Sammi Haney is an American actress known for playing Esperanza Jimenez on Netflix's Raising Dion. She also voices Piper on Disney Junior's Firebuds and has been nominated for a Children's & Family Emmy for her work as Esperanza. Haney founded DisabilityShirts, an online apparel business focused on disability awareness and acceptance.
Raising Dion
Haney played Esperanza Jimenez, Dion's best friend and classmate, on Netflix's Raising Dion. The character is portrayed as bright, artistic, and protective of Dion, and uses a wheelchair because of brittle bone disease. Haney appeared in 16 episodes of the series from 2019 to 2022.
Her performance as Esperanza earned a nomination for a Children's & Family Emmy in the Outstanding Young Performer category. Raising Dion was produced by Michael B. Jordan.
Firebuds
Haney voices Piper Porter, also known as Piper, on the Disney Junior animated series Firebuds. Her credits include eight episodes released from 2022 to 2025.
The role expanded her work from live-action children's television into voice acting.
DisabilityShirts
Haney started DisabilityShirts, an online t-shirt company offering themed apparel and products for people with disabilities, their parents, and supporters. The business promotes awareness, acceptance, and love for the disability community.
DisabilityShirts launched in late March 2019, following Haney's casting as Esperanza. Haney has osteogenesis imperfecta Type III, also known as brittle bone disease, and the company's work is connected to her public advocacy for disability awareness.
Early acting opportunity
Haney was first discovered after being featured in a New York Times article about Morgan's Wonderland. She recorded her audition tape in her bedroom before receiving a phone call from Netflix about Raising Dion.
Quick facts
- Sammi Haney appeared in 16 episodes of Raising Dion between 2019 and 2022.
- Haney was nominated for a Children's & Family Emmy for Outstanding Young Performer for playing Esperanza in Raising Dion.
- Haney voices Piper Porter on Disney Junior's Firebuds.
- Haney appeared in eight episodes of Firebuds between 2022 and 2025.
- Haney founded DisabilityShirts, an online apparel business promoting awareness and acceptance for people with disabilities.
- DisabilityShirts launched in late March 2019 after Haney landed her role in Raising Dion.
- Haney was discovered after appearing in a New York Times article about Morgan's Wonderland.
- Haney recorded her audition tape for Raising Dion in her bedroom before receiving a call from Netflix.
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