Cierra Alexa Ramirez was born on March 9, 1995, in Houston, Texas, to Sonny Ramirez, a music producer, and Cris Ramirez, a kindergarten teacher. Raised in Sugar Land, Texas, she developed an early interest in fashion and participated in fashion shows from a young age.

She attended Westside High School for two years before moving to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career, completing her high school education through a home-school program. Cierra has a younger sister named Savannah.

Cierra Ramirez made her television debut at the age of 10 on "Showtime at the Apollo," where she performed the song "I Am Changing" in the "Apollo Kids Star of Tomorrow" segment. Her acting career took off with a recurring role on the Disney Channel series "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" in 2007, and she later appeared in "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and the film "Girl in Progress," for which she won an ALMA Award for Favorite Movie Actress Supporting Role.

In 2013, she landed the role of Mariana Adams Foster in the Freeform series "The Fosters," a role she reprised in the spin-off series "Good Trouble," which she also co-executive produced with co-star Maia Mitchell. Her portrayal of Mariana earned her a nomination for a GLAAD Media Award and several Teen Choice Awards.

Cierra Ramirez is also a talented singer and released her first EP, "Discreet," on June 20, 2016. She has released several singles, including "Faded" featuring Baeza, "Bad Boys," "Liquid Courage (Love Me Better)," and "Broke Us" featuring Trevor Jackson.

Her debut album, "Over Your Head," was released on February 28, 2020. Cierra has performed as the opening act for musical acts such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, and Ruben Studdard.

Cierra Ramirez announced her engagement to musician Othrsyde in September 2023 after four years of dating.