. Energy makes such a difference.

What was your favorite part of the night? 

Being able to look at my mother by my side. We were in rooms and at the table with people that I not only grew up celebrating but inspire me to continue doing what I love and making sure my purpose and responsibility as a black actress is being met. I couldn’t have been more grateful to be in attendance— looking and feeling my absolute best!

Fashion stylist: Mickey Freeman @mickeyboooom

Dress: Bibhu Mohapatra @bibhumohapatra

Jewelry: Candice Patridge @_candicepartridge_

Shoes: Eso Marie @esormarieofficial

Hair stylist: Ryan Burrell @ryanburrellhair

Make-up artist: Autumn Moultrie @autumnmoultriebeauty

Stylist Assistants: Kelson Sanders @kelsonamir & Lisa Stapleton @lisa.stapleton

Tailoring: Jenine Nerecina @jeninenerecina