Meet Charlotte Mandeville | Actress, model, public figure and human rights activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlotte Mandeville and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlotte, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
For a long time I was completely absorbed in my work. I chased perfection in everything I did and poured myself into Computer Sciences, Medical Law and Emergency Medicine. I made very little room for anything outside of achievement. That pace eventually caught up with me. I had a stroke three years ago, and with the recovery process and the heart conditions that followed, I had to step back and look honestly at what was creating stress in my life.
Learning to slow down became necessary, not optional. I began adding small pieces of myself back into my routine. Acting, modelling, spending time with friends and family, my activism, and researching my own personal journey all became part of my balance. I stopped worrying about every small inconvenience and accepted that mistakes happen. Instead of fighting them, I learned to move with them. My balance now is less about perfection and more about living a full and sustainable life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What excites me most about my work is the variety. One day I am on a runway, the next I am on set, and the day after that I am creating content or diving into activism. I love that my career never looks the same two days in a row. I am proud of the fact that I built a path that lets me explore creativity, performance and purpose all at once.

I did not take the traditional route into this industry. I came from a world of science and structure, so stepping into acting and modelling felt like learning a new language. It was not easy, but it was exciting. Every challenge pushed me to grow, adapt and trust myself in new ways. I learned to take risks, to stay curious and to let my personality lead the way.

What I want people to know about my story is that I am not afraid to reinvent myself. My work is about expression, connection and using my voice in ways that feel meaningful. Whether I am on camera, on a runway or speaking on issues I care about, I want my presence to feel authentic and alive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love giving people a mix of creativity, community and the kind of places you only find when you actually live here. Arizona has its own rhythm, and I would want them to feel it.

Day One
We would start at Onyx Ice Cream Parlor because dessert first is always the right choice when someone is visiting. After that, we would walk around and explore the city a little before heading to The Industry Standard for dinner. It is one of my favorite spots for a relaxed but really good meal.

Day Two
This would be a community day. I would take them to Lighthouse Kava Lounge in Tempe. It is one of my favorite places to unwind, meet people and feel connected. The atmosphere is calm, creative and full of interesting conversations.

Day Three
A night out with the After12 rave community. They are some of the most welcoming and high energy people in the city. It is the kind of night that makes you feel alive and reminds you why Phoenix has such a unique underground scene.

Day Four
This would be the goth night. I would take them to Stacys on Melrose for their iconic goth night. The music, the crowd, the energy, the outfits, everything about it is unforgettable. It is one of the most fun nights you can have in Phoenix.

Day Five
Food day. We would go to WTF EXPRESS for something casual, fun and delicious. They have everything, and when I say everything, I mean it!

Day Six
A culture day at the Phoenix Symphony. It is such a beautiful contrast to the nightlife and rave scene. The symphony has a way of resetting your mind and giving you a moment of calm and inspiration.

Day Seven
A slow day to wrap everything up. Maybe a coffee shop, maybe a walk, maybe revisiting a favorite spot from earlier in the week. Just something simple to close out the trip with good conversation and good energy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are several people and communities who deserve recognition in my journey. My family has always been the foundation of my support system. They encouraged my curiosity, my ambition and my drive to keep learning even when my path shifted across different fields. My friends have also played a meaningful role by reminding me to stay grounded and by giving me space to grow into the person I am becoming.
I also want to acknowledge the acting and modelling communities that welcomed me and gave me opportunities to express myself creatively. My activism work is shaped by the people who trusted me with their stories and experiences. They pushed me to use my voice with intention and purpose. Every mentor, colleague and collaborator who offered guidance, shared knowledge or simply believed in me has contributed to where I am today. My journey is not something I built alone, and I am grateful for every person who helped shape it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madammandeville