You probably recognize her as the genius engineer with the high-tech goggles or the girl who finally brought the Green Lantern legacy to the small screen. Ysa Penarejo is one of those actors who has been around much longer than people realize, basically growing up in front of the camera while managing to stay surprisingly low-key. Born in San Diego back in 2000, she started as a dancer at four years old. That discipline shows.
If you’re looking through the list of ysa penarejo movies and tv shows, you’ll see a pattern of someone who knows how to pick roles that actually mean something to her audience. She doesn't just play "the friend." She plays the smart one, the athlete, or the superhero. Honestly, that’s probably why her fanbase is so loyal. They’ve seen her evolve from a competitive dancer to a mainstay in the Netflix and CW universes.
The Big Break: Project Mc2 and the STEM Movement
For most people, the entry point into her filmography is Project Mc2. This wasn't just another teen show; it was a huge push to get girls interested in science and tech. Ysa played Camryn Coyle, the mechanical engineer of the group. What’s cool about Camryn is that she wasn't the "nerdy" trope we usually see. She was cool, resourceful, and used a skateboard to get around.
She stayed with the show from 2015 to 2017. During that time, she basically became the face of "smart is the new cool." If you ever watched the Project Mc2 New Year's Eve Countdown or the Behind the Technology specials, you know she actually had to learn a bit about the gadgets she was "building" on screen. It wasn't all just props and green screens.
Before the Netflix Fame
Long before she was a secret agent for NOV8, Ysa was making waves in the American Girl world. In 2012, she starred in McKenna Shoots for the Stars. She played Toulane Thomas, a competitive gymnast. It’s funny because her real-life dance background made her perfect for this. She didn't need a stunt double for the flexibility—she already had it.
Around that same time, she popped up in Prodigy Bully, a TV movie directed by Peter Segal. It featured Missi Pyle and was supposed to be a bigger pilot, but even though it didn't turn into a massive series, it put Ysa on the map for casting directors. She was clearly a kid who could handle professional sets.
Expanding Into the DC Universe: Stargirl
The biggest shift in her career happened when she joined DC’s Stargirl. Joining a superhero franchise is a huge deal for any actor, but for Ysa, it was special. She played Jennie-Lynn Hayden, the daughter of the original Green Lantern, Alan Scott.
If you're a comic book fan, you know this character as Jade. Seeing her bring that green energy to life in Season 2 and Season 3 was a major moment for representation. She actually did her own research into the character's history. Her dad helped her look up the lore, which is kinda sweet.
There’s a famous story among fans about a photo she posted on Instagram. She was holding a cup of hot chocolate and totally forgot she was still wearing the Green Lantern ring from set. People went wild. It’s those little human moments that make her career so fun to follow.
A Quick Look at the Ysa Penarejo Filmography
It's easy to lose track of the smaller projects, so here is the gist of what she’s been in:
- McKenna Shoots for the Stars (2012): Her role as Toulane Thomas.
- Richie Rich (2015): A recurring role in the Netflix reboot.
- Gibby (2016): She played the "mean girl" Alicia. Totally different from her usual vibe.
- Project Mc2 (2015–2017): Her long-running role as Camryn Coyle.
- The Secret Lives of Cheerleaders (2019): A Lifetime movie where she played Haley.
- Red Ruby (2019–2021): She played Maisie in this Brat TV series.
- Stargirl (2021–2022): Her major turn as Jennie-Lynn Hayden/Jade.
She also did a guest spot on Kirby Buckets and was in a project called All Kids Count. She’s been working steadily for over a decade. That’s a long time in Hollywood.
The Mean Girl Phase
We have to talk about Gibby. In this 2016 movie about a girl and a monkey, Ysa played Alicia. She has described the character as the "Regina George" of the story. It’s always interesting when an actor known for playing sweet or smart characters takes a villainous turn. She was the rival to the main character, Katie, and spent most of the movie trying to sabotage her. It showed she had range beyond the "nice girl" archetype.
What’s Next for Ysa?
As of 2026, Ysa is transitioning into more adult roles. She’s moved past the Disney and Nickelodeon phase and is looking for more complex stories. She’s also a songwriter—she released a single called "LIKE Not LOVE" a while back—so there is always the possibility of more music.
She often talks about how much she looks up to actors like Chloe Grace Moretz and Shay Mitchell. You can see that influence in how she carries herself. She isn't chasing fame for the sake of it; she's building a body of work.
One thing that stands out about her is her commitment to charity. She has worked with Kourts Krew, which helps kids who have had organ transplants. It’s rare to find an actor who stays this grounded after growing up in the industry.
Actionable Advice for Fans and New Viewers
If you're just getting into her work, don't just stop at Stargirl. Go back and watch Project Mc2. Even if you aren't in the target demographic, the production value is surprisingly high, and Ysa’s performance is solid.
- Watch the "Jennie-Lynn Hayden" arc in Stargirl Season 2: It’s some of her best emotional work.
- Check out Red Ruby on Brat TV: It’s a shorter format, perfect for a quick binge.
- Follow her socials: She’s very active on Instagram and often shares behind-the-scenes looks at her life in LA.
The bottom line is that the ysa penarejo movies and tv shows list is only going to grow. She’s at that age where she’s ready for a breakout lead role in a major feature film or a prestige drama. Keep an eye on her—she's definitely not done yet.
