Lawson began acting at a age of nine. She has been inside television commercials for Barbie and Revlon. She besides has been within many tv program including Buffy the Vampire Slayer where she was orginally given the role of Cordelia, however because of contractual obligations couldn't assume it, Saved by the Bell: The New Class and films such as Save the Last Dance and ''Breakin' all the Rules.

She is dating Ernesto Bautista, a singer signed to Virgin records.

Filmography
Pledge This! (2005)... Monique Breakin' All the Rules (2004)... Helen Sharp Dead & Breakfast (2004)... Kate Bones (2001)... Cynthia Save the Last Dance (2001)... Nikki Big Monster on Campus (2000)... Darien Stompanato Primary Colors (1998)... Loretta

Television
Fearless (2004) - Harmony Kaye The Big House (2004) - Angel The Division (2004) - Marilynn Reiser Haunted (2002) - Brandi Combs For the People (2002) - Asia Portman Strong Medicine (2001) - Esperenza Maldonaldo Feast of All Saints (2001) - Anna Bella Monroe Dawson's Creek (2000) - Nikki Green The Steve Harvey Show (1998) - Rosalind The Temptations(1998) -Diana Ross Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997 - 1998) - Kendra The Parent 'Hood (1997) - Jasmine Smart Guy (1997) & 1999 - Shirley Goode Behavior (1996) - Bianca Goode Sister, Sister (1994-1996) -Rhonda Coley In Da House (1995) - Rachel Me and the Boys (1995) What'z Up? (1994) - Co-host My So-Called Life (1994) - Bathroom Girl number 3 Saved by the Bell:The New Class'' (1993-1994) - Megan Jones