Nava Mau, born on May 14, 1992, in Mexico City, is a Mexican actress, filmmaker, and cultural worker. Raised in San Antonio, Texas, and Oakland, California, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in linguistics and cognitive science from Pomona College. Her early career involved working as a legal assistant with immigrant survivors of violence and as a peer counselor for LGBTQ survivors in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her advocacy work laid a strong foundation for her later endeavors in the entertainment industry.

Her entry into filmmaking began with the short film "Waking Hour" in 2018, where she served as the lead actress, director, and producer. The film, which explores the experiences of a young transgender woman, was well-received at various film festivals.

She continued to build her career by working as a production fellow for the Netflix documentary "Disclosure" and producing the short film "Work," which premiered at Sundance. Nava Mau also produced other short films like "Sam's Town" and "Lovebites."

In 2021, Nava Mau gained wider recognition for her role as Ana in the HBO Max series "Generation." Her portrayal of Ana, the aunt of one of the main teenage characters, showcased her acting prowess and brought her into the spotlight.

In 2024, she starred in the Netflix series "Baby Reindeer" as Teri, the girlfriend of the protagonist Donny Dunn. This role earned her a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, making her the first trans woman to receive such recognition.

Her personal life is closely intertwined with her professional work. As a transgender woman, she has often played transgender characters, bringing authenticity and depth to her roles. She has been open about her experiences and has used her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ community.