SHADOWHUNTERS Star Katherine McNamara Named Girl Up Champion

Girl Up, the United Nations Foundation's adolescent girl campaign, today announced Katherine McNamara, star of Freeform's hit show "Shadowhunters," as its newest Champion. In this role, McNamara will help raise awareness and funds for UN programs that provide girls around the world with life-changing opportunities like the chance to go to school, see a doctor, and stay safe from violence.

"I'm honored to be involved with Girl Up," said McNamara. "They put their heart, soul, and intelligence into their work and make a real difference in the lives they touch. By encouraging girls worldwide to step up, they are not only affecting this generation, but creating a positive influence on future ones as well. I have such admiration for this campaign and everyone involved."

In addition to her acting credits, which also includes the film Maze Runner: the Scorch Trials, 20 year old McNamara has long been a passionate advocate for education - a cause near and dear to her heart. She graduated high school at just 15 years old, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Drexel University at 17, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in economics from Johns Hopkins University. Her dedication to her own academic pursuits has fueled her desire to ensure girls around the world have access to the same educational opportunities.

"Katherine's passion for education and her commitment to girls around the world make her a powerful voice for Girl Up," said Melissa Hillebrenner Kilby, Director of Girl Up. "We welcome her as our newest Champion and look forward to working with her to inspire millions of girls."

Before taking on her role as Clary Fray on "Shadowhunters," MacNamara got her start on Broadway in "A Little Night Music," alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury. She went on to do numerous television shows such as "Workaholics" and "The Fosters" as well as films such as Gary Marshall's "New Year's Eve" and Disney's "Girl Vs. Monster." Katherine is an accomplished actress, singer, dancer, songwriter, philanthropist and an avid student.

ABOUT GIRL UP Girl Up, the United Nations Foundation's adolescent girl campaign, supports the empowerment of girls everywhere. Since its launch in 2010, the campaign has funded UN programs that promote the health, safety, education, and leadership of girls in developing countries and built a community of nearly half a million passionate advocates - including Girl Up Global Advocates Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and Latin American business leader Angélica Fuentes.

Our youth leaders, representing more than 1200 Girl Up Clubs in 66 countries, stand up, speak up, and rise up to support the hardest to reach girls living in places where it is hardest to be a girl.

Learn more at GirlUp.org.