Kirsten Vangsness (born July 7, 1972)[1] is an American actress and writer.

She is best known for her portrayal of FBI Technical Analyst Penelope Garcia on the CBS drama series Criminal Minds.

Vangsness was born in Pasadena, California, daughter of Errol Leroy Vangsness, of Norwegian descent, and wife Barbara Mary (née Marconi), of Italian descent.

Though she has been engaged to both a man and a woman, Vangsness says she doesn't identify as bisexual.

[12][13][14][15] Vangsness serves as a spokesperson, volunteer and advocate for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization that encourages children to fundraise and spread awareness of pediatric cancer by running their own lemonade stands.